The
first acquisition by the Oxygen Farm was 372 Ha of wet and dry sclerophyll
forest and warm temperate rainforest on the eastern fall of the great
dividing range on the mid north coast of New South Wales (see map).
The land had been recognized as an environmentally significant area
by the local community in the mid 1980's.
At the time the Greater Taree City Council (GTCC) assessed the portion as part of a survey of several sites of ecological significance. It contains a fine example of wet sclerophyll forest with at least two different associations that are not well conserved in the Taree area. It encompasses interesting samples of warm temperate rainforest and provides habitat for rare and uncommon species. Attempts were made by the local community to provide for the protection of the land through several government departments. Despite acknowledging the significance of the land they were unable to help.
In late 1988 the owners of the land put the property up for auction. Realising that acquisition of the land might be the only way to ensure it's protection a group of residents wrote to the GTCC seeking their approval, in principle, for the subdivision of nine small building blocks along the north east corner of the property in the village of Elands, subject to the remainder of the property being established as a conservation area. Approval, in principle, but subject to consent from the Department of Planning, was received just prior to the auction.
Eighteen members of the community each agreed to loan $5,000 towards the estimated reserve price of $90,000. The understanding was that these loans would be repaid from the sale of the subdivisions, if and when these should occur. Additionally, those who had agreed to make the loan prior to the auction date, would receive first refusal on the sale of the subdivisions.
The property was acquired at auction on 23rd November 1988 for $89, 000. The only competitive bid was from logging interests. Approval was subsequently received from the GTCC in early 1989 for the subdivision of nine blocks, subject to the residue (375.2 Ha) of the property being retained as a conservation area, or the like, in a form acceptable to Council. Development costs associated with the subdivision approval were in excess of $60,000 and included roadworks, electricity supply and survey costs.
An Incorporated Association, The Oxygen Farm Association was formed in August 1989 and membership was open to the public for a membership fee of $ 50 and a $25 annual. It was the intention of the Oxygen Farm Association to acquire the title to the property upon completion of the sale of the subdivisions and after repayment of the initial $5,000 loans, together with any surplus funds. All subdivisions were sold by February 1992. Following payment of interest and all other expenses incurred in the project a small surplus remained. This was transferred to the Oxygen Farm Association Inc. and the Association took possession of the land.
In keeping with he aims of the Oxygen Farm the property has been declared a flora and fauna reserve. Further subdivision of the property or its use for anything other than a flora and faunas reserve is prohibited. In order to preserve the integrity of the land additional caveats were attached to the titles of the subdivisions prior to their sale which prohibited the use of any poisons, controlled the destruction of any trees, and restricted building heights.
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The
Oxygen Farm is located at Elands, |
