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.
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. 
