Published on July 04, 2023
The hard work and dedication of the Narrawallee Bushcare Group volunteers is undermined by vandals destroying the foreshore of the Matron Porter Drive Reserve.
In the most recent incident, at least 30 coastal swamp oak trees (Casuarina glauca) were cut down and felled, leaving exposed stumps and dead trees. This vegetation is listed as an ecological community at risk under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW).
dr Council environmental services manager Michael Roberts said this latest incident would have a significant and cumulative impact on the environment.
“Vegetation in foreshore areas protects this and adjacent areas from erosion,” said Dr. Roberts.
“The importance of this vegetation is particularly evident during storm events, which bring increased risk from wind erosion, excessive wave action and increased tidal flooding. The vegetation also provides habitat for many native animal species,” he said.
“This area has been carefully managed and maintained by members of Narrawallee Bushcare – dedicated community volunteers who remove weed species to increase the longevity of native vegetation in the area.”
Members of the Narrawallee Bushcare Group, which has been in existence for more than 25 years, gathered at the site to inspect the destruction.
Paul Hayden, who has been a volunteer for eight years, said the entire group was hurt and disappointed.
“This vandalism is having a far-reaching impact on the foreshore environment and is also of concern to the local community and visitors who come to enjoy this area that we have worked so hard to be beautiful,” said Paul.
Merrion Tom, who joined the group four years ago to learn more about bush care, said the community needed greater awareness of the importance of local vegetation.
“Our work is for everyone – to protect the site for future generations,” Merrion said.
The council’s ranger services are investigating the vandalism and would issue fines or prosecute perpetrators of vegetation vandalism across the region. The council will implement all measures under the vegetation vandalism prevention policy.
The council encourages residents to take an active role in reporting vegetation vandalism to the council.
www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Narrawallee-Inlet-latest-casualty-of-tree-vandalism
