MINUTES OF THE INAUGURAL MEETING
HELD AT THE HAWKS NEST LODGE
TUESDAY, 11th APRIL 1989 -COMMENCING 7-00 pm
Tonight 11th April a group of concerned residents held a meeting to discuss the threatened Koala population. Twenty four persons attended the meeting and listened to an address
by Sue Arnold of the society ''Australians for Animals''.
Much of her time recently has been taken up in fighting for the
preservation of Koala habitat in the Coffs Harbour area from developer's and the Coffs Harbour Council.
Sue outlined at how threatened the Koala is and the apathy at the preservation of habitat by local councils in whose area the Koala live. She estimates that Koalas will be virtually extinct in New South Wales within a few years, if immediate
action is not taken ~ a very sorry state of affairs for one of our best, known animals.
She stated that there were very few viable colonies left in the State these are at Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, the Clarence Valley and Weddeburn near Campbelltown. The extent and population dynamics of our colony at Hawks Nest is unknown and she urged those people attending the meeting that a survey be conducted as soon as
possible.
Another big threat on the North Coast is the development of the proposed pulp mill to be sited there, this will pose an unestimated environmental threat with not only the forest being disturbed and cleared but also the discharge of noxious chemicals into the ocean thereby endangering migrating whales dolphins and the fishing industry.
Little mentioned is the fact that trees by osmosis lift agricultural chemicals and sprays that are used by farmers, councils and home gardeners, up into their leaves and birds and animals ingest these in their normal feeding either through nectar, leaves, fruit and berries etc. After all these animals and birds are at the end of a food chain and has been demonstrated certain chemicals affect the fertility etc of these animals and birds. Sue suggested that this could
be a very important factor in the decline of the Koala -."food for thought".
There were many other` matters discussed when the group recessed for supper. The meeting then resumed when after' discussion it was decided to form into a group. After a vote the final name is to be ''THE MYALL KOALA AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT GROUP''.
After nominations, acceptances and voting the following executive was decided upon:
Dick Angel Chairman
8 Kiewa Street, Hawks Nest. 049 970 887
June Vile vice-Chairman hon. Solicitor.
22 Booner Street, Hawks Nest. 049 971 097
Michael Rowe Secretary
Hawks Nest Lodge, Hawks Nest. 049 970 378 fax 049 971 039
Gwen Soane asst. Secretary
45 Kurrawong Av, Hawks Nest 049 970 284
Randle Pritchard Treasurer
30 The Anchorage, Hawks Nest. 049 970 416
Committee
Kath Verdon, 970294 - Bess & Keith Eadie, Publicity. 970709
Sheila & Bill Ellis, 970912 - Heather Angel, 970887
Marcia Wilson, 970542 - Ione Grace, 970479. Pamela McBrearary, Membership.
Hans Pacy, 970212
Membership to the group was set at $1-00 with 50c for school children.
A number of important resolutions were passed!
1) A survey be organised and conducted immediately - this would be decided upon at the meeting on Monday.
2) A formal letter be directed to the Hon.Tim Moore, Minister for the Environment pointing out we have a healthy colony ideal for study.
3) That a press release be made as soon as possible.
4) List of food trees that occur in the area.
5) Petition to council relative to preserving undeveloped habitats within the village.
6) Ideas for raising funds eg street stalls, raffles etc.
7) To approach the Sun-Herald Koala Fund for funding when necessary.
IT WAS DECIDED T0 HOLD THE NEXT MEETING
AT THE LODGE
7-30pm on MONDAY 16TH' APRIL 1989
