DEAR News Of The Area,

Why are the Coffs Harbour City Council, the local tourism industry and the business chamber not joining calls for the bypass to be rerouted to save the unique Grandpa’s Scrub?

These groups have been boasting about Coffs Harbour becoming the first certified Eco Tourism destination in New South Wales.

This recognition is based on a well-managed commitment to sustainability and high-quality nature-based tourism.

How can the city maintain that recognition as an ecologically important destination when it’s prepared to stand back and watch the destruction of such an important remnant forest on its doorstep?

“This little patch is the last of the lowland Coffs Harbour white booyong sub tropical type.”

So said renowned botanist Dr Robert Kooyman on a recent visit to the area located on the city’s outskirts.

Dr Kooyman confirmed the half-hectare patch met all requirements for Threatened Ecological Community status under NSW law.

And yet, the state government and its Transport department are pushing ahead with plans to destroy this precious remnant when building the Coffs Harbour bypass.

And there’s barely a whimper from the city’s institutional so-called “eco tourism” interests.

Regards,
Lorraine DAVIES,
Toormina.