Save our Foreshore Scenic Protection Area

We are urging residents to again write a submission to GRC before the new closing date 31 March 2023.
The key points for submission are:

1. For GRC not to alter or reduce the areas covered by the FSPA in Oatley West, Mortdale, Peakhurst, Peakhurst Heights and Lugarno as it provides a low density buffer zone around creek lines and waterways to maximise infiltration rather than run-off for stormwater and
   protects our leafy suburbs.
2. Retain the existing zoning objectives for the FSPA as stipulated in GRC LEP’2021 Cl. 6.6(1), which places greater emphasis on environmental factors as well as scenic characteristics when GRC considers a DA.
3. Retain the 7 paragraphs as detailed in Cl. 6.6(3) of GRC’s LEP, which also places an emphasis on environmental factors as well as the built environment, which must be considered by GRC prior to issuing any development consent for a DA within the FSPA. See objectives in Cl.6. https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/epi-2021-0587#sec.6.6
4. In light of GRC’s tree canopy study, no consideration should be given to reducing lot sizes or other measures which could result in loss of biodiversity. Tree canopy cover is currently 29-33% and the target is 40.4%. Bushland areas have an average cover of 79% while other areashave coverage ranging from open space (26%), low density (16%), medium density (13%) to high density (12%). [Ref: J5752_Stage4_Biodiversity Study_Volume 1_Georges River_Final_Public access (amazonaws.com) page 38] This indicates that most of the additional 10% or so of canopy cover required must come from the non-bushland areas, including low and medium density, which could be under most threat from reduced lot sizes and losses for new housing.
5. That GRC retain the controls within its LEP of 700sqm for the creation of a new lot, 1,000sqm lot size for a dual occupancy and 30% minimum landscape area within the entire existing FSPA which helps protect the biodiversity within private properties, keeps traffic and off-street car parking to acceptable levels, allows older infrastructure such as water and sewerage to keep pace with development and does not place an undue burden on local schools, medical facilities, hospital services and our public transport system.
6. The Biodiversity Study included a desk top assessment across the whole LGA. However supporting field surveys were limited to the areas with higher biodiversity values (Level 2 and level 3) identified in the desk top study. “Private properties were also not considered for field assessment due to small lot sizes, and as such lower likelihood of biodiversity, as well as access issues.” So, biodiversity in more urban and developed areas may be under- represented as the Level 1 areas were subject to a desktop assessment only. Given this, your submission could be personalised by including photographs of the biodiversity in and around your property giving examples of the flora and fauna that contribute to your neighbourhood and making it so special.
7. Council introduce new local character clauses and character statements in its LEP (rather than the DCP) for each Unique Character Area identified in the Foreshore Scenic Character Study to complement the existing zoning controls for the FSPA in GRC LEP 2021.
8. GRC prepare Development Control Plans (DCP) for:

a) New green corridors for existing and future habitat connectivity corridors; and

b) Areas to improve tree canopy coverage.