In a recent newsletter, Various Various, produced by the local birding group in Cairns, Brian Venebles wrote:
” I can report that I attended a meeting between CAFNEC and Cairns Airport P/L (CAPL) regarding their proposal to develop the mangroves on the ocean side of the airport (Jack Barnes mangrove boardwalk) in order to relocate the helipad and build a shopping center where the light aircraft section is now situated.
The group walked the southern boardwalk and the benefits of this public asset were pointed out to the representatives of CAPL.
Such things as:
• Species diversity of the mangroves and the fauna depending upon them.
• The age of the forest and its usefulness as an educational tool for students and as a tourist attraction.
• The relocation of this boardwalk was also discussed. It became evident that no where else in Trinity Bay could we find a suitable replacement area which had all the attributes of the present location. This is in terms of accessibility, species diversity (fauna and flora), tidal range, age of forest, etc.
Things not discussed were:
• coastal protection mangroves provide in cyclones
• acid sulphate soil resulting in mangrove clearing (such as can be seen at East Trinity).
• the devastating effect on commercial and recreational fishing industries with mangrove loss.
CAPL took the points we did discuss on board and we agreed to meet again in 6 weeks to look at other places in this erstwhile public esplanade where the helipad could be built with minimal environmental damage.
In my personal opinion – the mangroves and the barrier reef are interdependent and should have the same protection. Secondly, esplanade should always be in public ownership.
We can only hope common sense prevails.”
Brian Venables.
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