The year in review
MMEA played a significant role in the successful campaign to prevent the unsustainable and destructive Development Application for the North Manyana Estate (previously Kylor). Many people made submissions objecting to this DA on sound environmental and sustainability grounds to which Council asked the developer to respond. The developer took Council to the Land & Environment Court citing a deemed refusal. While they eventually withdrew their action and Council formally rejected the DA, we believe that the developer will renew their efforts.
We continue to monitor and lobby all levels of government in our campaign to save the Manyana Special Conservation Reserve. Nothing has moved on this matter as the developer is yet to respond to your submissions from 2 years ago. Unfortunately, under the EPBC Act there is no timeline requirement, so the developer is under no pressure to move the process forward. Eventually, the decision will reside with whoever is the Federal Minister for the Environment at the time.
We tangibly supported our sister organisation, Callala Matters Inc. (previously Callala Environmental Alliance) in their work to protect the native forest in Callala, where they have demonstrated thriving populations of endangered Greater and Yellow-Bellied Gliders. With the guidance of the Environmental Defenders Office, we requested the Federal Minister for the Environment to review the previous Minister’s approval under the EPBC Act. This review is underway. And recently, Shoalhaven City Council voted to withdraw Council’s application for a Biodiversity Offset Certificate for the site. The prospect of saving these endangered populations is real and imminent and we are extremely proud of the role we have played.
Manyana Matters contributed to the parliamentary report, “Concreting Our Coast”, prepared by Cate Faehrmann’s office and presented to the NSW Legislative Council. This includes our villages in the state-wide campaign to overturn the current Zombie DA legislation. That group is now working on a petition to parliament, which we’ll circulate when at hand.
MMEA hosted Birdlife Shoalhaven’s talk at Yulunga Hall giving feedback from their 3-year citizen science study into bird recovery after the bushfires. Interesting stuff so keep an eye out for the written study to be published soon.
A very enjoyable night was held at the hall in January, launching Tanya Excell’s “Birds of the Redhead Villages” book, which continues to sell well. All proceeds from the book go to MMEA’s work. Many thanks to Tanya for putting it together and funding the first print and also to Lesley and Tim Dunn who generously paid for a reprint.
We assisted in the organisation of Surfer’s for Climate Change movie night held at the oval. This saw a great turnout to watch 3 fascinating films and listen to a thought-provoking panel discussion. We also endorsed several Shoalhaven Council Arts grants applications that ultimately received funding.
Manyana Matters maintains a strong media presence and we seize opportunities to speak up for the environment, both locally and globally. MMEA has managed to achieve a highly regarded profile and reputation thanks to our diligence, respectful conduct and staying true to our objectives. We often have contact with other local environmental groups and enjoy sharing and exchanging knowledge.
Recently the EDO featured our story and treasurer, Colin Beszant in a fundraising drive. We were flattered to be asked and Col represented our organisation beautifully.
