Lower Hunter Strategy lacks sustainability

Wednesday, 18 October 2006 23:22

The Lower Hunter regional Strategy has benefits for the natural environment, but also risks to sustainability that should be eliminated, environment groups said today.

The decision to convert over 20,000ha of State owned land into National Parks or conservation area, along with potentially thousands of hectares of private land is an achievement that may never have eventuated without a strong community campaign over many years and the opportunity provided by the Strategy.

”There will be substantial new Parks in in Port Stephens, The Green Corridor, and in the Cessnock LGA,” said James Ryan, ECCHO Coordinator.

”Government has done deals with the ‘large landholder group’ who have caused much community angst over the years with massive and damaging proposals.  While this group is not getting their big ambit claims, some of the development areas in the Strategy (particularly at Catherine Hill Bay, Ellalong and Sweetwater) could cause anger in local communities and may be a recipe for ongoing conflict.”

Additionally the government has to explain how the large increase in isolated greenfield sites will fit with community needs for better public transport.  There will be a lot of problems in the future if young families and retired people cannot get access to community services.”

"While the Strategy has provided the catalyst for some great parks – we estimate it will result in the destruction of up to 5000ha of bushland.  Mr Ryan said. ‘It’s a bit like a Star Wars movie with Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader”

“There will also be an ongoing concern about how secure are the agreements to deliver private land to conservation and protection of natural values in the interim.”