Around the country – and the world – biodiversity is in rapid decline. As a service provider, land-use and regulatory authority, and landowner and manager, Eurobodalla Council has a role to play in preserving and enhancing the shire's biodiversity
Council's environmental planner Stacey Clohesy said Eurobodalla's residents and visitors value nature.
"Nature is one of the main reasons people live or holiday here," Ms Clohesy said.
"However, by 2036 the shire's population is forecast to increase by 5,000 people with an estimated 4,000 additional homes needed. Eurobodalla already has more than 200 plants, animals and ecological communities listed as threatened. A biodiversity strategy ensures our plants and animals also have a home as the human population grows."
With work on the draft strategy about to commence, Ms Clohesy said Council was looking for community input right now.
"We want to know your thoughts before we start drafting," she said.
"For example, what parts of the natural landscape are important to you and why? Do you see opportunities for habitat restoration within urban areas? Should there be opportunities for local landholders to set aside areas of their property to offset residential development, generating an income stream? How else can individuals, groups, businesses and Council promote biodiversity in the shire?"
Ms Clohesy said people could participate in several ways, with an online survey on Council's website over the next month and in-person workshops in early May.
"Alternatively, it is possible to talk to Council staff working to draft the strategy and I encourage everyone interested to sign up for project updates," she said.
"Once the draft is complete in September, we'll put it out for public comment."
