Rare birds look for retirement living

For at least 20 years a family of bush stone-curlews have lived part time on St Huberts Island and nest in a secluded area carefully looked after by caring residents.

The birds have friends on Rileys Island, and visit there from time to time.

The birds' interest in the otherwise abandoned land and the possible retirement village was sparked by a recent earth-shattering decision by the bureaucratic powerhouse of Gosford Council.

Following I guess, many inter-department meetings, workshops, consultations and with some flimsy advice from the Rural Fire Service, the Council department successfully avoided any community discussion, before declaring the north shore of St Huberts bushfire-prone.

Yes the mangroves may burst into flames.

The residents are mystified, as are the birds, and both are now looking at possible retirement living in a safe haven.

In the meantime, wait for the next exercise by the decision-makers to raise funds in order to balance their budget.

The Rural Fire Service criteria was ignored in reaching the secret decision.

Why not tell the birds?

Bugger the residents.

Don't visit the ratepayer to gather accurate information, simply plonk the decision on them.

The homes involved will be up for higher insurance, and additional expense for any building or alterations undertaken.

Robert Fahey St Huberts Island