Western Sydney Woodland Under Threat

“Both the ADI Site and the Air Services Australia site at Cranebrook are threatened with development by this NSW Government. Despite assurances from Federal Labor that money would be provided for the purchase of land, the bankrupt NSW Government continues to look for ways to dump responsibility for protecting our wildlife, by putting it into the hands of big developers,” said NSW Greens MP and planning spokesperson Sylvia Hale.

Western Sydney Conservationists and Greens have opposed the overdevelopment of Defence land that lies to the east of Penrith since 1993. Along with support from the Environmental Defenders Office, The NSW Scientific Committee, The Nature Conservation Council and leading scientists the local community has sought the protection of critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodlands and Grasslands.

“With the recent soaring temperatures in Penrith it cannot be stressed loudly enough that local wildlife need the protection of a corridor wrapped around a water source - in this case South Creek. Instead of protection, the NSW government plans to fill the flood plain and oversee the development of a huge Industrial Park on its banks and then cut the Corridor in half with a massive housing development, roads and other open space infrastructure,” said Suzie Wright, spokesperson for the Nepean Greens.

“Support for the NSW ALP has dried up in the Western suburbs with the repeated failures of this government to put sustainability and protection of these critical environments before the profits of big developers.”

Ms Wright said that following advice from the Environmental Defenders Office The Greens had sought discussions with the Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally. The Greens believe that there is a simple solution - create a new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) that would protect this Ecosystem in the form of a Cumberland Conservation Corridor.

“Time is fast running out for this government and along with it the wilderness in Western Sydney. The ALP could turn this around overnight if they wanted to. Green votes will be crucial at the next election in the seats of Londonderry, Penrith and Mulgoa – the electorates that hold the Corridor. Greens voters will be watching very closely to see what the government does to protect this important and threatened natural asset,” Ms Wright said.

Further comment: Suzie Wright, Convenor, Nepean Greens 0409 300 349