From: Megan Mears [
Sent: Tuesday, 25 March 2014 2:24 PM
To: COG Chatline
Subject: [canberrabirds] preservation of birds and the sale of Block 9, Section 64 North Watson
I'm wondering if anyone heard Dr Phil Gibbons from ANU on ABC Background Briefing recently? He spoke about the biodiversity loss relating to Box Gum Grassy Woodlands at the site Block 9, Section 64 North Watson. He was saying that using Justice Robert Hope (JRH) Park as an offset is simply wrong. JRH Park only exists because of the hard work of local volunteers to restore the Box Gum Woodland and this is not the work of the developer. The transcript can be found here:
I am writing because that Woodland is significant in terms of preservation of birds and biodiversity. The old growth is irreplaceable and some birds I have seen in North Watson, are only to be found in that Woodland. Daniel McGrath, the real estate agent involved in the sale assured me that contracts were being exchanged today yet I believe the process is flawed. I have put a copy of the letter I sent to politicians here:
If you have any information you feel will add to my understanding please contact me. If you wish to visit or photograph this unique area I urge you to do so quickly as I am sure a fence will be erected soon and this Woodland lost. The area is between JRH Park and Caravan Park.