State Government urged to intervene on Albion Park subdivision proposal

Thursday, 02 August 2001 10:00

The Total Environment Centre (TEC) and Nature Conservation Council (NCC) have sought the assistance of the Minister for the Environment, Bob Debus, Minister for Land and Water Conservation, Richard Amery and Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Andrew Refshauge, to ensure that the environmental impacts of the proposed 11 lot residential subdivision are properly assessed.

"Council's botched response to the recent destruction of the threatened plant species Zieria granulata has shown that it is totally incapable of dealing with threatened species and other environmental issues. Yet they have consistently refused to involve the relevant State agencies," Mr Leigh Martin TEC Urban Campaigner said.

Council was recently alerted to the destruction of the threatened plant species Zierra granulata as a result of vegetation control activities on the site. Council officers inspected the site but failed to detect any damaged specimens. An inspection two days later by National Parks and Wildlife Service staff revealed up to twelve plants damaged or destroyed.

To make matters worse Council advised residents that a valid consent had been issued to allow the work. It appears, however, that the consent did not apply to the lot on which work was undertaken.

"Only the intervention of the National Parks and Wildife Service prevented any further loss of Zieria granulata", Mr Martin said.

NCC executive officer, Kathryn Ridge, urged the public to oppose a development application for the site, now before Shellharbour Council.

"This development is going to chip away at the environmental integrity of the area until there is nothing left, and it will be a development based on incompetence and not the greater interest of the environment or the community," Ms Ridge said.