Despite backlash against the Department of Planning and Environment’s recommendation to refuse the West Culburra development, Frances Bray said the decision will play an important role in environmental protection.
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The development has been a sore point for the community, with most of the residents supporting the plans. But president of the Lake Wollumboola Protection Association president Ms Bray said it would have huge detriment to the environment.
“The reason we have not supported the development is because of the impact it would have on the water quality and the wildlife,” she said.
“All we want to do is protect the environment.”
A popular spot for bird watchers, Lake Wollumboola is a shallow, brackish coastal lake known as an ICOLL, an intermittently closing and opening lake or lagoon.
The lake cycles through high and low water levels depending on rain-fall, run off, openings and evaporation.
Ms Bray said an estimated 104 bird species, including more than 20 NSW-listed threatened migratory species benefit from the lake and Crookhaven River.
“We worry that pollution from the development into the water, as well as an increase of the number of people could stop the birds from nesting,” Ms Bray said.
“Some of these birds only visit Australia once and if they no longer came that would be terrible.”
Ms Bray also worried about nesting shorebirds if the development were to go ahead.
“These birds nest on the sand and if more people are around there’s a risk people could step on the chicks and the eggs,” she said.
The Department of Planning and Environment recommended the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) refuse the proposal for urban devbelopment due to potential for significant adverse impacts on water quality, Aboriginal heritage, and the clearing of over 90 hectares of native vegetation.
Ms Bray said the Lake Wollumboola Protection Association was not against development in Culburra, but rather development that could disrupt the natural environment.
“We believe the planning proposal lodged by the Halloran Trust is a much better plan,” she said. “The lake, Crookhaven River and wetlands are much more protected.”
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
