Friends of South West Rocks fight to save native forest

South West Rocks, January 14, 2003: Friends of South West Rocks Inc (FOSWR) have commenced legal proceedings against two developers, Kempsey Shire Council and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in a bid to protect 8.5 hectares of mature native forest and several threatened species found in the area.

The Environmental Defender’s Office (NSW) will represent FOSWR in the Land and Environment Court.

FOSWR is challenging the consents granted by the Council to Eric Norman and Machro over residential developments on adjoining properties in Trevor Judd Avenue and Steve Eagleton Drive (formerly Belle O'Connor Street), South West Rocks.

“We represent a significant proportion of local residents who attended public meetings more than 12 months ago and who are adamant that the natural environment of South West Rocks should not be destroyed to make way for poor quality development" says Trevor Scott, convenor of FOSWR. "We are hoping for an outcome that will save the significant habitat and create a vegetation corridor in the locality".

The forest found on these properties is home to a large number of native fauna species, including nine threatened species. A Species Impact Statement in relation to the properties has found that the developments would have significant impacts on at least two of the threatened species, namely, the Squirrel Glider and the Brush-tailed Phascogale (small marsupials).

The developers propose to establish a total of 82 residential lots on the properties.

The development applications were not referred to the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure as required under the State Environmental Planning Policy Number 71, which regulates development in coastal areas of New South Wales.

“The Council has also failed to give sufficient consideration to the suitability of the properties for developments, impacts on the coastal foreshore, the scenic qualities of the NSW coast, and the conservation of animals, plants and their habitats,” says Mr Scott. “We will be arguing that the development consents are invalid.”

For more comment contact:

• Trevor Scott, spokesperson, Friends of South West Rocks on (02) 6566 5614
• Jeff Smith, Director, EDO on (02) 9262 6989

* The EDO is a non-profit, non-government community legal centre which provides legal advice and representation to individuals and community groups working to protect the environment. The EDO also takes an active role in environmental law reform and policy formulation and runs a statewide education programme. www.edo.org.au