About the Alliance

 History of the Alliance

The Lake Macquarie Coastal and Wetlands Alliance was formed in 1996 out of concern about a range of coastal development threats, including proposals at Pinney Beach and "Belmont Sands" on BHP owned land between Redhead and Belmont. The new group's aims were to:

• ensure the ecological integrity of the coastal region between Munmorah to the south and Glenrock to the north;
• ensure controlled and managed access to the coastal region so that its varied elements would be available now and into the future for Lake Macquarie residents and visitors;
• influence public opinion towards appreciating the value of preserving and rehabilitating the coast;
• meet and work with all parties involved with the management and development of this area.

Attempts to influence public attitudes increased, focused on perceptions of residents and power-holders (developers, sand-mining businesses, BHP, Government departments) about the coast's values. Between 1999 and 2001, we organised major public gatherings, emphasising coast and wetland issues, focusing on BHP, affirming that housing was not the only solution:

• large public meetings (such as the one with Peter Garrett),
• Rallies ('Reclaim the Beach'),
• Environment Fair at Belmont Lagoon,
• Wetlands Walk (Fernleigh track) and,
• celebrated the BHP handover in 2002 with a Be a Bird Detective children's competition on Belmont Lagoon.

The gatherings attracted a wide range of people. Newspaper and television publicity, and Letters-to-the-Editor were well used.

But the emphasis on supporting community members continued, in a range of environment issues. Alliance representatives attended and spoke during many public meetings, for example protests arranged by other groups, a meeting about a proposed development at Caves Beach and about possible loss of community lands in use by Valentine bowling club. Two members are on the Consultancy Committee. Groups with a variety of concerns come for support to Alliance meetings or contact individual members.

Submission for the area's inclusion in the Directory of Important Australian Wetlands is being prepared. Steps towards Ramsar listing for relevant sites will commence.

The Alliance itself seeks support from peak environment bodies such as Total Environment Centre, and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.

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* excerpted from: Mannigel, D., & Steenson, B. (2003). "Saving the Coastal Wetlands in Lake Macquarie - Many At Work". Presented at NCCNSW Coastal Conference 2003.