Stirling Council Elections - Coastal Ward
How should you vote?
The election for City of Stirling Council closes on Oct 19. All electors should by now have received postal voting papers. We asked those running for Coastal Ward, which covers South Trigg Reserve (and all of Bush Forever Site 308 and Bush Forever Site 204) the following questions:
Full text of the replies received is given below, and provides very interesting reading. Please also note that some candidates may believe that a boardwalk can be built without environmental consequences.
Summary Responses:
Full Responses:
Hugo Viviani:
I am pleased to report that I… can guarantee continued opposition to any poorly thought out projects that threaten the coastal reserve. (Full response pending)
Angela Smith:
I am an environmental biologist with experience working for WA CALM (declared rare flora database) and DEC (Native Vegetation Branch) and the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory (Breeding biology of the rare and endangered Gouldian Finch). I also worked for Adelaide University on the rehabilitation of Murray Mallee scrubland, and revegetated a 64 acre property in the Clare Valley - Dennison's Scrub. My Honours thesis was on the rehabilitation of Mineral Sands minesites in the Northern Sandplains - and especially relating to Banksia species. I also worked as a consultant in the rehabilitation of minesites in the WA goldfields.
In recent years I have become increasingly concerned about the wanton destruction of trees and vegetation by the City of Stirling - and especially in the Coastal Ward, with its fragile ecosystems. I do not agree with the City Of Stirling's claim that it is a model council. I believe it is too big and impersonal and bureaucratic - and routinely fails to consider the needs of the community and society in general over and above self-serving developers.
As you would have seen from my flyer, I would advocate for the setting up of a register of heritage vegetation - be that a magnificent tree or a seemingly insignificant scrubby sand dune. I would commit to preserving and protecting existing bushland and our significant 'corridor of green'. I would also lobby for better management of our natural resources, and to redirecting funding to areas of greatest need to the community as a whole (i.e. not necessarily to the most outspoken sporting club or other select lobby group).
Karen Caddy:
The City of Stirling has a responsibility to protect and preserve the Class A Reserve and Bush Forever sites we have within the Coastal Ward…and I am committed to providing this protection.
I grew up in the rainforest and mangrove areas of Far North Queensland. In those areas, elevated wooden platforms and walkways have been used to allow people to view the natural area while leaving it largely undisturbed….and so when I heard about the Trigg boardwalk project, this is what I had in mind. The aluminum and concrete construction that was being proposed is certainly not what I had imagined, and I agree that it does not seem to be in sync with the natural beauty of the area.
I can also appreciate the difficulty in constructing a boardwalk within a mobile dune system without causing damage. I understand that coastal dunes are a fragile ecosystem, and small changes can have significant effects. In Queensland I have seen some of the beach erosion issues that have resulted from unwise coastal development, so I appreciate the need to seek expert advice and perform detailed studies before making changes in these areas.
So, in answer to your questions:
•I am committed to preserving the Class A and Bush Forever Reserves in the Coastal Ward.
•I appreciate the objections you have to the Trigg Boardwalk. I do not support any boardwalk or pathway within that reserve that further fragments the area or has a detrimental environmental impact.
•I support the need to provide council funding to repair fences and paths around the Reserve.
•I am a member of West Coastcare and support the need to fund these programs.
Cipriano Martinez:
Its important in our society to increase opportunities for the community to connect and enjoy our natural environment.
I believe a board walk that is environmentally friendly would assist the community to appreciate our coastal bushland.
Further more I would like to see volunteers posted at each end of the boardwalk to facilitate the education and awareness raising necessary to preserve South Trigg Beach Reserve into the future. My partner and I often walk through the reserve and fully appreciate its high value.
Will you commit to the rejection of any further fragmentation of the South Trigg Beach Reserve by a boardwalk and/or pathway?
Yes I believe in an integrated South Trigg Beach Reserve, your group would be consulted with regard to any purposeful realignment of a pathway.
As per my answer above, I believe an environmentally friendly boardwalk will assist the long term preservation of South Trigg Beach Reserve.
Will you commit to work to preserve the South Trigg Beach Reserve as bushland?
Yes, I very much favour the preservation of our natural bushland.
Will you commit to work to achieve funding to repair fences and paths around the Reserve?
Yes, I favour the Reserve being maintained and enhanced.
Will you commit to preserving all Bush Forever sites in the Coastal Ward?
Bush forever sites are of extreme high value. There is already plenty of developed land that can be improved. Preserving the remaining natural bushland is important.
Will you commit to work to achieve funding for Coastcare programs?
Yes, I would be happy to assist friends of the Reserve with their endeavours to achieve funding to maintain and enhance the Reserve including Coastcare programs.
Vince Connolly: (Received by email 8 Oct 13):
Thanks for your time on the phone today. Sorry for the delay in getting back to your email below, but as I mentioned I wanted to talk with you in person as well.
As we discussed, I’m a very strong supporter of our natural environment. Just on the weekend I was out there on the Trigg Heritage Trail with my wife and kids enjoying the quandongs!
Having spent a lot of time in the bush myself, I want to see my kids able to enjoy our environment locally into the future.
Also influenced by being a parent, I’m eager that we improve the safety situation relating to the pathway between Scarborough and Trigg alongside West Coast Highway.
Although I’ve undertaken some research, I don’t feel I’ve considered enough of the research you guys have gathered as well as Council’s planning regarding the boardwalk option.
What I can say is that any future votes I take as a Councillor (if elected) will be weighted by a strong commitment to our environment.
I hope to have the opportunity to speak with you again soon.
Kind regards, Vince Connelly
* * * * *
Return to Main Page
For more information contact the Stop the Boardwalk Action Group at stoptheboardwalk@gmail.com