Joint media release with Total Environment centre and Lake Wollumboola protection association inc
The proposed 1200 lot coastal development between two Wetlands of National Importance
on the NSW South Coast should be scrapped to protect the area’s significant habitat and
wildlife, environment groups said today.
"The crude hand drawn maps the developer has submitted to the Department of Planning
show that the Proposed Mixed Use Subdivision at West Culburra will have serious impacts
around the lower Crookhaven River," said David Burgess from Total Environment Centre.
"These areas are internationally significant migratory bird habitat under agreements with
China and Japan. It is vital that native vegetation around Crookhaven River is maintained to
protect bird habitat, known fish nursery and oyster leases."
In 2009 the Draft South Coast Regional Conservation Plan identified the two areas as being
of such high conservation value that they should be permanently protected as a wildlife
corridor, providing an extended coastal link along with connectivity to the Great Dividing
Range. Much of this essential wildlife corridor containing endangered ecological
communities, poorly reserved forest types and wetlands would be bulldozed should the
development go ahead.
“The vital bird shelter, biodiversity value and essential water catchment services provided by
these sensitive coastal environments should not be sacrificed for large-scale development,”
said Pepe Clarke of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
“At a time when we know wildlife corridors will be essential for helping our native animals
adapt to climate change, it is reckless to clear vast swathes of coastal vegetation and leave
them with nowhere to go.
“This development alone would double the population growth Shoalhaven City Council had
expected in the area over the next 30 years, despite the NSW government suggesting only
modest land releases were needed to meet growth demands for the foreseeable future.”
Frances Bray, President of the Lake Wollumboola Protection Association Inc said, "We live
in one of the most sensitive parts of the NSW Coast. This proposal is completely out of
character with Culburra Beach. It is inconsistent with our village lifestyle and preservation of
Aboriginal cultural heritage and the coastal forest and wetlands that surround our
community. We are calling for an independent, inclusive consultation process for Culburra
Beach residents, ratepayers and business people, indeed for all people concerned for this
tranquil part of the South Coast environment."
