Dumping puts Point in danger

ENVIRONMENTALISTS have spoken out against extensive littering and hooning drivers on Point Douro in Australind, but on private land the Harvey Shire Council’s hands are tied.

Shire president Tania Jackson said there was little the council could do because the area was private property.

“This is private property and although the owner has attempted to fence the area, there continues to be access and anti-social behaviour,” she said.

“The council has very limited ability to take action given the private ownership as it might if it was a public area.”

Leschenault Catchment Council general manager Judy Fisher said the Point Douro was a significant ecological site both nationally and internationally due to the number of migratory birds that arrived each year.

Birdwatcher and Myalup resident Tony France said big piles of rubbish and dumped household items had damaged the ecosystem on the point.

“If we’re thinking of the drive for tourism, particularly in the Harvey district, it seems a shame to present that sort of image,” he said.

Mr France said further damage came from hooning four-wheel-drives that entered the area and had driven off the main tracks.

While the Water Corporation is responsible for the foreshore and waterways, much of the damage occurs on the inland area, which is owned privately by Dewsbury Proprietary Limited in Singapore.

Mr France said he did not think the area should be entirely closed to the public, but more fencing was needed.