#Save the Hindmarsh River

Photo: Extract of photo from developer's submission, showing the location of the trees they wish to remove in just 1 application to the Native Vegetation Council

UPDATE
As of 10th April 2025, the developer's 2 applications to the Native Vegetation Council (NVC) for clearance of important mature trees are listed on the NVC website as still awaiting decision.  Biodiversity Victor Harbor has reached out on several occasions seeking a meeting - which to date has been ignored by the developer.

Biodiversity Victor Harbor opposes the clearance of native vegetation along the Hindmarsh River as part of the 'Oceane Victor Harbor' residential development in the Hindmarsh Valley. Applications lodged with the Native Vegetation Council (https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/native-vegetation/consultations) indicate the developer has, or intends to seek, permission to remove many mature river red gums and blue gums along the river corridor.

Some of these trees are estimated to be over 150 years old, are of substantial size and have hollows used for nesting for many species of birds.    

The Hindmarsh River and its riparian zone support high levels of biodiversity, and the region is known as one of the critical biodiversity hot-spots in Australia. Native vegetation along the Hindmarsh River Corridor provides an important habitat for birds, small mammals, and insects.  This natural corridor is of critical importance because it connects the coast with several conservation and national parks in its catchment.

The Community of Victor Harbor has rated the environment as one of its top concerns in a recent Council survey. The Friends of Hindmarsh River Estuary and Victor Harbor Coastcare have collectively spent thousands of hours enhancing and conserving the biodiversity along the Hindmarsh River Estuary. These community groups and many others have undertaken substantial weed control programs and revegetation programs and raised awareness of the importance of the environment and its ecological role along the entire length of the Hindmarsh River.

In particular, the Oceane development site has been identified as a significant site for the Black-chinned Honeyeater (Melithreptus gularis), a bird species listed as vulnerable under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (NPW Act). Hollows and crevices identified and documented in large trees planned for removal also provide important habitat for hollow-nesting fauna, including the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Zanda funerea), another species listed as vulnerable under the NPW Act. Other species in this locality include the Elegant Parrot (Neophema chrystoma) (NPW Act – Rare) and Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) (NPW Act -Rare).

Stephen Langley, President of BirdsSA, in a recent conversation with the Friends of the Hindmarsh River Estuary stated – “From my experience, the Hindmarsh River Estuary is one of the best locations in the state for species diversity when bird-watching, being home to several threatened species.”

The benefits of retaining the vegetation should be given the highest priority within the estate and expanding the potential reserve area along the Hindmarsh River to preserve and conserve the trees would benefit the sale potential of the estate.

The Oceane Victor Harbor residential development could leave the proposed clearance area as a biodiversity and conservation asset, adding value to the community and the broader environment. Environmental assets provide open space and opportunities for the community to enjoy the natural environment, such as walking paths, maintained by the Victor Harbor Council post-development.

The City of Victor Harbor and the local community recognise the value of our natural environment within the Community Plan 2030 Aspiration 4, stating, “We protect & Restore our Environment”. In the previous (2016) City of Victor Harbor's development plan, the importance of the Hindmarsh River corridor was documented; 'The riverine environment along the Hindmarsh River will be protected and enhanced through effective storm water management, weed removal, re-vegetation and low impact, unstructured recreation activities'.

Recent development activity has seen the removal of important understorey vegetation along the river corridor, which may have provided a valuable habitat and food source for smaller birds, echidnas and other native animals. Removal of several larger limbs of native trees is also evident. Bulldozers have moved and piled up thousands of tonnes of dirt. The risk of silt washing into the Hindmarsh River should a downpour of rain occur is a real concern.

The Oceane Victor Harbor could construct residential allotments at alternative locations within the wider project area, which would result in significantly less impact upon the biodiversity of the area.

Later-stage development plans by Oceane to undertake additional clearance of native vegetation along the Hindmarsh River are also opposed.

We understand that this site may eventually see the construction of nearly 1,000 homes. We recognise the need for housing and believe such developments can be done sympathetically with the environment.
#savethehindmarshriver

If you want to help, please;
- write letters to the editor of the Times / Fleurieu Sun - editorial@fleurieusun.com.au 
- write to the Oceane Victor Harbor developer, Kingsley Living - wendy.kerrison@kingsleyliving.com.au
- write to the Mayor & elected members of the City of Victor Harbor - localgov@victor.sa.gov.au
- write to David Basham MP – Member for Finniss -  finniss@parliament.sa.gov.au
- write to Susan Close MP Deputy Premier & Minister for Climate, Environment & Water
OfficeofTheDeputyPremier@sa.gov.au

Help Biodiversity Victor Harbor give the environment a loud voice on the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula. 
We welcome you to become a member and/or make a tax-deductible donation via our website. Thank you!