[Aqualist] expert testimony required at December Gnotuk hearing

[sniderman at giant.net.au]

Dear AQUA members,
Please see below a plea from Fiona and Alun Morris concerning
development at Lakes Gnotuk and Bullenmerri, which asks for
contributions from Australian Quaternerists.

______
The volcanic crater lakes of SW Victoria have long been recognised for
some of the finest Late Quaternary and Holocene sediment records in
existence in Australia. But the long-running struggle to get permanent
protection for Lakes Gnotuk and Bullen Merri in western Victoria is
unfortunately by no means over.

It has been almost four years since the Shire of Corangamite broke with
tradition and began issuing  controversial permits to
build houses inside the crater rim of Lake Gnotuk.

And it has been more than two years since the RPD group conducted an
independent planning review.  Thanks largely to the
many powerful submissions from AQUA members and other distinguished
members of the scientific community throughout
Australia, that review came out strongly against any further development
inside the craters and urged strengthened planning
protection.

Now, at long last, an amendment to the Shire's Planning Scheme has been
drafted but the Council, still unable to make a decision, has
referred the matter to the State Minister of Planning for yet another
review.

Members of the Crater Lakes Coalition, a small community group dedicated
to preservation of the lakes, will testify before the Ministerial Panel
which will meet in Camperdown on December 15, 16, 17 and 18th, 2003.

Expert testimony will be absolutely vital at this Hearing. AQUA members
are urged to contact the Coalition if they are able to testify in person
or write a submission to be presented by a witness on their behalf.

Please write to Fiona Morris at gnotuk at bigpond.com if you can help in
any way.