Save woodland, says Latella

Gosford councillor Terri Latella has called on Gosford Council to save Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland at the corner of Hillview St and Veron Rd, Woy Woy from development.

"The site is one of a few that has been listed by the NSW Scientific Committee in December 2002 as an Endangered Ecological Community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act as it is considered likely to become extinct in nature if threatening processes such as urban development are allowed," Cr Latella said in a media release last week.

"The current threat is a development proposal for an aged care facility.

"The proposal may result in removal and modification of part of the remnant Umina Coastal Sandplain community.

"The NSW Scientific Committee has recommended that the site be protected from development and be nominated for national listing.

"A recent Land and Environment Court decision in 2006 has also acknowledged the environmental significance of this site and its protection."

Cr Latella said it was vital that the significance of the remnant woodland was understood and that development resulting in its destruction should not be supported.

Press release, 25 Jan 2007 Terri Latella, Central Coast Greens