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There is
something special about watching a river
flow into the sea; here, the Donnelly River
into the Southern Ocean. It is as if the
river has found its way back home, with the
crashing waves applauding its success. It is
a bonding experience shared by members of
the Lower Donnelly River Conservation
Association, motivating them to conserve
this special place. The Lower Donnelly River
Conservation Association is an incorporated
body with an active committee pursuing the
objectives of the Association and the
interests of hut owners and visitors, and
liaising with Government and other relevant
parties. The Association promotes a
code of conduct focusing on respect for
the environment and all users of this unique
area
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Hut owners are not 'squatters'
At the commencement of the Shannon Park and
D'Entrecasteaux National Park Management
Plan 1987-1997, the Department of
Conservation and Land Management (CALM) requested
the previous 'life time' leases granted by
the
National Parks and Gardens
Board in 1977
be
transferred to an annual lease arrangement
The term 'squatters', as used in the
Shannon and D'Entrecasteaux National Parks
Draft Management Plan 2005 is therefore
inappropriate, as hut
owners have since 1977 paid
annual fees to the
National Parks and Gardens
Board, the National Parks Authority, the
Forests Department, then
later to CALM.
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Visitors
Thousands of people have had the
opportunity, as guests of hut owners, to
enjoy the magnificent scenery and ambience
of this beautiful place. Most huts have a
visitors book, which they are asked to sign,
with many books going back dozens of years.
This hospitality has allowed these guests to
appreciate this area, which they otherwise
couldn’t. The State Government says people
should have equal opportunity to stay in
national parks, yet they provide no
opportunity at the mouth of the Donnelly
River. CALM and now the Department of
Environment and Conservation have had
decades to build some shelters for visitors
at the River mouth (such as on the Bibbulmun
Track), but have provided no facilities.
Youth opportunities
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In many
huts, several generations of
families, their extended families,
and their friends have provided a
fantastic opportunity for children
(and later grand and great grand
children) to recreate (whilst
building confidence and
independence), and learning
communication and fishing skills in
an outdoor environment. It also
teaches them to appreciate and
protect the surrounding environment
in the world’s best classroom. At a
time when government policy is to
actively encourage children to adopt
sporting and active pursuits to
increase physical activity, this
philosophy has been part of life
here for many years. Watch
Laura Guppy's video at You Tube. |
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Campers and day trippers
Hut owners have worked closely with these
people for many years, often providing
drinking water and other assistance as
required. As an example of the openness,
campers have also been invited to attend
entertainment activities, including a band
at the annual general meeting at one of the
huts. For the Draft Management Plan to say the hut
owners were precluding campers from using
the area is patently incorrect.
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