Cape Naturaliste Conservation Enterprise Launch
The ambitious, community-led Cape Naturaliste Conservation Enterprise (CNCE) project was launched on the weekend at the Eagle Bay Community Hall.
An array of passionate, inspiring speakers provided background to the project, which aims to reconnect and restore the fragmented landscape of the Cape Naturaliste area so local flora and fauna can thrive alongside a vibrant and sustainable economy.
Keith Bradby from Gondwana Link spoke of place-based community-led efforts, transitioning to community-centred activities, and the need for vibrancy, energy and big smiles to tackle a task of this size.
Bill Biggs threw out the question, "How do we work together to achieve these big audacious goals?"
Bob Jarvis took us back to the collaborative action of the Friends of Meelup origin story, when the Dunsborough community came together to oppose a Curtis Bay development, and won. He emphasised that Meelup is the People's Park but we're failing to protect it.
Albert Haak discussed the huge impact of ferals on the region; as the boundary is long and porous it doesn't prevent weeds, cats, rabbits and foxes from moving freely in and out. Albert quoted, (and in fact, sang!) The Eagles protest song The Last Resort, ending with "There is no new frontier, we've got to make it here."
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region's Cass Jury (Project Manager) and Mandy Polley (Project Coordinator) spoke about their roles in planning and on-ground action respectively, and the need to celebrate successes that have been achieved so far.
Mayor Phill Cronin rounded out the evening's speakers by reiterating the City of Busselton's support for action to prevent threats to our local ecosystem.
Geographically, the project covers the region north of Caves Road between Yallingup and Dunsborough. This includes Meelup Regional Park, Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, local government reserves, agricultural land and residential areas, and therefore requires a coordinated, collaborative approach.
Line in the Sand is proud to support this initiative and we look forward to more exciting announcements soon!
