The Shoalhaven Greens have reached the point of “environmental insanity”, preventing residents from using areas originally set aside for recreation according to Cr Bob Proudfoot.
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He believes it’s time for a clean up, it’s time to mow the overgrown grass in reserves across the Shoalhaven.
“There’s a little fishing spot at Sanctuary Point on the junction of Walmer and Loralyn Street,” he said.
“Kids used to love going there, but the grass has grown so high it’s becoming too dangerous to walk through.
“I heard from a lady now who now owns a block of land in a flame zone, all because they’ve allowed the bush nearby to grow unchecked.
“Now she can’t get a house approved.”
The overgrown area at Palm Beach was a hot topic of discussion at council’s ordinary meeting at St Georges Basin on Tuesday night.
Cr Kaye Gartner mentioned a kingfisher was spotted in a casuarina at Palm Beach on Monday.
“If we’re not prepared to set a bit of space aside, then we’re not going to see these guys flitting around,” she said.
“These beautiful little creatures are irreplaceable.”
Cr Proudfoot then had the gallery in stitches.
“Unfortunately the bird would be the only thing to see kids drowning from its vantage point on the tree,” he said.
“Now I don’t know how good it would be at resuscitation, but I don’t rate its chances.
“We’re not talking about wilderness, we’re talking about residential foreshore.”
Cr Greg Watson defended Cr Proudfoot.
“I don’t think Cr Proudfoot is talking about slash and burn politics,” Cr Watson said.
“He just wants a tidy up.
“I’m a great supporter for little birds and critters but we need to pay attention to Palm Beach.
“It’s one of the decent beaches at St Georges Basin.”
A majority of councillors endorsed the recommendation below.
Community members should be encouraged to actively participate in this new and exciting unlocking of our foreshore areas by:
- Registering in an “online“ format to mow and maintain designated foreshore areas. (to be set up by staff )
- Donation of appropriate outdoor furniture be encouraged through service clubs, community groups and inspired individuals.
- Provide a much greater opportunity for both local residents and visitors to our city, to gain an absolutely stimulating appreciation of the foreshore vistas on offer in the fabulous shoalhaven.
FOR: Crs Proudfoot, Watson, Mitchell Pakes, John Wells, Patricia White, Andrew Guile, Joanna Gash
AGAINST: Crs Nina Cheyne, John Levett, Gartner
ABSENT: Crs Amanda Findley, Annette Alldrick, Mark Kitchener