18.2 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Concern over the fate of Tyagarah’s koalas

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Other News

Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival

Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival returns to Byron Bay in May, and this year ‘locals favourite’ pub...

Cinema: Wicked Little Letters

Based on a true scandal that stunned 1920s England, Wicked Little Letters centres on neighbours Edith Swan and Rose Gooding in the seaside town of Littlehampton.

Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards

The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Splendour 2024 cancelled

It's official, Splendour in the Grass 2024 has been cancelled.

Richmond MP again called on for immediate Gaza ceasefire 

On Saturday, March 16 Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine unfurled a 20m scroll with the names of murdered children and host a ‘die-in’ action at the office of the federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot (Labor).

Many people may be unaware that during the school holidays the Bluesfest organisation submitted a new DA to Council which applies for permission to massively increase the number and size of festivals to be held at the Tyagarah site.

This proposal raises a number of issues of concern.

Of primary concern is Tyagarah’s important but dwindling koala population. This coastal population has been isolated for many years and has become genetically unique. Unfortunately this has made these koalas even more susceptible to stress than their inland counterparts.

The Bluesfest site is adjacent to important primary koala habitat and wildlife corridors. Already with the existing festivals studies have shown koalas moving away from the area. More traffic, people and noise will have a huge negative impact on this vulnerable population.

For over ten years Council and the federal government have been putting money and resources into bush regeneration and koala tree plantings in the area. More, larger festivals will undermine all this money, time and effort.

If people are concerned about this expansion they should contact Council. Ideally Council should re-open the consultation period and allow ratepayers some proper input into this proposal, which will have a major impact on their lives.

We call on Council to listen to your constituents and put koala protection as your priority.

Lisa Greenhill, Tyagarah

 


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.