An excellent opportunity to undo the errors of the past presents itself at St Georges Basin with the rehabilitation of the Pat's Bay wetland.
This small bay was one of the gems of St Georges Basin. Shallow and sheltered, it was once fringed with protecting mangroves and sheoaks, with dense sea grasses providing shelter for small fish. Sadly, during the past 30 years, it has suffered successive unthinking abuses.
Illegal dredging for a small boat harbour, and Council-authorised dredging for a 10 lot canal estate, along with uncontrolled foreshore access has resulted in considerable damage. In some places, dredged acid soil has been tossed onto the foreshores resulting in 'scald' and little regeneration. This lack of vegetation on 'scalded' areas has in turn resulted in increased runoff into the waterways and increased erosion from natural waterway processes which are exacerbated by boat wash.
A recent proposal from a recreational fishing club for use of the illegally built small 'boat harbour' has prompted an outcry from local residents and led to a Draft Land Assessment by the Department of Land and Water Conservation. (Because the fishing club application involves a Permissive Occupancy over crown land, a Land Assessment was necessary under the Crown Lands Act).
This Draft Land Assessment which is on display till 24th November 1997, makes some sensible recommendations including: notification of the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning who administer the State's SEPP No. 14 ('designated wetland' policy) that the wetland boundaries at Pats Bay are inaccurate and require amendment' notification of Shoalhaven City Council that the current zoning of Open Space (Existing Recreation) is inappropriate and inadequate to protect the wetlands
that the application for the Permissive Occupancy be refused,
that the Department of Land and Water Conservation reclassify the land as a Reserve for Public Recreation and Environmental Protection as being more appropriate to recognise the significance of the wetlands of Pats Bay and allow passive forms of recreation that do not detract from the wetland values
that a Plan of Management is essential,
that the Management Plan address the issue of possible rehabilitation of the scalded areas and the illegally dredged 'boat harbour'
that funding is available through the State Government's Estuary Management Program
that local residents could form a community group and seek funding under Government funding programs made available for wetland rehabilitation.
It is imperative that these opportunities to halt the damage and rehabilitate abused areas be grasped. The first step is to respond positively to the Draft Crown Land Assessment with submissions to the DLAWD, PO Box 309, Nowra 2541 by 24 November 1997.
- May Leatch, Nowra.