Jervis Bay victory

Jervis Bay victory

By Jon Land

The federal government announced on April 20 that it will not go ahead with plans to relocate the East Coast Armament Complex (ECAC) at Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast. The state government has also proposed the establishment of a new national park, which includes an additional 6000 hectares west and north of Jervis Bay.

The decision has been hailed by conservationists, Aboriginal communities and local residents who have campaigned for the last two decades to protect the area from development.

The proposal to move the ECAC from Homebush Bay in Sydney to make way for the 2000 Olympics would have meant certain destruction of the unique habitat in and around Jervis Bay. Several rare and endangered species are found there, and it includes the largest area of intact coastal heath south of Sydney.

Peter Garrett, spokesperson for the National Save Jervis Bay Campaign, said "[The] decision to exclude Jervis Bay as a site for the ECAC is encouraging for its recognition of the exceedingly high ecological and cultural values of the area. It also displays an acknowledgment on behalf of the federal government that the majority of Australians care a great deal about the protection of the natural environment."

Conservationist are now urging that the state and federal governments also include the waters of Jervis Bay in a marine reserve and purchase some 3600 hectares owned by a real estate firm within the designated park area.

From GLW issue 140