PATCHWORK FABRICS at GR AFTON

“Kids may not display trauma the way you think they might, so the Smiling Minds program also deals with mindfulness.

“Next term the Royal Far West Support program will work with us to make sure we are in the best place we can be.”

Genevieve said it was

“We are really close and there can be real merit in a smaller setting.”

Genevieve said the way the local community has looked out for one another is so inspiring.

“We have a great heart and we are a great place to be,” she said.

If you would like to know more about Tumbulgum Public School, you can contact Genevieve at 6676 6237.

HASTINGS POINT - A BEAUTIFUL HEADLAND IMPACTED BY TOO MANY VISITORS

BY SARAH WATERS

AN increase in visitors at Hastings Point headland could be impacting a large range of species and habitats at the popular coastal location.

Tweed Shire Council have initiated a new draft management plan to help protect the diverse and sensitive ecosystem and cultural values of the area.

Hastings Point headland and the adjacent Cudgera Creek have always been a focal point for recreation.

Team Leader Coast and Waterways Tom Alletson said based on anecdotal reports from Council staff and locals, there had been an intense use of the area over the past few years.

“The key issues include degradation of littoral rainforest by access/trampling, the proliferation of weeds, collection of firewood, camping and litter,” Mr Alletson said.

“Birds are another important feature of the headland, particularly the endangered Beach Stone Curlew that nests on the foreshore - one of the few remaining breeding pairs of this species in NSW.

“This bird is highly sensitive to disturbance by people and dogs and predation by foxes or cats.

“Other notable bird species in the area include pied oyster catchers and osprey, both are impacted by litter - particularly discarded fishing line.”

The disturbance of rocks in the creek mouth, which are inhabited by a variety of small worms and crustaceans, affect the food source of shore birds.

There is also pressure on marine organisms that inhabit the rocky ocean foreshore, with locals reporting an overcollection or trampling of them.

Increased traffic congestion and overnight camping in vans have also been flagged as concerns.

Tweed residents have until July 31 to have their say on how they would like to see Hastings Point headland used in the future.

Residents can fill in an online survey available at yoursaytweed.com.au/ hastingspointheadland

The draft management plan will be informed by community feedback and consultation with local stakeholders including the Hastings Point Progress Association, Tweed Coast and Waterways Committee and Tweed’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

When feedback is collated and the draft finalised, further consultation, including drop-in sessions for the community will be held. The project area includes the Hastings Point headland and carpark, Fig Tree Park, Cudgera Creek Park, the Cudgera Creek, the rocky foreshore surrounding Hastings Point headland and the land from the carpark at Peninsula Street to the northern side of the creek mouth.

Littoral Rainforest is a closed forest ecological community recognised by its close proximity to the ocean.

What was once an almost continuous patch of forest along the eastern coast of Australia, has been reduced and fragmented primarily by coastal development, sandmining and agriculture.