"
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."
