Recently, the “Save the Karaaf Wetland, Torquay” facebook page was launched. The reason is to generate support for this internationally significant saltmarsh which is in danger of being destroyed by the stormwater generated by the development of North Torquay. A report by the highly regarded Australian consultancy Water Technology has confirmed that this unique wetland is now at risk of destruction.
The “Save the Karaaf Wetlands” campaign is now at a critical stage and urgently needs the support. Help us by:
- Signing the petition ( https://libbycoker.com.au/wetlands ) – We have identified a federal funding source for some of the major infrastructure works required to “Save the Karaaf” from the current federal opposition, if they win! We have been assessed against their funding criterion and the Karaaf meets them, but we need to be able to demonstrate community support. The petition can deliver this requirement with the support from all of you
- Supporting the “Save the Karaaf” Facebook page – after three weeks we now have reached over 10,000 people who are concerned about the impact of development on our environment. We need to continue to grow this number and again you can help by sharing this
- The Surf Coast Shire Council is critical to a successful outcome – we need to provide continual pressure on them. A recent example of council action – one of the developer controlled feeder wetlands, the Dunes was cosmetically cleaned up, presumably because council requested it. It’s the one with its picture on the “Save the Karaaf Wetlands” Facebook page with all the plastic bottles covering the outlet. The plastic bottles have now been removed and the sediment pits wall slashed. The sediment pit is still full and the sediment pits outlet to the next pond is still blocked by sediment. This constructed wetland is not functioning, and has not functioned for at least 4 years, but it is now prettier to look at!! The Dunes wetland is a small part of the overall Karaaf Wetland’s problems but the council’s approach to solving them is consistent. Do as little as possible and hopefully the problem will go away. We need to pressure the council by emailing them on their info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au and the “Save the Karaaf” Facebook page will provide plenty of issues to question;
We hope you can help.
HuG 