The Friends of Moore River Estuary Inc (FOMRE) is a group of people whose common link is opposition to a large scale development that threatens the quality of the Moore River and surrounding human and natural landscapes. FOMRE is not opposed to responsible and appropriate development, but believes that this should occur only on the north side of the river.
In January 1994 the Moore River Company applied to rezone 557 hectares of land on the south side of the estuary for "urban development". The Guilderton Community Association made strenuous efforts to prevent this development, on many fronts.
FOMRE was originally formed out of a decision by the Guilderton Community Association to do its utmost to protect the uniqueness of this area, and to promote responsible development. It was subsequently registered as a separate incorporated body specifically to focus on the protection of the Moore River Estuary natural landscapes and environment.
The Moore River empties into the Indian Ocean at Guilderton, a very small coastal town an hour's drive north from Perth. The townsite is built on the north bank of this pristine river system. Although the permanent population is small (approx 150), the Moore River area is enjoyed by tens of thousands of holiday makers every year.
The south bank of the Moore River is a key visual, ecological and environmental asset that provides an important wildlife corridor between Yanchep and Wilbinga Parks and Moore River. It has been used as rural land and lightly grazed by cattle since the 1960s, and much of the development site still contains pristine/excellent bushland.
The Plunkett-owned Moore River Company has plans to turn this area into more urban sprawl with a development consisting of around 2000 houses on the tongue of land between the river and sea on the south side of the Moore River. This suburb, for 5,000 people will be in a cul-de-sac, with no communication with Guilderton besides a river swim, a sandbar walk or a 20km drive. Despite current state government approvals, these plans remain impractical and unworkable.
The battle to Save Moore River is more than 21 years on.
The objects of the Friends of Moore River Estuary Incorporated (FOMRE) are as follows:
- to foster and promote an appreciation of the natural landscapes of Moore River estuary;
- to write, publish, or make submissions or join with any person in producing or publishing any material in support of appreciating or protecting the natural landscapes of Moore River estuary;
- to become affiliated with the or subscribe to any other association or bodies whose objects are similar to the objects of the association and, if thought it, to withdraw; and
- to do and perform all acts matters and things necessary to be done and performed so as to encourage the protection of the Moore River Estuary natural landscapes and environment.
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
http://www.savemooreriver.org/