Several of Mt Rogers'
volunteer landcarers, with Landcare Group Convenor Rosemary Blemings, wrote to ACT
Government Ministers Simon Corbell (Environment) and Shane Rattenbury (Territory
& Municipal Services) in early April, regarding grading of tracks near the summit
of Mt Rogers which had created erosion hazards and was not in accordance with the
government's own ecological guidelines.
Here is a short extract
from the letter, which is long and detailed, with quotes from the relevant
government guidelines and operational plan, and photographs showing the results
of the grading.
The group seeks assurance
from the Ministers…
"Primarily
— that no more work of this type will be undertaken, i.e. work that is unwarranted
and not in compliance with your Government’s own ecological guidelines.
Additionally
— We would be further interested to know how this work came to be approved and funded
given it does not comply with the operations plan nor the guidelines.
The cost
of this work was obviously substantial — nevertheless we would like to know what
reparations are planned in order to make the work compliant with your ecological
guidelines.
Indeed it
is a matter of much more general import to ensure that your own ecological guidelines
are not only followed, but also where, due to operational error, they are not complied
with, that effective restoration and reparation is actioned.
Finally,
the fact that the Bush Fire Operations Plan is purported to be a tool with which
to keep the community informed of works planned, yet clearly does no such thing,
is a concern for us as volunteer land-carers, as it must be for all volunteers involved
in land management of reserves that are impacted by that plan."
Should you wish to read the letter sent by Mt Rogers Landcare
Group to the ministers please contact
Rosemary.
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