Some people see dollars in carving up the
land others see dollars in retaining nature.
It is a shame that the beauty of the
wetlands between the West end of Younger Street and Simpson street is not seen
for what it is and what it could bring to Warrnambool, other than a quick
buck through creating multiple dwellings, 'development'.
This land could go either of three ways,
chop it up into small dwelling blocks for a quick perceived return through
having many, cut into larger block and created into a sort after area by people
who are prepared to pay a bit more for the privilege to live in a unique area
of Warrnambool and last but not least the pipe dream, create a world renowned
wetland that would attract tourist, naturalist and bird lovers to our wonderful
coastal environment.
This strip of land is one of few surviving
and forgotten pieces of land along our coast. The wetlands have been preserved
by the fact that there has been little human interest. In the eyes of the
developers and the money hungry it is seen as a wasteland degraded by grazing
cattle, by those who love and appreciate nature it is seen as a wonderland with
potential.
One would think we are to fare down the
track with the dollars spent and the perceived dollar benefits this land will
create for the Warrnambool Golf Club and the Warrnambool City Council. WGC
there are no financial benefits in a wetland environment and WCC their return
is quicker and more tangible than the longer range vision of what a wetland
could bring.
With the pending subdivision does anyone
truly understand or have ongoing control on the effect of 47 new dwellings plus
a cluster dwelling block (22), average 4 people per house plus the unknown
block would be 188 people, 2 cars per house hold 94 cars plus the unknown block.
How many of these people would use the river and walk through the wetlands and
through the sand dunes to the beach, would residence be given a designated
track or will they be allowed to make their own, who would control the
ownership of cats and dogs dumping of garden waste etc. Who will be the
appointed overseer of all things environment to the surrounding wetland.
This land has had a long associated history
between the WGC and the WCC. Participants of both groups cross over and deals
have been cut for the financial benefit of both, money has been spent by those
that can and it is hard for the little people to compete.
On aside it would be interesting to create
a financial time line since the purchase of the land.
I implore those in the position of power to
seriously consider the long-term effect of decisions made at this stage
Scroll down to post on the 11- 9 - 12 to see a report that I compiled on the life of the wetland, this report was started in 2007 and adjusted along the way
