Foreshore properties not worth a postage stamp
I am so grateful for the publication of the letter "Live with nature, don't fight it" from Margaret Lund.
So true, so true!
This intelligent and informed lady has expressed clearly and succinctly the truth of just how it really is in the natural environment, past, present, and future.
In the past, though, this Gondwanaland was cared for by our special traditional custodians, who respected the land, and lived and traveled in harmony with that which supported them.
The land was not for taking or dominating.
No doubt Margaret Lund's letter has gone completely over the heads of those who are responsible for "planning" in council and those who think that the rising seas will not happen to them.
But yes, those "glorious homes" along the Esplanade certainly do not have 19 metres to lose, before they can delight in the joy of dolphins frolicking in their drawing room!
As real estate, these properties are already not worth a postage stamp.
How very ignorant, and greedy, of council to approve buildings on prime dunes in the first place.
Hard engineering and more "viewing platforms" are not the answer.
As the houses go under, there will be little sympathy.
They have had their time, and their view.
Now it's time to pay the piper for the environmental damage.
Viewing platforms occupy space which is better for riparian vegetation desperately needed to stabilise the very little of the prime dune that is left, with that large construction lump, also interfering with wind and airflows, to impact negativity on the visible tail of the prime dune system, as the rest under this club building.
Cutting and poisoning native riparian vegetation for views, simply hasten the predicted inundations.
Poisoned trees are dead obvious.
Standing in front of damaged/poisoned riparian vegetation and looking back at the built environment it is easy to pick the residence of the miscreant.
The wheel is just starting to turn full circle!
Zoe Russell,
Umina