Conservationists say a pocket of pristine bush on the NSW south coast, and the endangered species that live there, remain under threat from a ‘zombie’ housing estate as the local council rejects the idea of a land swap.
Key points:
- The local council rejected the developer’s idea of a land swap, saying they had no land available
- Greens politician says zombie developer apps are resurrected in many NSW coastal towns
- Federal Environment Ministry says projects likely to affect endangered species must be subject to review
The proposed development is expected to take place on approximately 10 hectares of bushland at Mirador, between Merimbula and Tura Beach, which is home to endangered species such as the long-nosed potoroo and the Merimbula star-haired shrub.
The Development Application (DA) for the proposed subdivision was filed in 1989.
Many communities across NSW have seen several such projects, colloquially known as “zombie developments”, resurrected after a decades-long hiatus, according to Cate Faehrmann, Greens member of the NSW Legislative Council.
“These zombie ADs are happening across the coast from Kingscliff to Yamba, South West Rocks to Port Macquarie and all along the South Coast.”
Following community protests against the Mirador development, developer RCL Group said it was open to a land swap with the local Bega Valley Shire Council.
However, council CEO Anthony McMahon said he had not been approached by the developer to consider a land swap.
“Even if the council hasn’t been approached, if asked, the council just doesn’t have land to trade,” he said.
Federal assessment required
According to the Federal Department of the Environment, any project that may impact endangered species, such as the long-nosed potoroo, “must be submitted to the department” for review.
However, a spokesman told the ABC he had not received a response from the Bega Valley Shire Council.
“A search of the department’s internal databases has not yielded evidence at this point to suggest that the department has received a referral or investigation regarding a development between Tura Beach and Mirador,” a spokesperson said.
The Bega Valley Shire Council did not respond directly to questions about the requirement, but Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said he was confident council staff were following the correct processes.
“What’s happening right now is that the building certificate application is being considered,” he said.
“And I’m sure our planning team would look at those issues and reference them if necessary.”