Dear Editor,
WHAT a mad, mad world we live in.
Bushland in Riverslea residential estate allegedly declared a fire hazard by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Where and when will this madness stop? A treeless future? What is the aim?
I recently met a similar response when I asked the shire planning department why Gnarabup residential land owners could clear their blocks of coastal vegetation despite having no intention of building. This clearing of their land in direct contravention of planning rules and regulations.
"He might have thought it was a fire hazard."
Sure. After owning a block for nearly 20 years, suddenly bare land is the requirement. Bare land making way for weeds, grasses and erosion instead of beautiful natural coastal vegetation, the landscape that attracted people there in the first place.
The fires of November 2011 were a result of 'preventative burning' gone well and truly out of control in inappropriate, hot, windy conditions. A greater focus on sensible precautions, putting fires out and getting people out in times of danger, rather than clinging desperately to the failed strategy of 'burning for prevention' is surely the way forward.
It seems the current popular solution is ever so simple, if a 'tad' radical: "chop 'em down, bowl 'em over". Neat as a pin. No fear of fire with elimination as a strategy, only the barren prospect of a treeless future.
How incredibly sad that, not content with knocking down the trees in Helms Forest and Mowen Forest, our ogovernments can't see the value in trees among houses.
- Carole Peters
As Lex Piper, owner of Walsec developments, explains, "even if you leave a tree it could hang over the block next door" (Residents shocked over forest clearing plans, Jan 21). So what?!
The time has come for the state government to stop granting environmental clearances that severely effect the character of regional residential areas. Why not insist developers leave substantial areas of bushland intact? What are we aiming for? A barren landscape with neat little boxes all in a row?
Surely the attraction of Margaret River township is closely aligned with the river and bushland image. How incredibly sad that, not content with knocking down the trees in Helms Forest and Mowen Forest, for the feeble excuse of supporting a dying logging industry – concurrently ignoring the sustainable plantation timber industry – our governments can't see the value in trees among houses: living bushland. We could use those logging industry subsidies for reforestation and forest protection, relocating forestry workers to sustainable industries, rather than supporting destruction.
The air we breathe, the beauty, the shade, a place to walk, a stunning backdrop, defining a home as a place in Margaret River as distinct from a home in a industrial estate. It's time for the state government to see the wood for the trees.
Bravo for the protesters with a vision for a living world.
Carole Peters, Margaret River
What are your thoughts on the Darch Brook development issue? Send the Mail a letter by emailing zannia.yakas@fairfaxmedia.com.au
