By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
WHEN it comes to environmental issues, a familiar name and group is often referred to for comment.
Joan Lindros and Geelong Environment Council (GEC) have been passionate environmental representatives for more than 40 years.
So much so that at times Joan becomes almost ubiquitous when major issues arise, such as the dredging of Corio Bay, logging of Otways forests or creation of the Buckley Falls walk and park.
One of the founding members of the council, passion for the environment still burns brightly for Joan.
Geelong Environment council started in 1972 over an issue of concern at the time – powerboats zooming along the Barwon River, damaging the banks.
A member of Geelong Field Naturalists at the time, Joan and several others realised no existing organisation was equipped to raise environmental concerns, matching the growing awareness of the need to protect our beauty spots.
“Over the years there were many other standout issues we have worked on,” Joan says modestly.
She lists a handful of achievements as highlighting heavy metal pollution in Corio Bay caused by years of contaminating industries, long-term protection of Anglesea’s heathland from urban development, stopping a proposed rowing course on Belmont Common, protecting Point Lillias from development of a huge chemical storage and saving Eastern Park from developers.
She has had to develop a tough hide as the president and main spokesperson for GEC, at times accused of being negative and preventing development.
“If we oppose something it is only to protect something else, so we’re not trying to be negative – we’re actually being positive,” Joan responds.
“We’re supporting the environment because so much is still tragically disappearing so fast.”
An appreciation of the local environment drives Joan and her fellow members.
“Geelong is truly fortunate: we have Corio Bay, access to Port Phillip Bay, beautiful coastal areas and beaches, Otways parks, Anglesea heathlands and the You Yangs park.
“We have many beautiful urban parks, including Eastern Park and the internationally protected Ramsar wetlands of Connewarre and Reedy Lake system, Swan Bay and the Bellarine.
“The Moorabool and Barwon rivers are also a special asset for Geelong residents and visitors.”
The group’s pride and joy is its work revegetating Buckley Falls Park and Barwon River Parklands.
With support from the council, a magnificent park of nearly 80 hectares has been developed.
For nearly 30 years the group and its committee, Friends of Buckley Falls, have organised working bees, weeding and planting, every month, and quite a few times in between.
Joan acknowledges the teamwork behind all the GEC campaigns.
“It is important to have a network of people with knowledge and to tap into other experts. We even raise money to pay for experts, at times.
“A number of GEC members have been involved in environmental organisations more widely than Geelong.
“But the main ingredient is persistence. We have won some battles and lost some, but we will continue on and be persistent.”
More information about GEC is available at geelongenvironment.org.au.
