environment

Changes to Tree Preservation Orders Update

Mid Coast Environmental Group have put together a document which outlines key factors Council should consider in developing an environmental policy particularly in reference to the rescinding of Tree Preservation Orders.At the meeting of MidCoast Council on 6th February 2019, and has presended a petition asking Council to commit to undertaking genuine community consultation regarding tree and native vegetation protection, before amending the current Development Control Plan (DCP).

The recent letter I received from the DPI did not address all the concerns regarding the changes to Logging Laws.

Logging law changes in NSW will lead to increased harvesting including old growth trees, and bigger areas of clearing. The DPI proposes to use residue timber for fuelling power stations including one at Buladelah.

The ABC investigation provides a thorough unpacking of the impact of the new laws.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-20/why-burning-trees-for-electricity-may-not-be-good-choice/10488230

There is still time for us to lodge objections to local members and the Minister for Primary Industries.

Support for the listing of Port Stephens area as a World Heritage Site is receiving interesting feedback.

Meetings are to be scheduled by the Marine Parks Association for Tea Gardens, Karuah and Foster soon.

Should NAC host a meeting as well? The Marine Parks Association are looking for members. This association can help us provide education and information programs for residents about our marine environment.

What is so special about this area?
If this bid is successful, it will be the only designated
World Heritage estuary and...

Mid Coast Council have voted to rescind tree protection orders at the September meeting 2018.

Consultations have not been declared as yet and the current tree protection orders are still in place. See the notice on Mid Coast Council website. Community's Chance to Comment.

Meanwhile the preservation orders are still in place and residents should make sure that they are clear about restrictions. See Tree Removal and Preservation.

Note that the following trees are preserved and that deal trees also need approval for removal.

Trees which are protected by Tree...

Last autumn most of the derelict posts on OL86/140 were removed. Last week the oyster farmer returned and installed a line of floating cages perpendicular to the shore on the southern part of the lease.

Tony H was out in his tinny and spoke to the oyster farmer. He was told that the oyster farmer intends to start using the lease and that the floating cages will look better than the previous derelict posts. What was not mentioned is that the cages float and that they will be visible all the time, not just on low tide.

At...