Bird watching Tourism is on the rise, particularly in regional areas. See the link below to an important and very informative May, 2022 article by The Guardian that clearly demonstrates this.
The Threatened Red Goshawk definitively included on the SRC development Threatened species list is mentioned in this article.
In the current full 90 page document draft plan for the Somerset Regional Council Mount Glen Rock Adventure Park development proposal, there is no mention or promotion of Bird Watching as a recreational activity. There is no mention of attracting Bird watching individuals or groups for this type of growing Tourism.
This has been brought to the attention of SRC numerous times and was highlighted when discussing an alternative proposal that was put forward to SRC by residents on April 7th. Therefore, we ask, why has this not ever been considered?
The alternative proposal mentions the potential economic benefits of attracting this type of Tourism.
Residents present at the meeting were already aware of this large market of tourists, and are also aware of the 'gentle' impact this type of tourism would have on Mount Glen Rock.
The Somerset Region has an abundance of bird life and the township of Esk itself, is a bird watchers paradise.
As has already been stated, the current proposal by SRC caters to a small percentage of recreational enthusiasts, who happen to have powerful lobby groups behind them.
Lobbyists who have already admitted these actions and have already admitted that the Somerset Regional Council has listened to them.
And why have they listened?
Because until April 7th, 2022, nobody else has ever come forward to present an alternate proposal or even a different idea.
Cycling enthusiasts have been generously catered for in the Somerset Council Region and surrounds with the 160kms of Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. After a day of exploring the region on their bikes, would they be so adverse to hopping off their bike to enjoy an alternative experience on a walking trail through nature?
What would be wrong with attracting a wider cohort of Tourist to the Somerset region?
So now it is our turn to lobby Council.
It is up to us, along with people who care for the long term, sustainable future of tourism for our region, to LOBBY the Somerset Regional Council and its Councillors.
The Otium Group's Master Plan Draft itself, states that Mountain bikers and Rock Climbers combined, are only 5% of the Queensland population.
Recreational bushwalking/ hiking alone is 15%.
Add in Bird Watchers, Photographers, Researchers, Botanists, Education School groups etc, etc, the list goes on, and it becomes more obvious what is grossly lacking with this current development proposal. It appears to be more about pedal power.
This is 6.1million dollars of our money, the taxpayers money, that does not appear to be for the benefit of the general public or alternative tourist groups.
Should we allow 6.1 million dollars to be spent on 5% of the population?
So let's become the LOBBYISTS for something not only more sustainable and long term, but also more inclusive.
Whether you are a bird watcher, resident, potential tourists, one who enjoys nature as it is, or one who simply advocates for a better way to truly appreciate Mount Glen Rock and everything it already offers, please voice your opinion by writing to Somerset Regional Council. Along with the CEO, you may wish to include the Mayor and 6 Councillors listed below...
Attention: CEO Andrew Johnson
mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
glehmann@somerset.qld.gov.au
hbrieschke@somerset.qld.gov.au
cgaedtke@somerset.qld.gov.au
kisidro@somerset.qld.gov.au
bwhalley@somerset.qld.gov.au
jwendt@somerset.qld.gov.au
schoat@somerset.qld.gov.au
We can be heard, so let's do this together.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support. We greatly appreciate it !!!