Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation
Lot 66 Buy Back
There is community interest for a buy back of lot 66 (Garrett’s corridor) and C4 members will be asked to endorse this at the meeting on December 4th. This is a very positive move and has support from CCRC, Terrain Natural Resource Management, Rainforest Rescue, a community fundraiser and CAFNEC. This is very exciting and with community support it can be achieved. A flyer on lot 66 is available for download at the bottom of this page.
Our Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation now desperately needs your help to make the buyback of Lot 66 a reality.
We request that the proposed subdivision on Lot 66 SP 164474 be bought back so that the land can be restored and protected. It forms a significant part of the coast to hinterland corridor connecting the World Heritage Wet Tropics to the critically endangered littoralrainforest and World Heritage Great Barrier Reef.
A buy-back of this land is essential, as further development on this site would have unacceptable impacts on the Mission Beach population of the Endangered Southern Cassowary (and possibly other fauna and flora). The short field study done for the PER shows the considerable value of the corridor for cassowaries. Many residents close to Lot 66 regularly see and recognize individual breeding adults and juveniles. Records held by the Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation (C4) show regular sightings along Cassowary Drive, as these birds cross the road to the food sources available within the rainforest area to the east.
The Main Roads Department recognises the importance of the corridor by recently reducing the speed limit and installing a specific cassowary crossing zone.
The Mission Beach Habitat Network Action Plan (as of July 2010) outlines its strategy for habitat protection and restoration, with three of its main targets being:
• The extent, condition, connectivity and resilience of habitat are increased at Mission Beach.
• Native animals can move between habitat areas through native vegetation along corridors and creeks.
• Cassowaries are thriving in native habitat at Mission Beach.
When it comes to the environment, Mission Beach has taken a battering during this latest development boom. With all the legislation, codes, policies and regulations, on all levels of government, 40% of cassowary habitat is still not protected at Mission Beach. Lot 66 is a prime example and represents a very important part of that. Some of those policies need to be changed.
Something can be done!!
The Community voice is heard above all others. The Mayor has put his voice toward buyback, so have other Councillors, community groups and many community members.
Pledge Support
If Lot 66 was purchased through a community– supported buy-back project, the Garrett Corridor would remain intact. Buy-back would allow the site to be restored and maintained in the best condition possible.
Donate
C4’s Land Gift Fund has over $80,000. It may not seem like much, but if we ask all levels of government to match our dollar two to one we would be well on the way.
Write a letter
The current development is still being assessed by the Federal Environment Agency. You could write a response during the comment period open till 10 December or write directly to Minister Burke asking for buyback for Lot 66.
We can help
C4 can help you with a pro forma letter or dot points to guide you. Call in to the Centre or look out for flyers at participating shops and businesses.
For more information on ways you can help protect this important habitat corridor for the future generations of the Mission Beach Community please;
Visit C4 (next to the Visitor Centre Porter Promenade)
Call (07) 4068 7197 or Email
Download the Lot 66 Buy Back Flyer by clicking on the image below.
