1. The consolidation of…

1. The consolidation of conservation authorities (CAS) is unwise since local knowledge of the local environmental needs must be maintained.

2. If it is to go ahead it must ensure that local input from environmental experts already employed with a CA is retained.

3. At present there is a significant lack of involvement of a full time biologist with at least one CA (RRCA). Funds must be made available for a full time biologist, or involvement of at least two half time biologists shared between 2 CAS to provide different opinions as to required needs.

4.Over the last 14 years I have witnessed dominance of CA boards of directors by environmentally unqualified local council officials and landowners who bring their personal and political agendas to oversight of our local CA. It has had a negative impact on the CA they serve as they so often do not see the world as those who wish to protect the environment. It's more about ensuring their own opinions and local standing rather than those with expertise in conservation.

5. In retirement, have been a volunteer for 14 years with a local registered charity dedicated to local wetland conservation, an organisation that originally grew out of a need for public input and influence in local wetland conservation.
In the first 6 years our organisation had an excellent relationship with the then general manager of the local CA. We and the CA identified important major projects such as replacing over a kilometre of decayed boardwalks; extensive habitat restoration involving creation of a large area of open water lost to plant overgrowth, creation of new blinds and viewing platforms, restoration of the visitors centre and rebuilding new displays. We, as volunteers, raised the necessary funds for all these projects - a total of $750,000. When the general manager retired a new person was appointed who had no idea how to work with the community and its volunteer. He and his board cancelled all association with us as an organisation because we represented the public (over 2500 signature petition) in our concerns over construction of a commercial camping project adjacent to the local wetland that we wished to protect as a community from 24 hour human presence and activity. Once the second manager retired a relationship was reestablished but without any significant collaboration as described above.

6. We feel that partnerships with community volunteers and environmental organisations should be a fundamental component of any new CA structure to provide a cost-free workforce working in partnerships with CAS.