WE all rejoice in the news that Illaroo Rd. Lake Cathie, will be saved from coastal erosion, but we should also remember global warming is not the only threat to our foreshores.
Another threat comes in the form of a yet to be photographed pest the Iwannabettaview Beetle.
This pest has done untold damage up and down our coastline to riparian and coastal vegetation.
The destruction caused by this pest may not be the only cause of coastal erosion but it has certainly accelerated the process.
Scientist and council officers, studying corridors of destroyed trees and shrubs along our coast and waterways have come up with some interesting observations:
1. It appears to be a nocturnal pest.
2. It only attacks vegetation that obstructs water views.
3. The greater the destruction the more juvenile and immature the pest.
4. It’s call is only heard after the destruction becomes evident, and starts with a soft “I didn’t do anything”, increasing to a loud “IT WASN’T ME”.
5. Replanting of lost vegetation only increases the activities of the juvenile or immature form of the pest.
6. The threat to our foreshores through loss of vegetation may only become evident many years even decades after an attack.
Scars from past attacks are still evident along our foreshores eg. North Haven, Bartletts Reserve Bonny Hills, Bundella Ave. and Illaroo Rd. Lake Cathie, Lighthouse Rd. and Pacific Dr. Port Macquarie, to name just a few. A recent outbreak can be seen at the Lakewood end of the Queens Lake walking track.
As we all know all things come with a price and that may mean an uninterrupted water view may have to be sacrificed to help stabilise the foreshore. While waiting for assistance from council and rate payers, it would be good to see any affected residents join together to re-plant lost trees.
Graham,
Laurieton