A Quiet Town
A Quiet Town
A Quiet Town
Along the Water
Those sitting for, against or neutral to the proposal are not the only perspectives that need to be considered in what some might consider is a very “human-centric” development. There are huge impacts that urban development has on the surrounding environment - with or without a spiritual connection.
The town of Culburra is synonymous with the flora and fauna it boasts as a drawcard to the region. Beaches, forests, wetlands and an array of species are what makes this coastal area so special and unique to the people who live there. It is no surprise, then, that building on land will see the destruction of some of it - destruction conservationists and their associated groups are not willing to let happen.
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FRANCES BRAY
Conservationist
Conservationist Frances Bray, President of the Lake Wollumboola Protection Association, spoke at the public meeting held on the 24th July 2018. In her speech, Ms. Bray opposed the development on the grounds of the adverse impacts urban development would have on Lake Wollumboola, which is “highly sensitive to polluted runoff from development in the catchment.”
Ms. Bray also brought to attention that the development would be “replacing what is now estimated to be 91.65 hectares of coastal forest in good condition, not the previously advised 74 hectares.” She recommended refusal of the application, as she viewed it as “not consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development” or consistent with long-term public interest.
Numerous attempts were made by the team for further comment by Ms. Bray, however, she declined.
Click to your right to read an excerpt of Ms. Bray's letter to the Independent Planning Commission.
ALEX GOODWIN
CEO of the National Parks Association of NSW
In a letter to the NSW Independent Planning Commission on July 30, 2018, CEO of the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) Alix Goodwin outlines her reasons for rejecting the proposal, on behalf of the NPA.
Ms. Goodwin cites lands within important water catchments, critical landscape corridors and poorly reserved ecosystems and critical habitats as being negatively impacted should the development go ahead.
She also writes that degradation of Lake Wollumboola ecosystem would occur due to negative impacts of the development on the Lake’s water quality. She notes that the development application “did not assess potential impacts on water quality.” Ms. Goodwin also voices her concern for the conservation status of threatened species.
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Click on the letter above to read an excerpt of Ms. Goodwin's letter to the Independent Planning Commission.
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EPILOGUE
On the 27th of September 2018, the Independent Planning commission rejected plans for a championship golf course. On the 17th October 2018, the Independent Planning Commission also officially rejected the housing development application on the grounds of environmental concern.
The Halloran Trust is considering to appeal both cases.
We, as a team, are not here to judge whether those decisions are right or wrong, as it is evident there are many different points of view on this matter. What we do know is that we acknowledge and respect those who stepped forward to voice their opinion, and greatly appreciate them taking the time to inform us and contribute to this story.
That is Where We Stand.
For further resources, visit:
http://ipcn.nsw.gov.au/projects/2018/06/west-culburra-concept-proposal
https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/projects/2018/07/long-bow-point-golf-course
