Region's biodiversity 'undermined' by proposal - CEN
The Central Coast's unique Coastal Open Space System and the region's biodiversity would be undermined if a planning proposal is adopted by Central Coast Council this week, according the Community Environment Network.
Network chair Mr Gary Chestnut claimed council staff had ignored advice from a science group in the State Department of the Environment in recommending the proposal.
The planning proposal would "move deferred matters lands" of the former Gosford Local Government Area into the Central Coast's consolidated planning scheme, he said.
He said the decision would see high value conservation land having less protection via inappropriate zoning, with more than 3000 to be allowed on 1037 allotments currently zoned 7(a).
Mr Chestnut said the council report showed that Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group within the Department of the Environment had made similar criticism to those made by the Network.
"Mr Hart's legacy will be to undermine the precious biodiversity of the Central Coast if he goes ahead with the staff recommendation," he said.
SOURCE:
Media release, 24 May 2024
Gary Chestnut, CEN