Scientists are predicting the possible loss of 30% of the planet’s biodiversity through the impacts of climate change within 80 years, less than one human lifespan. To suggest any species is “secure” is stretching credibility, much less one with such a restricted range as B. hapalophylla.
In conclusion it seems that, given the modern genetic testing that is available, perhaps some effort could have been made to determine if those other populations are in fact B. hapalophylla, or possibly even an undescribed species, before proceeding with the delisting.
Unreasonable conduct by anyone is unacceptable. It is also something that, as an environment group, is not at the forefront of the Clarence Environment Centre’s concerns. However, we have experienced behaviour, or more often a complete lack of response, from council staff over the years, that we believe contributes to an escalation of tensions, leading to what could be deemed to be “unreasonable conduct”.
The Clarence Environment Centre has a proud 32-year record of environmental advocacy, with conservation of the natural environment an absolute priority. As such, we view planning as the key to an ecologically sustainable future.
Having been alerted to the above document privately at the last minute, this submission will be far from comprehensive. However, we would like to make the following observations in relation to the salient points of the Draft.
Twelve months on from the delivery of the "Water Quality Crisis” report, another flood, and another announcement from council (5th March 2022), to the effect that: “Our drinking water storages at Shannon Creek Dam and Nymboida River have received a huge amount of dirty water over the past week. The dirty water will affect our water treatment processes and we unfortunately cannot be certain of the water quality”.
As our earlier report explained, supported by evidence, it is soil disturbance through human activity and bad management that contributes to excessive turbidity, not just heavy rainfall.