URBAN expansion near Nowra could be under threat because a rare orchid was recently given protection by the Federal Government.
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Shoalhaven City Council has long been planning to extend residential areas on land in the Mundamia area, near Wollongong University’s Shoalhaven campus, but the presence of an orchid known as Spring Tiny Greenhood could prevent the development progressing.
As part of its draft local environmental plan council had earmarked the Mundamia area as being suitable for future residential development, possibly including a proposed village centre (shops and public open space) and a mixture of residential lots ranging in sizes and densities to produce a range of housing types.
However, the newly protected orchid may stop the development and Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett may use his power to stop it like he did with Heritage Estate, near Erowal Bay.
Around 450 to 500 plants of this orchid species are spread around Flatrock Creek, Mundamia and Jerrawangla National Park areas.
National conservation officer for the Australasian Orchid Society, Alan Stephenson, said the plant had to be protected.
“It’s special because it does not exist anywhere else in the world and despite numerous local searches over many years I have certainly never seen it anywhere else,” Mr Stephenson said.
“It should be protected because of its low numbers and limited distribution in that it is endemic to this area.
“They occur only in those areas because of the vegetation, rock shelf, water conditions and sunlight.”
Mr Stephenson welcomed news the orchid was now federally protected.
“It’s good news because now we know where we all stand,” he said.
“Some people will not like the announcement, but once again this is a plant that grows nowhere else in the world and needed protection.”
Council’s general manager, Russ Pigg, said the issue was a complicated one and did have similarities with Heritage Estate.
However, unlike Heritage Estate where many landowners were involved, the Mundamia development has only three to four.
The Federal Government now has the final approval power.
Mr Pigg said it was too early to speculate about the impact of the listing.
“I expect some development on the land but not all of it,” he said.
Mr Pigg said further studies would have to be taken, which would mean more cost.
Council’s planning section is studying the legalities, implications and what steps now need to be taken.
A briefing will be tabled next month at council.
The orchids can carry up to five small flowers on a 20-centimetre stem with usually no more than three open at any one time.
Doctor Dean Rouse, a molecular biologist from Australian National University, submitted the orchid for Federal Government protection in 2007.
Mr Stephenson last year also moved to have the orchid considered for protection under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act.
He thought both determinations would be finalised this year and was not expecting the federal announcement so soon.
