“It is disappointing that some volunteers are sharing misinformation on the implementation of this unique and significant open-space project,” he said.
But last Tuesday, the mayor voted against awarding Entracon Civil a contract to start the wetland works. He said that “the tactics of some people” caused too much risk.
“I’m just not comfortable at this stage awarding a contract for over $4 million for a project that there is so much tension still about in the community.”
Macnamara MP Josh Burns and outgoing Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel previously mediated disputes between YWNA and the council over how to construct the nature reserve, which gained support in 2016 after an environmentalist push.
On February 27, Burns travelled to the site near the Glen Huntly Road and Nepean Highway intersection after furious bayside locals blocked an excavator from removing pond rocks.
Environmentalists feared the move could kill endangered growling grass frogs. Council said the rocks were put there without permission, possibly bringing contaminants to the reserve.
Fitzpatrick, an ecologist who became YWNA president last year, said the council’s concerns were overblown. He said the rock was brought in because everyone agreed it was needed for the frogs’ habitat and the council hadn’t moved to do so themselves.
Burns said the council’s early morning rock removal was “ham-fisted”. All rocks were eventually put back after being treated.
“I think a little trust has been burnt. But we were able to solve problems last time, and I’m hopeful that there are pathways forward,” he said.
“It can be quite charged. But that’s also because so many community people actually put so much into this reserve. They love it. It’s so beautiful down there.”
Another conflict occurred in January, when Bayside Council planned to remove logs from the reserve, only for YWNA volunteers to protest as they believed that could destroy animal habitat.
Several tethered themselves to the lumber with padlocks and chains. They chanted: “Don’t flog out logs.”
The council, however, said the logs were discovered “in an unsuitable location”.
“Due to the sensitive habitat within the reserve, Council does not permit community members to introduce any materials into the reserve without prior agreement,” a spokesman said.
Some members of the Yalukit Willam Nature Association protested Bayside Council’s plans to remove logs in the nature reserve on January 13.Credit: Yalukit Willam Nature Association/Facebook
Fitzpatrick said authorities had failed to add enough log habitat themselves, “so the community have been trying to fill that gap”.
Bayside Council eventually voted last Tuesday to sign a contract and proceed with the main wetland section of the reserve.
Councillor Andrew Hockley said he met with some YWNA members – alongside Councillor Kylie McIntosh, Councillor Elli Murray and project managers – and was hopeful they understood the wetland liner “was the optimal thing to do”.
The plan for the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve.Credit: Bayside City Council
Helen Halliday, one of the YWNA’s 300-odd members, opposes the president’s stance on the liner.
“Quite frankly, I think it’s unbelievable that we should stumble on this final part of a long project worth millions,” she said.
At their last meeting, several councillors also worried funding would dry up if there were more delays.
Councillor Geoff Leigh warned he’d move a motion to cease funding – once a $5.5 million federal grant was used up – if environmentalists “hold us hostage in some form”.
“I don’t make threats, I make commitments,” he said.
The mayor was more diplomatic, and officers pledged to keep meeting regularly with YWNA.
“I acknowledge the work of the volunteers,” El Mouallem said in a statement. “However, council is ultimately responsible for the management of the reserve.”
Fitzpatrick said council displayed “an unfortunate unwillingness” to listen to YWNA. He said the constant conflict was “a bit disheartening” as everyone had the same goal.
“It is very frustrating. But the results on the ground still reflect, overall, a very successful project,” he said. “It’s just that it shouldn’t be as hard as this.”
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Read the full article here
