Jane MacDonald - Save Ralphs Bay

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no reference to any favourable response to the visual impact of the development, on pages 170‐171. I request that submission 464 be added to the list on page 170, since Part A of the Save Ralphs Bay submission on the DIIS discussed landscape and visual character on page 12 and on pages 22‐23 and Part B discussed visual amenity on pages 45‐47. We also included a DVD, calendars and cards as part of our submission, each of which indicated the value placed by the community on Ralphs Bay views. The discussion of Table 5 in the text, “Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia” on page 174 of the DIAR is very interesting, and I am pleased to see the support it gives to the approach taken by Ms. Pat Barwick in her evidence on behalf of SRB. It has been my own personal experience that the sensitivity of the viewer continually develops as a result of a deepening understanding of that which is viewed. Before 2004, even though I am a nature lover and biology teacher, I was only vaguely aware of the larger shorebirds on Ralphs Bay sandflats, and had no clear idea of how they use the feeding grounds. As a result of the understanding developed in the years since 2004, I now take great pleasure from observing the feeding and roosting of the shorebirds at varying locations as the state of the tide, weather and season vary. It is a great delight to observe the smaller shorebirds (Red‐necked Stints, Red‐capped Plovers, Double‐banded Plovers) and a matter of great satisfaction to be able to tell the difference between them. This year, I have seen Bar‐tailed Godwits on the sandflats at Lauderdale and South Arm. I now know where to look for Pied Oystercatchers sitting on their nests, and have a much greater appreciation of the species diversity in the saltmarsh fringing the bay. It was a delight to see the first flock of Red‐Necked Stints arrive in September this year, and the visual delight was greatly enhanced by the knowledge that these tiny birds had flown to Lauderdale from Siberia. I have conducted field excursions to Ralphs Bay for a number of schools and colleges over the years, and it is my belief that, for many, many individuals, the “viewer sensitivity” to Ralphs Bay vistas has developed considerably since the canal estate proposal first threatened the bay. It is my hope that future educational and interpretative endeavours will continue to develop the widest possible appreciation of the many Ralphs Bay aesthetic, natural and scientific values. I was pleased to see, that in marked contrast to the Walker Corporation’s expert at the hearings, the WA document also advocated consideration of those who have chosen to live in a scenic and unspoilt area, including taking note of local protests, as indicated on page 174 of the DIAR and the Panel’s comments following, at the top of page 175: ‘“Degree of sensitivity of viewers; those who are more likely to be more sensitive include wilderness users, other recreational users, tourists, people who chose to live in an area because of its landscape character and views (e.g. assessed by noting how vocal observers are about specific travel routes or use areas, indicated in letters, protests etc).” The frequency with which representors and witnesses referred to the high value and importance they placed upon their experience of the view, on a daily basis and otherwise, demonstrates a high level of sensitivity. That was borne out in the evidence.’” Jane MacDonald, submission on DIAR Page 6
I believe that the visual impact of the canal estate project would be so significant for the community that it would contribute to the mental, emotional and physical health impacts, and it should therefore join the matters in the first group of impacts, which “overwhelmingly outweigh” any potential economic benefits. 3.2.2 Construction duration (Section 2.1.1) I fully support the Panel’s assessment, findings and conclusions, including that, “some of the construction impacts could have unacceptable impacts as a result of the extended construction duration. These impacts mainly centre on noise, dust and odour.” However, I would add the long duration of the negative visual impacts to this list. 3.2.3 Social, cultural, health and general community impacts (Section 2.6) I support the Panel’s conclusion that, “the impact of the development of the project on the amenity of the existing community, particularly during the construction period, as well as the likely lack of integration and social cohesion of the completed development with the Lauderdale community, are significant negative matters to be taken into account”. I request that submission 464 be added to the list at the top of page 130, as Part B of the Save Ralphs Bay Inc submission stated on page 50, “Tasmania’s “brand” and its appeal as a tourism destination is all about being distinctively “natural”, “unspoiled”, friendly and retaining values and community spirit that have been diminished elsewhere.” (This last phrase was quoted in the DIAR text). It was very pleasing to see, on page 133, strong recognition of the importance of the ‘sense of place’ experienced by local residents, and the impact of the proposed development on this. It was also pleasing to see the Panel’s acknowledgement of the recreational value of the bay, for windsurfers, recreational divers and bird watchers. As described on page 135, the strength of the impacts on community members also suggest this group of issues should be moved up from, “additional matters” status to the first category of matters, “overwhelmingly outweighing” any potential economic benefits. As stated on page 135 of the DIAR: “The construction process with respect to the land forms will continue for up to seven years, and during that time its appearance, and its likely potential generation of noise and dust, together with construction activity and traffic, will replace the existing amenity with that of a construction site. This will be experienced by the residents of the existing community and to a lesser degree by visitors as well as persons regularly passing through Lauderdale. “The impact, particularly having regard to its duration, was identified by the evidence at the hearing as a significant impost on the local community and visitors, during that construction period. For particularly that significant portion of the existing community opposed to the Jane MacDonald, submission on DIAR Page 7
Page 1 and 2: Jane MacDonald November 22 2009 Sub
Page 3 and 4: 3.1.2 Strategic planning generally
Page 5: a significant impact on the species
Page 9 and 10: I fully concur with the Panel’s c
Page 11 and 12: Table 4.19 Statistical review of me
Page 13 and 14: “development” might travel to t
Page 15 and 16: Australia have been weather related
Page 17: Based on the evidence presented, I

Jane MacDonald - Save Ralphs Bay

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