The controversial Lendlease (LL) development for 1700 houses in Koala country west of Campbelltown is pushing ahead – but we have one last chance to save the key wildlife corridor and endangered species. LL have submitted a “planning proposal” that ignores a crucial 250m addition to the Menangle Creek link between the Georges River Koala colony and the bushland to the west along the Nepean River. This was required by the Local Planning Panel (Condition 22A) after it heard submissions from the community and advice from the Chief Scientist of NSW. In the south of Stage 1 Lendlease propose to clear a “critically endangered ecological community”* Campbelltown Council have approved the development and it is now going to the Minister for Planning for his final say. He can also require an underpass on Appin Road (overriding the reluctance of TransportNSW) so Koalas can avoid the dangers of the open road. The Environment Minister can exert pressure to ensure an improved outcome for these Koalas and the wildlife of the Cumberland Plain – which is just hanging on! Please send the action letter below (and add your comments) and pass the weblink onto your network.
* Narrow-leaved Iron Bark – Broad-leaved Ironbark – Grey Gum open forest which forms part of the Shale Sandstone Transition Forest community
Send a message to the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Planning.
You can edit the email subject and add/amend the message. Your email will be sent directly to the Minister for the Environment The Hon. James Griffin and the Minister for Planning The Hon. Anthony Roberts.
Dear Minister,
You now have the last chance to save the Menangle Creek Koala Corridor with Lendlease submitting a new planning proposal for Stage 1 of the Gilead housing development. They have deliberately omitted the crucial 250m addition which was required by the Local Planning Panel after submissions from the community and consideration of the advice from the Chief Scientist. The company also wants to clear a critically endangered ecological community that abuts the Beulah Koala corridor. Lendlease are pushing to change the zoning to allow more intensive development – putting their interests above ensuring protection of this essential Koala Corridor. The Koala colony is the only growing population in NSW after the disastrous fires of 2019/20. TransportNSW must also be required to support the Appin Road underpass so Koalas can get to new habitat without being killed on the open road. These actions are essential and practical. And only you can make it happen.
Regards,
(insert your name here)