Council is being asked to reconsider their plans for constructing two tourism bureaux in the Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp areas, and instead use the amount of approximately R7-million for creating a major tourism draw card which could simultaneously serve as an educational and research facility, while providing sustainable employment to many.
This beauty spot has all the makings of an ecological eco hub for the Southern Cape. It is already a natural bird sanctuary, where the rare Spoonbill was recently spotted alongside the six species of water birds, on a huge tract of municipal land on the eastern borders of town.
The Friends of the Heronry (Frogh) had elaborate plans drawn up into which CapeNature (Scientific Services) gave considerable input. This eco spot could become a centre for biodiversity as hundreds of water birds have already made this area their habitat. "There is scope for wildlife management and the avian fauna can be preserved alongside the bird life."
Attractions
Frogh foresees canoe rides and a curio shop and a tourism information office would be situated alongside a world-class environmental tourism and educational facility.
More recently, the George Business Chamber President, Imel Rautenbach endorsed the aforementioned plans, whilst the Outeniqua Tourism Association (OTA) have become the main proponents alongside Frogh, for creating a green icon which will serve as a catalyst for visitors to overnight in George.
Another ally is Doug Harebottle of the Animal Demographic Unit (ADU) of Cape Town. He wrote to Frogh stating "All species - the Black Crowned Night Heron, Black Headed Heron, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Reed Cormorant and Sacred Ibis are indigenous, and are therefore protected. Should the site be destroyed, an alternative site should be created nearby. The ADU strongly supports Frogh's intentions to preserve the Heronry."
Cape Nature Garden Route Conservation Services Manager, Barend le Roux said in summary, "Since the birds have been breeding at the crocodile farm for numerous years and have caused no conflict in the surrounding residential areas, it would be to the benefit of the George Municipality to protect this heronry at the civic site."
For more information on these unique plans contact Christine Ridge-Schnaufer, Honorary Secretary, WESSA and Frogh at 044 873 4203.
Listen
"Civil society has been asked to get involved in creating a vision and strategy for George. Now Council would do well to listen to the collective voice of business, tourism and conservation bodies which have put forward a plan that can be readily implemented," said Michael Cook Chairman of OTA. The final words came from Doug Harebottle, UCT, who said in his support of Frogh's quest "Biodiversity conservation within the urban framework is a relatively new discipline in ecology and conservation, and with increased pressure from urban development and social pressures we need to find innovative ways to blend the two together." A heronry on the eastern borders of town would make George a trailblazer.
Proponents in favour of creating a new tourism eco spot at the old crocodile farm are asking the George Town Council to consider building a bird sanctuary, modelling it along the lines of the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary in Pretoria, where boardwalks and a highly attractive thatched roof boma-style restaurant is a draw card. The centre is situated in a popular bird sanctuary located in the Walkerspruit Open Space System.
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
