Open Letter To Fight Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan Reforms - Signed by 25 NGOs

Dear Local, State and Federal MP,

The Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) covers 200,000ha framing the entire western edge of Sydney. It could curb Sydney’s urban sprawl; protect endangered ecosystems; and help tackle killer urban heat for existing and new residents – while supplying new housing. Twenty-five national, state, and local environment groups are urging that the Plan be amended to put conservation of threatened plant and animal species securely in place before new development. You can find the statement here.

YouGov polling found 84% of NSW residents want Koala habitat protected from development, with 91% supporting a Koala Greenbelt around Sydney. The Greenbelt and connected grid of bushland corridors and waterways, including regeneration areas - will be a treasured conservation and liveability legacy in a global warming environment.

However, the CPCP issued by the previous NSW government (yet to receive Commonwealth consent) fails to deliver a balanced or sustainable future. It is now being reviewed by the Minns Government.

We are calling for the following reforms:

permanent environment protection zoning (C2) of conservation lands
reservation of all Koala corridors according to Chief Scientist criteria (425m width, no less than 250m at any point)
rapid delivery of new national parks and reserves
review of current development proposals
no translocation of Koalas

We are also calling for our supporters to reach out to you through email. They can do so here.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us.

Regards,

Total Environment Centre

Sydney Basin Koala Network

WIRES

Environmental Defenders Office

Nature Conservation Council of NSW

Humane Society International Australia

International Fund for Animal Welfare

Australian Wildlife Society

Australian Forest and Climate Alliance