Heartfelt thanks to the Save Wallum community for the outstanding efforts to protect the precious Brunswick environment, it was incredible to watch the Federal Court case live.
In his closing statement, barrister Jonathan Korman presented the significance of the site and the dire impacts development pose for the critically endangered and vulnerable species. He described the concept of urbanisation versus ecology, highlighting that destruction is permanent and removes the potential for biodiversity recovery from the threat of extinction.
The evidence of local experts, David Milledge and David Newell, was critical in identifying flaws in the ecological assessments. Current legislation that allows zombie approvals to proceed without consideration of contemporary and comprehensive ecological values and threat assessments is so obviously wrong.
Justice Perry made insightful comments and in her closing statement, acknowledged the enormous efforts. The dynamic duo, Luciana and Svea have worked tirelessly on the legal case to ensure this development finally received comprehensive scrutiny, and so many community members contributed to the sustained challenge.
I hope this case encourages Byron Shire Council to focus on Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) matters, they aren’t required to, but they should.
This is more evidence of this community’s commitment to protect this biodiversity hotspot, it takes enormous commitment, energy, time and funding, so please go to Save Wallum website to donate.
Yes what an amazing feat by Svea and Luciana and the whole Wallum team. I felt it was the best legal briefing after each day which has been so inclusive and demonstrates some ludicrous claims made by Clarence properties and highlighted some criminal conduct by Clarence properties as well I believe. Looking forward to reading the judgement on the public domain.
Maybe Jan, Gail, Svea, Luciana and the rest of the “self appointed environmentalists” protesting the development in Brunswick Heads, could inform us mere mortals just where the much needed housing in our area can actually be built???????????
now that Wallum will be saved, lets give this land back to the indigenous land owners, one property at a time, the entire country should be returned to them eventually.