Sale of Austin Butler reserve land is unacceptable

The proposed sale of 4130sq metres of public land in Austin Butler reserve to the owners of the Peninsula Plaza is unacceptable.

This area includes over 30 mature melaleuca trees.

Given that Woy Woy has been experiencing the adverse effects of over development with substantial tree loss and heat island effect for many years, it should not be contemplated.

A report commissioned by Council in 2018 found that the area of tree canopy cover at Woy Woy declined by 173 hectares between 2005 and 2014, while the area of impervious surfaces increased by 84 hectares and unplantable space increased by 113 hectares.

It has only worsened since then.

With Council debt being less than expected to the tune of savings of $110million, there is no reason for Council to proceed with this sale of public land.

If they believe in their Greener Places Strategy, they should practise what they preach and save what we already have.

It would take decades to replace the ecological and environmental benefits of these trees and this area could be enhanced to improve urban forest canopy and to continue to provide a shady retreat for people and local fauna to enjoy.

SOURCE:

Email, 30 Aug 2021

Suraya Coorey, Woy Woy