Environment Network calls for environmental review
The Central Coast Council must take seriously its legal obligations and complete a comprehensive Review of Environmental Factors before starting work on a carpark adjacent to dunes at Umina, according to the Community Environment Network.
It was proposed to remove sand dune vegetation over an area of three metres by 80 metres at Umina Beach adjacent to Sydney Ave, said Network chair Mr Gary Chestnut.
He said the Network had written to the council for a copy the Review.
"We wholeheartedly support the Peninsula community's stance that the dune should be protected," Mr Chestnut said.
"The proposed work would result in the removal of the hind dune, associated trees, shrubs, ground cover, important habitat, and reduce the resilience of the dune system which is already vulnerable to erosion and tidal inundation," he said.
"This is an example of a project that does not appear to have given any consideration to the worsening impacts of sea level rise, nor to the environmental significance of the location for habitat, as a seed source, and as a buffer to an adjacent remnant of ecologically-endangered Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland.
"The proposed work must be assessed by a qualified coastal management expert.
"There should be both a flora and fauna assessment.
"The fauna assessment must determine if there are any impacts on local echidna, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and nesting birds," he said.
He said the proposed work would remove species including banksia integrifolia, allocasuarina littoralis and tuckeroo trees along with acacia longifolia, breynia oblongifolia , lomandra, stephania japonica, and native grape vine.
"The work should not go ahead until Council has addressed all legislative requirements."
Mr Chestnut said the Network supported Ettymalong Creek Landcare's objections to these works.
"Council's own adopted Management Plan for the precinct says: 'All development of areas within the recreational precinct should give due consideration to possible impacts on the adjoining Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland endangered ecological community'.
"CEN hopes the Council accepts the community's concerns about the integrity of the dunes at Umina Beach and carefully considers alternative solutions that enhances and improves the sustainability of the dunes."
SOURCE:
Media release, 16 Nov 2022
Gary Chestnut, CEN