Anne Martin, Newrybar
Late last week I witnessed a chainsaw being used by a person up a ladder to cut down a large casuarina tree in the sand dunes at Suffolk Park. It had also been used to remove numerous pandanus trees.
Upon inspection I noticed a viewing platform with now cleared views of the sea and a cleared path leading directly to a house. This is not the only clearing that has been done along this stretch of dunes. Two houses further along are now visible where previously they could not be seen. This is setting a precedent, especially to the new residents in the area.
Alcorn Street is very valuable real estate and I imagine that direct access to the beach and a viewing platform with wonderful views would certainly enhance the price even further.
These dunes are cared for by a group of volunteers that do an amazing job. It is a shame that some residents feel they are entitled to destroy this rare habitat for their own benefit.
