Save Wallum

Save Wallum is a community campaign dedicated to preventing the destruction of 30 hectares of rare coastal Wallum heath and woodlands in Brunswick Heads, Byron Shire, NSW, which is at risk due to a proposed housing development. Our united community is taking a resolute stand to protect the precious Wallum environment in Brunswick Heads from development. The area is not only culturally sacred, but also ecologically vital, being home to numerous endangered species, including 9 Federally listed threatened species, known as Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES); the land is likely critical habitat for 103 threatened species in total. Despite minimal resources and immense pressure, Save Wallum has grown rapidly over the past year, into a determined, resilient, and inclusive movement. We greatly appreciate the donations already made through our previous fundraising platform, you have ensured we could get this far. As our increased scope of our mission now includes an active case in the Federal Court of Australia our fundraising efforts need to continue. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment to this cause. Your dedication has been nothing short of inspiring, and we want to update you on some important developments in our campaign. Target: $60,000 - to cover essential campaign costs, and our active case in the Federal Court of Australia. Commissioning ecologist reports to strengthen our submission in the courts is vital, and expert ecologists need to be compensated for their work. These efforts are crucial to our ongoing actions to protect this special place. Other campaign cost are varied and ongoing. Here are some of our previous and ongoing campaign expenses that funds go towards: Expert Ecologists reports, Expert Hydrologist reports, Mapping, Court application fees, Legal expenses, First Nations support, Printing, Equiptment & Supplies, Port-a-loos, Merchandise, Political lobbying / campaigning, Insurance. Taking Action Alongside the ongoing Federal Court case, we are also focusing on political lobbying. We need to continue urging Tanya Plibersek, the Federal Minister for Environment, to initiate a controlled action under the EPBC Act. If you haven't already, please visit our website www.savewallum.com to find templates for writing to her, as well as to State Planning Minister Paul Scully and State Minister for Environment Penny Sharpe. Our most current letter is to remove the fences which inhibit the safe and natural movement of wildlife, find more details on that here. Your voice matters, and your letters can make a significant impact. Additionally, please take a moment to sign our petition if you haven't done so yet. Transparency and Accountability Donations are managed with full transparency. Funds are deposited into the Save Wallum Inc account of which there are 4 signatories and 2 for each transaction, there is an approval process through 4 members before the transaction occurs, ensuring every dollar is used responsibly. Wallum Brunswick Heads is home to a unique and biodiverse ecosystem, including endangered species Glossy Black Cockatoo, Koala, Wallum Sedge Frog, Wallum Froglet, Long-nose Potoroo, Mitchells Rainforest Snail, Eastern Grass Owl, Grey-Headed Flying Fox, White-Throated Needletail, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Collard Kingfisher, Common Planigale, Pale-Vented Bush-Hen, Little Bent-Wing Bat, Large Bent-Wing Bat, Greater Broad-Nosed Bat and Southern Myotis, Pink Nodding Orchid and the Endangered Ecological Community of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest (on Coastal Floodplain). There are 300-400 year old Scribbly gums, bearing large hollows that provide irreplaceable habitat for wildlife. The conditions in Wallum are intricate and precise, being created over many thousands of years. The sandy soils with the unique coffee rock substrate sustains the extremely specific Wallum Wildflower Heathland ecology, a wonder to behold. Wallum's acid frogs live, breed and thrive in the naturally acidic wetlands, these conditions can not be recreated. This land also is of extreme importance and holds deep cultural significance for all of the clans of the Bundjalung Nation. By supporting our "Save Wallum - Brunswick Heads" campaign, you are directly contributing to the fight for preservation of this irreplaceable environment.