A 6,200 square metre parcel of land will be added to Brisbane Water National Park at Kariong protecting important cultural sites and expanding habitat for a number of threatened native species.
Long-time campaigner for the protection of sensitive land at Bambara Rd, Kariong, Jake Cassar, said when he heard the news, he literally screamed with joy. “While there are still fi ve lots left to be protected as promised by the Liberal Government before the last State election, this is a very positive step forward and something that should certainly be celebrated,” said Mr Cassar. “The purchase of this block is also an incredible relief to me and many others as this was the block that was subjected to illegal under scrubbing, the removal of 22 trees, the ring barking of others and the desecration of an Aboriginal site “It was the vandalism of this site that led to our community group setting up a peaceful protest camp ‘Camp Bambara’ on Woy Woy Rd for over 80 days during the last State election,” said Mr Cassar. Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein said the community has led a strong campaign to see the land become part of the national park to ensure it is protected for future generations. “This new addition is culturally very important as it protects a signifi cant Aboriginal site on the Woy Woy Rd ridgeline and in the Kariong area,” Mr Holstein said. “The land also has high conservation value and adds to the existing habitat for threatened species such as the red-crowned toadlet, giant burrowing frog, powerful owl and eastern chestnut mouse. “This acquisition is one of several lots that have been earmarked as potentially valuable additions to the Park,” said Mr Holstein. Mr Cassar said: “This is a win for every person, past and present, who has ever supported this important local cause.” “In saying that, to rest on this win would be foolish, as there is still a huge area of land at Bambara that has no offi cial protection. “While I also acknowledge the work of Gosford City Council and the State Government in bringing the two lots into the National Park, I feel it’s extremely important that the remaining lots are secured before the March 2015 State election. “Based on my experiences over the past seven years of fi ghting to protect Bambara, I fear that if we cannot get the Government to purchase the remaining lots soon, that our next shot will most likely be the 2019 State election. “While it’s an absolute honour to be involved in fi ghting to protect this ecologically and culturally rich and sensitive place, organising peaceful rallies, awareness raising concerts, attending regular meetings and continuing with respectful but relentless lobbying, it has come at a huge personal cost. “It’s been years since the promise was made to protect Bambara and the Government has the full power to fi nally bring an end to our community’s struggle to have this very special place offi cially protected. “I have strong hopes that the community will keep respectfully pushing our state member, Mr Chris Holstein, to ensure that the promise to secure Bambara’s future is honoured before the upcoming state election,” said Mr Cassar.
Media release, 1 Dec 2014
Chris Holstein,
Member for Gosford
Media release,
26 Nov 2014
Jake Cassar,
West Gosford