State intervention wanted at Veron Rd

Over 500 people have signed a petition that asks the State Government to intervene in the proposed destruction of rare bushland in Woy Woy.

The site on the corner of Veron Rd and Hillview St is covered with Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland which is listed as endangered under the Threatened Species Conservation Act.

Gosford Council recently approved a development application to build luxury retirement villas, a development that would destroy half the site's bushland.

Ms Shirley Hotchkiss, of the Peninsula Bushcare Forum, said: "People are keen to sign.

"Many expressed disgust at Council's decision to approve it.

"Some were amazed that the Land and Environment Court could reject the site's development, but a similar development could then be approved by Council.

"Others said they've seen and heard the endangered bush stone-curlew on or near the site.

"They are angry that this rare species wasn't even considered as relevant in the decision to bulldoze its habitat.

"Other petitioners said we already have too many units on the Peninsula, and we don't have the infrastructure for the existing population."

Ms Hotchkiss said that, in times of climate change with a greater frequency of severe storms, floods, high winds and bushfires, locating a village of frail, aged retirees in the middle of a forest "is foolish".

"Apart from the increased demands on emergency services, residents will clamour to destroy more bush to reduce the risk of damage to their homes and safety."

Ms Hotchkiss said petition organisers will ask Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews to present the petition in the NSW Parliament.

Ms Hotchkiss said information and petition forms are available by phoning 4341 9301.

Media release, 9 Jun 2007 Shirley Hotchkiss, Peninsula Bushcare Forum