Save Briars Wildlife Sanctuary

We have no issue with the event, but strongly urge the council to find a more suitable venue. 

MP Shire advertises the Briars Sanctuary as “an ark – a place which nurtures, protects and celebrates the unique flora and fauna of the peninsula, now rare but not lost.” This statement is at odds with the council’s unilateral decision to convert this sanctuary into a private entertainment venue for Warner Brothers without adequate community engagement or consultation. 

HRF observes five main issues with the plan: 

• Lack of oversight: All environmental risk mitigation has been performed by “experts” with no formal publication of findings; this is in direct contravention of standard practice and specifically concerning for such a vulnerable environmental site.
• Lack of access to information around restoration of the site and protection of flora and fauna. e.g. Does Warner Bros have an environmental restoration obligation clause in their contract with the Shire?
• Impact on infrastructure: the current plan will require expansion of some pathways to provide access to large heavy vehicles and generators and will further disturb habitat by placing large props within natural wooded areas – this will alter and destroy habitat corridors currently providing a home to protected wildlife and force these animals off the site. In addition, extension of the existing pathways will impact the hydrological stability of the site.
• Artificial noise and bright lighting: the event will be brightly lit at night for sustained periods of time – this will force nocturnal animals off the site, including protected owls.
• Human disturbance: the event is forecasted to host 200,000 people over several months; high numbers of people walking in dark conditions presents potentially devastating risk to the sanctuary’s flora and fauna.

What You can do:

• Sign the petition ➡️ Change.org – Petition
• Write to The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Environment, Tourism, Sport and Major Events (…please see example below).