In coastal Gumbaynggirr country Ngunguru Mirral or 'Picket Hill' can be seen for miles in the area. The ever expanding highway cuts the sacred mountain off from the seaside. The town of Valla divides two coastal nature reserves. Both Valla Nature Reserve and Jagun Nature Reserve to the north contain littoral rainforest and endangered ecological communities. Koalas, powerful owls and glossy black cockatoo among other wildlife find refuge in this habitat.
The Valla Nature reserve and Valla sub-urbia interface
is the usual story of NSW coastal settlements: Habitat fragmentation and habitat grab. Drain pipes spill into the creeks. Horticultural weeds and dogs pour their externalities into nature's refuge. Pets keep wildlife at bay. Endless paths from private properties find the fastest way to the beach and waterways. Private gardens annex the reserve. Fossil fuel and water fuelled lawns expand. Trees blocking 'views' are chopped, poisoned or ripped from the ground.
Dead trees
Each access point to the beach seems to be a hot spot for degradation. Trees all die near housing and human infrastructure. Bitou weeds, the legacy of previous extractive industries are blooming. Today a place for extractive recreational activities.
Frontier lawlessness
An abundance of 'drives' are leading to the ocean. The usual car park 'viewing platforms', timber walkways and forests of signs. Prohibition signs by absentee authorities are always an indication of what behaviour or actions are taking place there. Users seem either illiterate of lawless. At both North and South Valla Beach the beaches and waterways are teaming with dogs 24/7. Pet owners drive their 'best friends' to the beaches to roam and deposit their feces. Families swim and surf in this beach side atmosphere. SUVs race at high speed through the beach scene. All seem to be in the spirit of indulging in this frontier 'freedom'.
Locals reject the local environment.
Native gardens are rare. Many seem to be hoarding pets that keep the Australian animals at bay. Pet owners are voting with their feet. Dogs are yapping through the night silencing any frog cacophony. The unwillingness to share the space with native flora and fauna makes the town like any other NSW non-place suburbia.
In the Valla Nature Reserve
In coastal Brush Box groves among flowering Christmas Orchids one finds dog dropping wrapped in plastic bags or pure. Cement drain pipes funnel suburban 'run off' into the little dry creeks. A labyrinth of paths leads to backyards.
 |
| Valla Nature Reserve shaved for human use |
The Ngurrala Aboriginal Green Team are attempting to stem the tide by restoring bushland at Valla Beach. As in most North Coast beaches and nature reserves there seems to be zero enforcement by National Parks and Wildlife Service and Nambucca Shire Council to see that the nature reserves continue to be a refuge for biodiversity in a sea of monoculture.
Hungry Head Beach Going to the Dogs
