canberrabirds

Red Hill undeveloped

To: "COG List" <>
Subject: Red Hill undeveloped
From: "Jenny Bounds" <>
Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 17:15:17 +1100
COG, along with other environmental groups, put in a submission opposing the housing development on the golf club lease, and supported the Red Hill Regenerators (landcare group's) submission.  A very satisfying result.  Relevant extract from the COG submission is below for those who may be interested.
cheers
Jenny
 
"

The Canberra Ornithologists Group strongly objects to the removal of concessional status which will allow a unit development on the site.  COG is aware that the Red Hill Regenerators have put in a strong objection to the removal of concessional status and the associated residential development, with detailed reasons supporting the objection.  COG supports the submission of the Red Hill Regenerators.

 

It is COGs view that any urban development and the associated increase in traffic and people pressures in this area is completely inappropriate because of the detrimental impacts it will have on the whole area?s natural values, the Red Hill NR, the endangered woodland community, woodland birds, and biodiversity more generally:

·        the removal of native vegetation will impact on native birds, including a range of woodland birds which are known to be declining, such as the Scarlet Robin:

-           COGs survey data over 10 years which includes surveys in the woodlands of Red Hill NR shows that the Scarlet Robin is declining significantly in abundance.  COG will be nominating the Scarlet Robin for listing as a threatened species in the ACT in the near future.

·        the proposed development area is in a core part of the Red Hill woodland remnant; urban development will result in significantly increased human pressures on the reserve area and its flora and fauna, including increased weeds invasion, impacts from unrestrained domestic animals (dogs, cats) which are know to disturb ground nesting birds and take birds as prey; this will inevitably degrade the conservation values of the Red Hill NR

-          impacts on native vegetation in the woodland/reserve from the fire protection/fuel reduction measures to protect housing will result in degradation of woodlands and the reserve area; COGs view is that any housing development near a conservation area must absorb the asset protection zone within its own boundaries and this must not be allowed to intrude into conservation areas

-          increased prescribed burning is likely to simplify the area?s biodiversity and could impact on sensitive habitat such as casuarina stands, habitat for the Glossy Black-Cockatoo; COG has nominated this bird for listing as a vulnerable species in the ACT

·        impacts on native hollow nesting birds which will result from increased numbers of the introduced and highly aggressive Indian (Common) Myna, a species which favours human settlements to find food, but breeds in adjacent woodland and reserve areas ousting native bird species from hollows

·        impacts on wildlife through road kill due to increased traffic.

 

COGs view is that any woodland area which is not used currently should be transferred into reserve and be better managed to protect its values.  As we understand, the woodland area currently under the control of the Federal Golf Club has been poorly managed in the past and allowed to degrade. 

 

COG does not believe it is in the public interest for the deconcession to be approved.  If the Golf Club is unable to continue operating a golf course, their lease should be handed back/resumed, and the whole of the Red Hill woodland complex managed for its conservation values."

 
 
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