Securing Tomaree’s Biodiversity
By Sue Olsson, Vice-president, EcoNetwork and Coordinator, Friends of Tomaree National Park.
There is no doubt that increasing fragmentation of wildlife habitat is a major threat to our biodiversity.
Recently, thirteen environmental community groups, based on the Tomaree Peninsula, came together and submitted a proposal to the NSW State Environment Minister Matthew Kean MP.
This proposal aims to protect the habitat corridor linking Tomaree National Park, Tilligerry Nature Reserve and Mambo Wetlands. It encompasses nearly 500 hectares of unmanaged crown land which could be transferred to the national park estate and guarantee its protection for perpetuity.
Spearheaded by the National Parks Association’s group, Friends of Tomaree National Park, and EcoNetwork’s Koala Koalition, the corridor provides suitable habitat for occupation and transit of numerous vulnerable species including koalas and squirrel gliders as well as a variety of bird and bat species.
Furthermore, the land has potential for enhancement by planting suitable species as well as through natural regeneration. An existing east-west walking track, about 4km in length, provides scenic interest and a focus for birdwatchers through a variety of vegetation communities including wet and dry forest, heathlands and wetlands.
By bridging a missing connection between existing protected areas (NPWS) and Port Stephens Council bushland reserves, this proposal would secure improved habitat connectivity across the Peninsula.
There would be no acquisition of private land required, ensuring only modest implementation costs by the NSW State Government. This is one of the reasons that the alliance of groups is optimistic that such a sensible request will be supported.
Read the proposal sent to Environment Minister Matthew Kean MP.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
Using the information outlined above and extra details in the proposal, we urge you to contact the following:
- Your local State Member of Parliament
- In Port Stephens – Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services, and Shadow Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington MP
- Minister for the Environment, Matthew Kean MP
- Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin MP
Useful links:
