Your NPA

The Far North Coast Branch of NPA is small but has plenty on its environmental plate.
NEIL DENISON* writes…

Arakawal
Photo: courtesy NPWS

The Far North Coast Branch of NPA is small and as
a collective is not very active, although individual members are involved in environmental issues — the matters of major concern relate to landclearing and coastal development.

Native forests are being destroyed in the Mt Pikapene area presumably to make way for agroforestry. Cane farmers are attempting to clear more land to expand their heavily subsidised industry and State Forests are stubbornly hanging on to old growth forests which should be handed over to the NPWS.

Two forests in particular in this area, Wollumbin and Whian Whian, which are adjacent to and contain more biodiversity than surrounding national parks, should have been taken over by NPWS years ago. Why they were not gazetted in 1999 along with other reserves is a mystery, and a mistake which environmental groups including NPA have been, so far, unsuccessful in rectifying.

Coastal development is racing along at breakneck speed within the Tweed Shire. A drive along the coast road south of Kingscliff reveals the massive subdivision – Casuarina – while further south the Ballina Shire has given permission for a beachfront house (which should have been removed) to be replaced by a 12-bedroom house.

On the plus side, Arakawal NP has recently been gazetted after seven years of negotiation and coastal native reserves such as those at South Ballina and Black Rocks, close to Pottsville, have been established. Negotiations are also being made to declare coastal beachfront and adjacent heathland in Ballina as an addition to the NPWS Estate.

A proposed multi-use marine park in the Byron Bay area will hopefully be finalised soon whilst submissions have been forwarded to the Marine Parks Authority in an effort to provide an inproved habit protection for marine creatures at Solitary Island Marine Park. Submissions have also been forwarded to NPWS relating to the draft Plans of Management for Tweed Caldera and Northern Richmond Range NPs as well as a number of nature reserves in the region.

Neil Denison
is Secretary of NPA's Far North Coast Branch

It is with great regret that we record the death of long- term Hunter Branch member, Bob Jackson.

Bob was an active member and supporter of Hunter Branch for over 20 years. He served on the Branch Committee for 10 years, including five years as Branch Secretary.

Bob was a committed conservationist with a well-considered and conscientious approach. Bob thought deeply and was well informed about many subjects and was stimulating company at meetings and around the camp fire. Bob’s enthusiasm for nature conservation, support for Hunter Branch and friendship will be greatly missed.

The Branch Committee records its appreciation of the considerable contribution made to Branch activities by Bob over many years and extends its sympathy to Bob’s family.

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!

What is your favourite walking track or site in a NSW national park and why?
Alpsport at West Ryde, specialising in walking and camping equipment for all conditions, have donated a pair of Scarpa Trek Boots (valued at $279 and in your size of course!) for the entry with the most entertaining description — in 75 words or less — of a favourite walking track or site in any NSW national park. Mail your entries to: Boots for Walking, NP Journal, PO Box A96, Sydney South NSW 1235
or email your entry to: editor@npansw.org.au
Open to NPA members only. Entries close Friday 28 June 2002. Winner and best three entries published in August Journal.

Blue Hills
Reflections on NSW national parks movement in the early years

Myfwany Thompson, an historian and member of NPA, has completed an oral history project on the earlier days of national parks enthusiasts, many of whom are (or were) NPA members or are known well to the NPA. It's a good read...

Readers may view Blue Hills in the NPA Library or contact Myfwany by email at : Myf.Thompson@nature.net.au

From the Author

The value of oral history lies not in giving credibility to a specific event, but in integrating the personal, human experience into larger events, in this case the environmental movement. It reveals the emotions and values that shaped the past, and therefore the present. Transcribed for easy reference, Master interview tapes are archived, preserving the unique personality of the storyteller.

The spoken word is a powerful medium to present living history. Why not start recording in your own Branch to conserve the first hand knowledge and expertise of our members?

Myfwany Thompson
is an historian and member of NPA