Shore thing for fundraiser

A POPULAR parcel of coastal land near Cygnet could become a permanent public reserve if a fundraising mission launched this week is successful.

Friends of Randalls Bay Coastcare has signed a contract with the Huon Valley Council to purchase, for $130,000, a 23.8ha block at the back of Randalls Bay beach known locally as the Quarry Reserve.

“This is a once in lifetime opportunity to acquire this unique parcel of coastal land for the benefit of future generations,” FORBC secretary Paul Thomas said.

The group has most of the funds needed but needs to raise another $50,000 to get it over the line.

Any additional funds raised will go towards ongoing maintenance costs including rates, insurance, signage, fencing, covenanting and restoration.

Last century the land was extensively quarried for gravel but the mining lease has been extinguished and rehabilitation work has already been carried out by Coastcare members.

Buying the land will mean the area’s natural values can be protected and maintained while providing residents and visitors with a beautiful place to walk, swim, birdwatch, fish and kayak.

“The Quarry Reserve’s nature trail is well-used by locals and is home to rare and endangered species like the bettong, Tasmanian devil and swift parrot. It is currently ablaze with native flowers,” Mr Thomas said.

“It is a perfect complement to the Randalls Bay beach and the Echo Sugarloaf Nature Trail which our group has spent recent years constructing.

“We investigated all avenues for acquisition and found the safest way to protect it for conservation and public access was to establish a beneficiary trust. We are now appealing to everyone who loves the area to help raise the funds needed to ensure this outcome.”

The Randalls Bay Quarry Reserve Trust is up and running and receiving donations.

So far its Pozible crowdfunding initiative has raised just over $2000. To donate go to https:// www.pozible.com/project/ randalls-bay-coastcare-land