An idea for the future management of open space on Camden Head was presented to the Camden Haven Courier (published online on April 27 and in print May 3), sparking an influx of letters and opinions. Many supported Cathy Rushton’s vision to clear the headland above the historic Pilot Station which stands before properties on Camden Head Road, maintain grasses, enhance picnic facilities and a lookout platform. The area would look similar to how it did in the 1960s to 1980s.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Nowadays it is not really possible to ascertain the state of the bar or the surf from this once prized vantage point above the historic Pilot Station buildings. The bush has been allowed to encroach so much on what used be a breathtaking open vista,” Cathy wrote.
Other letter writers expressed concern about clearing the habitat of wildlife and the cost to the ratepayer to maintain the area as per Cathy’s vision. A couple of letter writers suggested a compromise of low-lying vegetation, replacing what many saw as the “straggly” trees there now.
“I think a healthy balance can be hit that prevents soil erosion, and encourages the diverse native wildlife, while also opening up a view corridor,” wrote Eliza Biggs in response.
“I believe that better attention to considerate native landscaping in this location would highly improve the views AND the slope's ecological values at the same time.”
Photos from the Camden Haven Historical Society show vegetation on the headland changing over the years: from low-lying scrub which – they said – would have been regularly burnt back by the indigenous people, before white settlement; to cleared, grassed paddock for horses; to the current vegetation. Pictures of these are available with the online version of this story and will be published next week.
At the moment, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council won’t support any vegetation removal. Indeed, when vegetation was illegally cleared early last year, the council erected a large sign highlighting the activity.
Council director Matt Rogers said, “Vegetation removal in this area cannot be supported. The vegetation is an important part of the broader landscape and is classified as an endangered ecological community.”
One letter writer suggested an issue of more importance for people to devote their letter-writing time to, was the proposed mining exploration application.