Development view

Speaking on behalf of applicant Providence Projects, Mr John Zavalokin told the Council meeting that the merits of the application had been "clearly described" in the "thorough report to council".

"The new application has a significant smaller foot print, and is supported by a very comprehensive Species Impact Statement," Mr Zavalokin said.

Mr Zavalokin said the plan was supported by the head of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of New South Wales Mr Paul Lowndes.

"This is the best decision for the survival of Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland (USCW)," Mr Zavalokin said.

"Currently, the site is neglected, and other (UCSW) sites are not attended to.

"We are offering some very practical initiatives."

Mr Zavalokin said the $225,000 dedicated to the council's environmental trust fund would help council remove car bodies from the site and clear it of weeds.

"We will also implement a bush management plan at no cost to the public," Mr Zavalokin said.

"This is a very positive outcome for UCSW."

Mr Zavalokin said the proposal provided conservation-based management and labelled the plan as the "only documented plan of management for this species site".

"We will protect the area," Mr Zavalokin said.

"The proposal is also very considerate to our neighbours."

Mr Zavalokin said the development would also help remove undesirable social behaviour near the schools.

"All these initiatives should show council we are presenting an environmentally-sustainable outcome," Mr Zavalokin said.

Council agenda ENV.22, ENV.23, 8 May 2007