SUTHERLAND COUNCIL URGED TO BLOCK DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN BUSHLAND JEWELL

Wednesday, 16 April 2003 10:00

Environment groups fighting to stop the sale of 3 kms of pristine bushland on former defence land along the banks of the Georges River have called on Sutherland Shire Council to reverse its half-baked plan for the area and place the entire site in an Environmental Protection zone in the Shire's draft Local Environment Plan currently on public exhibition.

TEC Urban Campaigner Mr Leigh Martin said "Despite overwhelming community opposition and State Government commitment to fight the sale, the Commonwealth Government is still intent on handing this urban bushland jewel to developers. It is vital that the entire site be placed in an Environmental Protection Zone to send a clear message to the Federal Government and developers that development will not be permitted and that the land should be transferred to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for inclusion in the adjoining Georges River National Park".

Under the draft LEP part of the site has been included in a proposed Environmental Protection (Bushland) Zone that would prohibit residential development. Some areas, however, have been placed in an unzoned category that could permit residential development in the future.
Placing part of the Commonwealth land in the Environmental Protection Zone is a welcome step, however, unless the entire site is protected serious degradation as a result of urban development is inevitable", Mr Martin said

Adding support to the call, Georges River Environmental Alliance Secretary Ms Sharyn Cullis stressed the need for comprehensive protection of the Shire's remaining bushland areas "the draft LEP clearly demonstrates that the bulk of the West Menai lands should be off limits for development because of its environmental value. Furthermore, the massive traffic and transport problems require a moratorium on development until comprehensive transport solution, involving public transport options is in place".

Submissions on the draft LEP close 30 April 2003 and residents have been urged to make a submission. "It is vital that a clear message be sent to Council that the community will not accept any development of the former defence land", Mr Martin said.