Environmental impact not considered
Gosford City Councils community liaison officer Vicki Brown mentions in the Peninsula News (April edition) that the removal of most of the Kahibah Creek areas native vegetation from around North Pearl Estate Umina, and the replanting of trees in appropriate locations, addresses environmental concerns in the best way.
Ms Brown, responding to concerns of increased weed invasion, then reminded residents that the placing of garden refuse within the stream areas can cause damage to the environment.
In an attempt to reduce flooding in the area, the clearing of native vegetation may be seen as temporary relief, possibly an alternative to major engineering of flood relief drainage needed as a result of poor urban planning.
Councils mass disturbance to this natural area may contribute to severe long-term environmental damage.
More of a concern, the lack of ecological consultation as to the environmental impact on the now protected and ecologically important riparian areas of Umina, including unique native rainforest vegetation, sensitive swamp forest areas and threatened sand-plain woodland.
Not only suffering isolation and a general loss of resilience, careless local government decisions may directly threaten the entire area's bio-diversity.
Flooding may be increased by erosion and siltation problems from the removal of native vegetation from creek banks.
The disturbance will increase rampant weed growth and the need to remove the vegetation more regularly, costing the public many thousands of dollars every year.
Native fauna populations may be reduced by herbicide use or displaced by habitat loss.
Terrestrial, aquatic and marine native fauna and many unique migratory birds that seek refuge in these ecologically important areas, particularly in drought periods, may also disappear.
Tony Whitehead, Woy Woy Peninsula Community Environmental Committee