With the recent issuing to the developer, Clarence Properties, of a subdivision works certificate, the fate of the Wallum heath and woodland at Torakina Rd, Bayside, Brunswick Heads now hangs precariously in the balance.
Thus far, governments at all levels have failed to intervene to prevent what is, in my opinion, a clearly inappropriate development. Should it be allowed to proceed it will see the destruction of this largely intact ecological site which is home to a myriad of animals and plants. Indeed, some of these species are on the ‘threatened’ list.
It’s up to the human community to take responsibility for our poor planning practices of the past. We need to step up and step in to protect this rare (less than one per cent left in Byron Shire) patch of beauty for the generations to come.
The astounding diversity contained within Wallum ecology provides so many opportunities for learning and enrichment.
Hats off to those dedicated and courageous individuals giving freely of their time and effort, often in uncomfortable conditions at the site, to defend something they know will be bulldozed without their intervention.
Do we really want an exclusive housing estate that benefits only a small number of already well-off people, at the expense of an increasingly rare, beautiful and unique patch of Wallum ecology? No thank you!
Yes, we need more housing stock, particularly of the affordable type, but would it not be common sense to build this on already altered land rather than on precious, intact ecosystems!
If anyone is interested in learning more about the Wallum site or the efforts to save it look at the Save Wallum website or Facebook page.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
