Ross Hayward - 24 October 2017
Ross Hayward made the below comments regarding land clearing in Broulee at the Ordinary Council Meeting 24 October 2017.
Submission to ESC Public Forum 24 October 2017
Background
The character of Broulee is very much shaped by its beaches and Bangalay gums in the older established area of the village.
The Broulee Mossy Point community were dismayed and upset at the absence of character that clear felling was having on subdivisions in the Broulee Beach Estate development.
Their objections to further similar development were confirmed by the NSW Planning Minister requiring significant changes to the initial Gateway proposal.
At the end of a long arduous process to reach the present stage the community were given assurances that the westward extension of the Public Reserve between Woolabar Dr. and Gillan Grove would maintain the native forest. This would provide a north -south separation of the 240 house lots in the south west corner of the development
Present Status
Well, ……contrary to assurances the western extension of this reserve has now been clear felled within the Broulee Beach Estate - almost 7,000 sqm.
Those within the community who are aware of this are shocked and upset at this about-face. I'm sure anger will follow.
I feel it necessary to bring this situation to Councillors attention
The flaw in the current thinking is that 100% of buyers want 100% of all trees cleared. Association members living in the new subdivisions demonstrate that this a flawed argument.
(Discuss Photos) - below submission.
Options for consideration
- Do nothing - a courageous decision with long-term consequences.
- Replant - The history of large species trees planted in public areas in the Broulee sand-plain have failed miserably due to insufficient resources allocated to their long term survival.
- Negotiate the dedication of an equal area of undisturbed native forest nearby within Broulee Beach Estate.
The community must be informed how this disaster has occurred.
Council's response to this will affect the community's trust and attitude to future development applications.
