Letters To The Editor - July 5, 2018

Yellow gums unique to area

Dear Editor,

The Shire’s response to Spring Creek’s Bellarine yellow gums in last week’s Surf Coast Times (“Shire moves to clarify yellow gum concerns”, June 28) reflects the confusion in our community about what the shire stands for anymore.

To be clear, more than 90 per cent of Bellarine yellow gum’s former geographic range is gone; converted for farming and urban development.

It is unique to this area, hence its common name. It was only formally described in the late 1990s but continues to lose ground as urban development claims more of its former territory; the proposed Spring Creek development being a great example.

The 2017 state government regulations on native vegetation were introduced to supersede the 2013 regulations precisely because native vegetation and nature in general are disappearing at ever-more alarming rates across the state. This community clearly wants to support the state government’s initiative; indeed, we’ve been fighting to save Spring Creek since 2007.

What a travesty then that our shire supports expediting proceedings to beat the December 12, 2018 deadline that demands all new developments follow the 2017 regulations.

Clearly, Shire’s haste favours developers over and above its community and environment.

For more information see GT (Greater Torquay) Alliance “Line in the Sand”, Facebook page. Join us.

Graeme Stockton
Torquay

Offsets equal net loss

Dear Editor,

It is extremely concerning that during the current discussion about the future of the Bellarine yellow gum population in Spring Creek Valley, there has been casual mention of “offsets”.

The offset system is ultimately intended to facilitate the clearing of indigenous vegetation to allow developments to proceed, at the expense of biodiversity and ecological sustainability.

Under no circumstances should any of the Spring Creek valley yellow gums be destroyed as this will reduce the viability of all others in the valley due to a reduction in the Yellow Gum population size and habitat hectares, and a reduction in ecosystem services.

The offset system does not protect overall biodiversity values. It is well recognised that remnant vegetation, once cleared, can never be replaced.

Once remnant vegetation is removed, the ecosystem processes collapses and the ecosystem services are gone.

Any reduction in the yellow gum population size will increase the risk of loss of genetic diversity in the population, resulting in a subsequent reduction in population size, further threatening their survival. This process is known as the extinction vortex.

Unfortunately, the Surf Coast Shire Native Vegetation Precinct Plan and Native Vegetation Offsets Policy allow for offsets as compensation for native vegetation clearance, and will result in the destruction of nearly 100 yellow gums.

This plan is an ecological disaster and must be immediately overhauled to fully protect all of the yellow gums, and other endangered species in the Spring Creek valley. Victoria’s system of offsets, rather than protecting biodiversity, facilitates overall biodiversity loss.

Stephen Chenery
Torquay

Bell needs to stand up or stepdown

Dear Editor,

David Bell was elected to council solely due to his opposition to development in Spring Creek.

It comes as a shock to find him siding with developers on the issue of the setbacks needed (Bellarine yellow gums) to properly protect the very environment he apparently loves so much.

It is very clear, David, that the 2013 setbacks are not going to protect these trees properly (the science clearly reflects this fact) and the fact that you are knowingly putting them at risk leaves me questioning whether you have lost sight of why our community voted you in.

We do not care if developers have to go back to square one and start again. We care about protecting what we love and this amazingly beautiful place we have all chosen to live in. The values that our community have repeatedly asked you to reflect are clear, unambiguous and tightly held.

Stand up or stepdown Mr Mayor.

You either reflect our values or you don’t. The Greater Torquay Alliance and its affiliates will not idly stand by and watch this town be destroyed by over development and you can all be on notice regarding our passion and determination to restore what should be a balanced perspective on growth in this region. You more than anyone else should be supporting our position.

Rodney Foord
Greater Torquay Alliance member

Angry dogs rule the beaches

Dear Editor,

After being confronted with angry dogs on the local beaches (three times in one week with my pregnant daughter accompanying me) and once on a sealed walking track; I believe this is a real issue in Torquay.

These confrontations would be defined as dog attacks as owners just got them back and had to leash them.

The signs mean nothing except dogs rule the complete beach areas and walkers can take the gauntlet if they choose.

Please warn others of this real and immediate danger before a tragedy occurs.

Concerned local resident
Name and address supplied

Wildlife needs more protection

Dear Editor,

I recently planted some seeds in my vegetable garden. Nothing special about that! What was special was the group of eight Superb Fairy Wrens that joined me as I worked.

Unfortunately, these and other birds and small wildlife are very vulnerable when it comes to attacks from domestic cats.

The state legislation, which should provide some protection, the Domestic Animals Act 1994, is grossly inadequate.

This 24-year-old law is in urgent need of review so that our precious wildlife gets some protection.

Doug Webb
Bellbrae

Escape the cold with a riddle

Dear Editor,

If you want to escape the cold winter temperatures just go down to the corner where it’s 90 degrees.

Kanga King
Anglesea

Centenary of the Battle of Hamel

Dear Editor,

On July 4, we commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Hamel, one of the most significant Australian actions of World War I. Hamel was Lieutenant General John Monash’s first battle as commander of the Australian Corps and it was the first occasion United States and Australian soldiers fought alongside one another.

Drawing on more than three years’ experience in wartime command, and the lessons of past successful actions by both sides, Monash devised a combined arms assault using artillery, tanks, aircraft and infantry.

The attack was planned in exhaustive detail, and the preparations were kept from an unsuspecting enemy. Hamel was a stunning success—the battle was over in 93 minutes and all along the line the Australians and Americans had seized their objectives.

General Monash was hailed for his success and congratulations flowed in from all quarters and his reputation as one of the Allies’ finest generals grew.

We remember Hamel today for the importance of the victory there, for the part it played in elevating General Sir John Monash’s military career and for cementing the significant contribution made by the Australians on the Western Front. Lest we forget.

Darren Chester
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs