8000 signatures back Hands Off Point Peron campaign

Sixty to Seventy people campaigning to Save Point Peron from becoming another unwanted canal project have braved heavy storms in an action on May 8. They marched from the property of the developer, Cedar Woods, to the State Parliament to present a petition of over 8000 original signatures.

Greens MP Lynn MacLaren accepted the signatures and addressed the rally with several ALP politicians looking on.

The vocal crowd chanted and listened to speakers Dawn Jecks and Greg Gooroo - the outspoken town planner - along with others at an “Open Mic”.

The extent of the proposed development at Point Peron is not widely known. The plans on the board are for 77 hectares (190 acres) of land to be used to make an inland private canal/marina precinct. This will consist of private residential houses and a marina with a capacity of up to 500 vessels. Unless you have a spare million to purchase something like this, it probably won't benefit you.

The developer has plans to cut deep canals in the proposed area. Opponents to the development fear this will effect the hydrology of a large area including endangering the Thrombolites living in Lake Richmond. The Thrombolites are an ancient life form that was once widespread and now only exists in a few tiny pockets throughout the world. They must be saved.

The Hands Off Point Peron group are calling for assistance from the community to assist the campaign. Socialist Alliance supports this campaign.

[Photo bottom right and article by Seamus Doherty. Top photo by Leisha Jack.]

MEDIA RELEASE from HANDS OFF POINT PERON

Marina plan will mangle Point Peron and dig a financial black hole

Dawn Jecks – Wednesday May 8th 2013.

The Mangles Bay Marina will be both an environmental and financial disaster for Point Peron, Hands Off Point Person spokesperson Dawn Jecks warned today.

"Point Person is being sacrificed for an extremely risky venture that will be a drain on taxpayers," Ms Jecks said.

"In addition to the huge environmental damage it will cause, the Mangles Bay Marina proposal has no financial credibility and could only proceed with enormous public subsidies during both the long construction and endless maintenance phases.

"The promotion of the proposal by LandCorp and its approval by the EPA raise big questions about the credibility of these State agencies.  The Environmental Protection Authority needs to consider a name change.

"The proposal is still subject to a State/Commonwealth agreement which makes clear the land's use is restricted to public recreation and parklands.  Privatisation of this public land would be a breach of trust and a betrayal of the public. HOPP supports construction of the Port Rockingham Marina, and recommend that the energies of the Mangles Bay proponents be re-directed to this stalled project - which does not involved wrecking a pristine natural area.

"HOPP is not a negative or NIMBY group - We have an alternative to the marina in the form of a Coastal Environment Park which would be for all people to enjoy, not just a wealthy minority. And, our alternative would not break the State/Commonwealth agreement.

"HOPP will not give up - we step up the campaign to defend Point Person from this outrageous land grab. We will not let greedy developers and complicit politicians deprive current and future generations of West Australians of this wonderful natural treasure."

For more information contact Dawn Jecks 0424 598 656 or email dawnjecks@southwest.com.au