An environment presentation hosted by Coast4One Community on April 27 was a huge success, with 16 speakers from diverse environmental groups around the region addressing dozens of concerned residents.
Nina Angelo spoke of the Late Aunty Beve’s visions for the Central Coast and Darkinoong and Yuin woman Colleen Fuller outlined her involvement in the Coast Environment Alliance and the actions it has taken to save Bambara and Kariong.
She also spoke of her involvement on the Central Coast Council Aboriginal Advisory Committee and standing as an Independent at the last elections.
Dr Michael Feneley spoke on why NSW was the worst place for offshore wind projects, Jacquelene Pearson spoke about the work of the Community Environment Network, and Lyndall Parris spoke on the history of Narara Eco Village and how it evolved to where it is today.
John Seed gave a brief overview of the many different campaigns he has been involved in and Corinne and Mark Lamont from Wamberal Save Our Sand discussed the campaign against a seawall.
Ursula Da Silva spoke on the recent destruction of sections in the Ourimbah State Forest and Save Kariong Sacred Lands was represented by Lisa Bellamy who discussed the planned proposal by Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council to rezone E2/C2 environmentally protected land into R2 zoning for housing.
Kate Da Costa from Central Coast Greens spoke about the party’s policies around the environment on the Central Coast and Michael Stevenson from One Nation also adressed the audience.
Central Coast Council Section Manager: Natural Assets and Biodiversity Larry Melican spoke about the Council’s programs and encouraged residents to join the Volunteer Environment Program.
Kate Mason from Community Voice Australia discussed Eco System Services and Vicki Burke finished by sharing information she had received from GIPA Act requests regarding the Memorandum of Understandings between Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and Central Coast Council, Department of Planning and Lendlease.
Most of the presentations will be available in video form on Facebook in coming weeks.
“Overall, we realised now is the time to stand up and take action,” a spokesperson said.
“It was suggested people start researching new legislation for rapid changes and follow Council elections to note who is taking care of our local environment, especially (the Kariong development), which is a ‘test case’ for future developments.
“It was also stated we need to unite now and realise future, fast-tracked plans for the Central Coast are going to impact us all.
“We need to have our say now or expect to lose a great deal of our beauty; this is time critical.”
Maybe the Government and local Council will start listening to these groups voiced as they join forces to Protect the Enviroment of the Central Coast.