Fight for our bio-diversity before it is gone forever

Many bush carers on the Central Coast will be dismayed to hear that we no longer have Deb Holloman, our vibrant bush-care leader.

Due to cost cutting at the NSW National Parks, a number of experienced officers have lost their jobs.

Deb's expertise and enthusiasm has imbued countless people in this area to work as volunteers for many hours, because they have learned to appreciate the unique bio-diversity still here in Australia, but unfortunately under great threat.

In addition, we learn that just before Christmas a new toothless, draft plan was quietly issued by Mr Freudenberg, the Federal Environment Minister, with no fanfare, obviously, because it says nothing.

It has no specific targets and so our wildlife extinctions will continue to reach record heights.

Since the new State Bio-Diversity Conservation Act was passed last year, our land is being stripped of native vegetation; a further loss of habitat.

Our State National Parks, so deprived of funding, will become harbours of weeds, feral animals and sources of bush fires.

Developers waiting in the wings to encroach on this still beautiful land, will build resorts and "eco" camps and laugh all the way to the bank.

Future generations will grow up thinking that farmland and suburbia are the natural Australia and that our native animals are dogs and cats, birds in cages or fish in bowls.

Our politicians seem not to understand that many overseas tourists come to Australia to see the natural wild spaces.

Why would they want to come to see our built environment?

If our World Heritage Barrier Reef further deteriorates, as is expected, it won't just be a great environmental loss it will be a huge economic loss.

The Federal Government expects the Reef to adapt to changing climatic conditions because it just will not say no to the Adani coal mine or address the toxic runoff from farms.

People will celebrate Australia Day, not realising that the real Australia is being destroyed.

Australia is not just a National flag and a National Anthem, it is a fascinating, exciting land.

Have you taken your children to visit the Marine Centre at Terrigal?

Or to the Reptile Centre at Somersby, to see amongst other things the funnel web spiders being milked for their venom.

What about explorations amongst the rocks with the Ocean and Coastal Care Initiative, right here on the Peninsula.

Do you watch David Attenborough (ABC TV), who at 91 is still vitally interested in the natural world and has been re-visiting our Great Barrier Reef to see the changes over the past 30 years?

Are you aware that we have a world expert on peacock spiders living here on the Peninsula?

These tiny intriguing creatures, which are right beneath our feet, in the detritus, as we go for a bush walk.

We must get out and explore our land.

Learn more about it and fight for it, before it is gone for ever.

Email, 24 Jan 2018

Margaret Lund, Umina