The disaster represented by the present rate of clearing in The Port Macquarie region will only become apparent when it’s too late and all the bush has gone. The bushland setting is one key assets that make the Port region such an attractive place to be.

The recent ‘scorched earth’ approach to the felling and mulching of almost every tree on the housing development sites at the southern end of Scarborough Way, Dunbogan is an example that has been very saddening to see unfold. Some 70 house sites are projected for the eastern block, which will completely alter the amenity of this area.

Amazingly, six mature trees have been spared; two Mahogany Gums and four Grey Gums on the western edge of the land adjacent to Alexander Close.

According to council planning these trees were retained to satisfy the concerns for loss of food for koalas in the area. Welcome as that retention is, as there is now no existing corridor it is doubtful if any koala will now make its way to these trees.

The bushland to the west is being developed for yet more residential development and I understand a further 70 or so dwellings are planned.

A PMH Council Development Assessment Panel 04/07/2012 notes that…: “the ecologist has advised that the development will not impact on koalas based on the retention of the more natural environment in the residue lot and also the retention of the koala food trees in the south west corner”. However, it seems that that ‘residue lot’, which ran to the west alongside Tip Road no longer exists, the whole area having been totally cleared.

Most stands of the beautifully ancient Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea) remain at this stage, but will no doubt they will also be removed before long. These magnificent old specimens have survived here for hundreds of years, growing at the rate of about 25 mm per year, and take a long time to develop a trunk. Some of them are more than three metres high, so that provides an indication of their antiquity.

It should be important therefore that they be cared for and retained within the estate. Change is inevitable, but change to the environment without sensitivity is not acceptable.The developers are required by PMH Council to relocate ALL the grass trees, look after them and replace them back into the area. In the initial stages of clearing some twenty or so mature Grass Trees were removed and temporarily “replanted” on the eastern boundary of the land. About half have so far survived.

What a pity the developers weren’t able to consider retaining some of these fine old specimens where they stood, particularly if they were growing in an appropriate place on a block to be developed. Examples of this approach can be seen in the gardens along Scarborough Way, where some even remain as attractive “street trees”.

Graeme Mowat, Dunbogan