Proposed Zoning Changes DLEP 2002
December, 2003
There are another 15 localities of conservation significance
where the rezoning is still to be decided.
St Columba's Site, Springwood
The St Columba's site is an important cultural, Aboriginal archaeological
and natural heritage site. It is located at the head of the important
Blue Gum Swamp which flows into the World Heritage National Park.
The provisions that Blue Mountains City Council has proposed in
DLEP2002 for this site, if formally approved, will result in one
of the greatest victories for the environment and conservation movement
in the Blue Mountains.
Councillors have recommended an extension of the Environmental Protection
zone to cover all uncleared bushland. This will protect most of
the existing bushland which is essential to the conservation of
two important sub-catchments: the eastern side of the site drains
to Blue Gum Swamp Creek and the western side flows into the Grose
River. This western side has already been identified by the NSW
Government as a 'conservation sub-catchment' for special protection
as part of its policy to improve the health of the Hawkesbury-Nepean
River.
The St Columba's property contains 55 recorded Aboriginal archeological
sites with potential for many more. The area of uncleared bushland
being recommended for EP zoning contains two archeological Aboriginal
open campsites.
The proposal on display will allow for some increase in development
in the existing cleared area. This allows for private recreation
and associated land uses and facilities for the community. It will
also allow for self supporting accessible housing for the aged and
those with a disability. Further educational facilities or a conference
centre may be possible.
This is by far a preferable option than any other being proposed.
The alternative was to allow for 12 hectares of residential development,
a significant proportion of which would have involved clearing the
bushland in this important Middle Nepean catchment.
It is vital to secure this land for its natural, Aboriginal and
cultural heritage values. It is important that members support this
proposal. Without your support we fear that this precious land could
become part of the urban sprawl.
Bulldozed Bushland for Asset Protection Zones
Bulldozing huge swathes of bushland to bare earth around new developments
is sadly a common occurrence. The excuse for this is to create an
"Asset Protection Zone" and the reason, that it is cheap
to use the bulldozer whilst it's there to dig the footings.
Bulldozing for bushfire protection is destructive and unnecessary.
Neither the State Government or RFS recommend earthworks to provide
bushfire protection. The NSW guideline called 'Planning for Bushfire
Protection' recommends that Local Environment Plans include clauses
that specify that site disturbance should be minimised. It also
suggests specifying that work should "be carried out by hand
with trees being felled rather than pushed over". (refer to
Appendix 1 clause 2.1.4)
DLEP 2002 offers an opportunity to stop this practice of bulldozing
to bare earth. The draft proposals are good but don't go far enough.
A clear statement is needed to specify which methods of hazard reduction
are not permissible. This is necessary to allow Council to stop
this practice of bulldozing.
Other issues
The protection of watercourses, slopes or sensitive vegetation is
involved in the other 15 locations we are investigating. Your submission
could make a difference
The Society is compiling a submission but this only carries the
weight of a submission from one resident. We need all our members
to write. You are urged to make your own written submissions. If
you need further information to write your letter contact Lyndal
Sullivan 4782 1635 or email lyndal@hermes.net.au.
There is not much time. The closing date for comments is 10th December.
Letters should be entitled "DLEP 2002 - Exhibition of Deferred
Matters" and mailed to the General Manager, Blue Mountains
City Council, Locked Bag, Katoomba 2780 or emailed to lep2002@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
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