BMCS
SUBMISSION TO Draft LEP 2002
SECTION
II ZONING MAPS
1.0 GENERAL ISSUES
1.1
METHODOLOGY FOR ALLOCATING ZONES
We support the methodology
for the allocation of EP zones as outlined in EMP 2002
Vol.1: Planning Framework for DLEP 2002, p 59-60. It is unfortunate
that Council has not had sufficient enough resources to enable the
groundtruthing of all the vegetation communities prior
to the exhibition so that more of these areas could have been zoned
EP.
We support the methodology for the allocation
of Protected Areas as outlined (pp 89-91 ibid).
WATERCOURSES
Watercourse
corridors proposed in the following section of this submission for
EP zoning are based on the criteria used in the Planning Framework.
Some watercourses which have been piped have also been proposed.
The reasons for this are outlined in Appendix A of Section I of
this submission.
CEMETERY MANAGEMENT
We recommend that all
cemeteries have a buffer area of at least 25 m wide, contained within
the lot, for the protection of groundwater. In cemeteries located
within 100m of a swamp or watercourse this buffer width should be
increased (similar to buffer widths required around effluent disposal
areas as stated in Better Living DCP, clause D1.9.11).
This buffer should be zoned Environmental Protection-Open
Space.
These recommendations are based on work being undertaken
by Boyd Dent and Michael Knight at the National Centre for Groundwater
Management (University of Technology, Sydney). During the 1996-1998
National Study of Cemetery Groundwaters, Dent and Knight compiled
a paper entitled "Cemeteries: A Special Kind of Land fill. The
context of their Sustainable Management". This paper was presented
to the Groundwater Sustainable Solutions Conference in Melbourne
in 1998 [International Association of Hydrogeologists]. It makes
the following recommendation:
There are
now sufficiently strong grounds for asserting that cemeteries must
have buffer zones on all boundaries but particularly on topographical
lows and lowermost portions of hydraulic gradients. These should
be planted with substantial, deep-rooting, native trees that consume
large volumes of groundwater, rather than lawns that are unlikely
to do this and may also permit excessive infiltration. No interment
should lie at the cemetery boundary. Buffer zones in sandy areas
should be larger than those in clayey soils, but at present cannot
be prescribed for size.
More recent
work by Boyd B. Dent gives more
precise guidelines as to the width of buffer zones. This Study recommends
that buffer zones be created around the whole of sites at default
distances of:
-
20 m in sandy
soil if the boundary is down hydraulic gradient or on a topographic
low; otherwise 10 m. This distance should be greater (to 25
m) in sandy areas with high hydraulic gradients, say more than
0.05 (5 %).
-
10 m in clayey
soils if the boundary is down hydraulic gradient or on a topographic
low; otherwise 5 m.
Dent explains
that there may be some instances where the default distance is inappropriate
or too restrictive to the cemetery development: either too short,
for example where a cemetery on steep aeolian deposits borders a
wetland; or too great, for example where a clayey site adjoins a
landfill; and that these should be resolved following an appropriate
geoscientific evaluation.
In the buffer
zone a further effort should be made to attenuate groundwater flow
by removing it naturally, that is, through evapotranspiration with
suitable vegetation - one of the forms of phytoremediation. The
planting of deep-rooting, locally adapted, native vegetation is
likely to provide the best type of planting, although there are
many cases where other species have proved effective in a particular
use.
Dent's analysis shows that
the most likely inorganic chemical of concern to leave the cemetery
boundary is nitrogen. The next most concerning elements are Cl,
SO4, Na, Mg and P. Overall the levels are small, but
N and P have the propensity to cause environmental degradation because
they are plant nutrients. If these nutrients could be consumed en-route
this would be advantageous for wetlands or aquifers that receive
the groundwaters.
The assessment of the survival and transmission
of potential pathogenic organisms, and the likely off-site migration
of some nutrient substances, has reinforced the need to keep cemeteries
away from swampland or other natural groundwater phenomena or waterways
and lakes.
The potential risk is that products of decomposition
will spread from the swampland and contaminate the groundwater system
and/or have detrimental effects on the swampland ecosystems. With
respect to the latter, the effects will be very varied depending
on the size, type and inter-relationships of the swampland.
The Society therefore
makes the following comments concerning the proposed Zoning
in DLEP 2002:
-
The Society recognises that Council wishes
to create a 'base' zoning over land, over which the special
uses would be an additional development right. We agree with
that approach.
-
The cemeteries are generally zoned Recreation
Open Space, with some areas of Environmental Protection Open
Space. We propose that the extent of the area to be used for
cemetery purposes be zoned Recreation Open Space, and the areas
to be retained as natural bushland be zoned Environmental Protection
Open Space.
-
Additional site development would be contrary
to the findings of the Cemeteries Conservation Management Plan
regarding the clearing of native bushland.
-
The Special Use should be excluded from the
Environmental Protection Open Space zone. A cemetery is an intensive
land use, requiring significant ground disturbance. Necessary
environmental impact is not compatible with the expressed objectives
for this zone.
Development Management
The Society recommends that a clause be added to the
written instrument under part 4, Division 8: "Provisions for Specific
Land Uses", to include the major land use principles in the DLEP
itself. The following are based on the findings of The Conservation
Management Plan for Blue Mountains Cemeteries
:
-
-
retain the native bushland as a "common thread"
in landscaping;
-
there shall be no expansion of cemetery works
into Protected Areas;
-
cemetery development shall avoid ecological
buffer areas, riparian buffers and vegetation corridors
-
there should be no excavation on slopes of
over 20%;
-
retention of existing native vegetation of
at least 25 m wide on the topographic low sides or an equivalent
planting to create a buffer for the protection of groundwater;
-
preparation and compliance with a stormwater
management strategy.
-
Comments about each of the following cemeteries are
contained within the body of this section under the relevant locality
headings:
-
Mt Victoria;
-
Blackheath;
-
Katoomba;
-
Wentworth Falls;
-
Lawson;
-
Faulconbridge;
-
Springwood.
STUDY AREA 1
MT VICTORIA map sheets 4 & 5
North of GW Highway
Land between Carrington Ave and Darling Causeway map
sheet 4
We support the EP zone and ecological buffers
around this creekline and steep slopes.
In addition to the sensitivity of those lots
containing the EP land, the appropriateness of any residential development
should be reviewed because of the difficult access to the Darling
Causeway.
Mt
Victoria Cemetery map sheet 5
This lot contains Blue Mountain Swamp which requires
more than a Vegetation Constraint Area to protect it. It should
be zoned EP to include some buffer and should have an additional
ecological constraint area applied to extend the buffer zone. Not
only is there a need to protect the swamp with deep rooted plants
in a buffer, but also to protect the groundwater from pollution.
We recommend that a significant buffer be located at least along
the NE and SW corners where the land slopes towards each creekline
system.
South of GW Highway
Victoria
Street map sheet 4
We agree that the parts of the lots zoned EP are highly
constrained by slope and should not be developed.
Violet
Road lots proposed for EP and Acquisition map sheet 4
We agree this area is highly constrained by
slope and the presence of significant communities and should not
be developed. We agree with the EP zone and with the acquisition
of these lots.
BLACKHEATH map sheets 6 & 7
West of GW Highway
View
St - properties to the west and north map sheet 6
We support the EP zoning of the steeply sloping
land and the Blue Mountain Heath and Scrub community. However, it
has not been given a protective Ecological Buffer area.
Valley between Goodare and Waragil Streets map
sheet 6
We support the EP zone and ecological buffers
around this creekline and swamps
Gordon Ave- properties to the west map sheet
6
The EP zones on these properties is supported,
as are the road closures in this steep locality.
East
of GW Highway
Cemetery (on GWH west of Ridgewell Road)
map sheet 6
The sections of the cemetery with Eucalytus oreades
communities should be zoned EP and given an Ecological Buffer area.
In order to protect the E. Oreades community,
it is much better to have the area split zoned with an EP
(otherwise there is total reliance on the Plan of Management for
this cemetery which is woefully inadequate with respect to any environmental
considerations and has not considered groundwater issues). If the
Recreation zone remains, further clearing would not be subject to
the DA process (although strictly speaking it should) as the clearing
is likely to be incremental. Another important issue is the need
for deep rooted plants around cemeteries because of contamination
of groundwater.
Rifle Range and adjoining Reserve, Crown land
on Ridgewell Road (east of cemetery zoned Liv-BC) [R.163
and R85700] map sheet 6 or 7
The drainage from this site flows to the Grose River
via Victoria Creek. This zoning gives the land a capacity for extensive
subdivision. While it may not all have been mapped as significant
vegetation it is still an important area of bushland and any development
would have adverse impacts on the Victoria Ck catchment. Part of
this needs to be zoned EP to give better catchment protection.
Land
between Ridgewell and Hat Hill Roads map sheet 7
We support the designation of this land as
EP and the NS requirement.
We urge Council to verify the Eucalytus oreades
community soon to increase the level of protection from a Vegetation
Constraint Area to an EP zone with an Ecological Buffer Area.
Popes Glen Catchment map sheet 7
We support the EP zoning between Willis and
Eyre Streets, but believe this needs to be extended further into
the existing Caravan park area to ensure a more adequate buffer
for the creekline. The mown grass on the southern side of the creekline
does not provide an adequate ecological buffer. There is also a
fragmented remnant swamp on this land which is not identified in
Panel E.
The part of one lot in Dell Street which intrudes
into the Reserve has been zoned EP - this is supported.
Further down the catchment one large lot with
a Hat Hill Rd street frontage has been proposed for EP (back section
only) - this is strongly supported in order to protect the catchment.
Rolner Park Area (First - Fourth Streets)
map sheet 7
The swamp between Third and Fourth Streets
has not been identified on the vegetation map in Panel E nor given
any protection by Protected Areas or Zones. There is a tributary
running into this swamp from above Third Street. This swamp should
be protected with an EP zoning (on both the public and private land).
Govetts
Leap Brook - Days Cres area map sheet 7
This is a steep area with an important hanging
swamp supplying water to the Bridal Veil Falls. The EP zone and
Ecological Buffer Areas proposed in this vicinity are strongly supported.
Govett's Leap Brook Catchment - area
between Govetts Leap Road, Cross St and Evans Lookout Road map sheet 7
The EP zones and Ecological Buffer Areas proposed
in this vicinity are strongly supported including those on the Golf
Course. This area is largely bushland and should be protected to
prevent pollution of the stream.
Blackheath Centenary Reserve - between Brentwood
Avenue and Cleopatra Street
This reserve contains some of the few remaining
remnants of ridge top vegetation within the village. It has been
under active bush regeneration for some years and has a rich flora.
It lies on the divide between Popes Glen Creek and Govett's Leap
Brook.
We support the proposed Environmental Protection
Zone.
Sutton
Reserve map sheet 7
We support the proposed EP zone over a significant part
of the Reserve. However, we believe that this zone should extend
further to coincide with the existing natural bushland area. It
should also cover all the locations of Persoonia acerosa
including those which have been slashed, in order to allow for possible
regeneration.
MEDLOW BATH Map sheet
8
Residential areas - Living Bushland Conservation Zone
We support the Living-Bushland Conservation zoning over
the entire residential area. This will best protect the water catchment
areas with its limits on hard surfaces and weeds.
East of Transport Corridor
Medlow Park
We support the EP zoning of Medlow Park, however
we believe this should be extended to cover all the existing bushland
areas. The Recreation zone should go no further than the existing
cleared areas.
Areas
mapped as Vegetation Constraint Areas
The areas identified as 'Protected Areas- Vegetation
Constraint Area' (sheet 8, panel B) should be zoned Environmental
Protection and be designated an appropriate Ecological Buffer Area.
These remnant Eucalyptus Oreades communities should be protected
by a stronger zone plus a buffer. The 'No Subdivision' requirement
will also assist and is supported.
West of Transport Corridor
The western side of the highway is highly constrained
by slope and escarpment and requires the protection offered by Environmental
Protection zones and Protected areas.
Water Supply Catchment Area issues [cl 47]
We agree that restrictions are necessary within the
water supply catchment. We do not believe that any new developments
which will be reliant on the use of a 'pump out system' should be
permitted. Further development, even on existing lots, should be
restricted to those which can be connected to the reticulated sewer.
[see Appendix B of Section I of this report
which discusses the pollution resulting from pump out systems].
STUDY AREA
2
NORTH KATOOMBA - NORTH LEURA
Area north of Wattle Tree Road (previously zoned
Rural) map sheet 11
We support the proposed EP zone & acquisition of
land. The high fire risk and the significant vegetation (Eucalyptus
Oreades Forest, Blue Mountains swamps and heath) justify this
zoning. This area forms part of a wildlife corridor between Cascade
Dam catchment area and the National Park (including the land north
of Davidson Rd).
Area North of Davidson
Road (previously zoned Rural) map sheet 13
We support the proposed EP zone for this area as it
contains significant vegetation (E. radiata, Blue Mtns Heath, scrub,
swamp).
Council owned land on Lindeman Rd map sheet
13
We support the proposed EP zone. The area deserves protection
for its steep slopes, the significant communities on the site and
also rare flora and fauna species.
Harold Hodgson Park map
sheet 11
We support the remnant bushland being covered
by EP zone and also the creekline buffer
Bureau Park map sheet
11
The proposed zoning for this areas is Rec-OS. The parts
of this area covered with native vegetation should be protected
with an EP zone. We understand that much of this bushland is a Eucalyptus
oreades Open Forest which has been identified as significant
but has not been mapped. It also includes some of the riparian corridor,
the watercourse buffer and steeply sloping areas.
Creeklines (from west to east)
Katoomba Creek - above North Street map sheet 11
Areas where EP zones have been given are supported.
However, in order to achieve the objectives of the LEP, this zoning
should extend further to give more effective protection to the following
sections of the watercourse:
-
North of Harold Hodgson Park and south of North
Street - this part of the creek has not been zoned Environmental
Protection.
-
North of North Street
downstream to South Street - some of this section of creekline
does not have an EP zone, other parts have very narrow zones.
It requires a wider corridor zoned EP and on both sides of the
creek
-
The western tributary of Katoomba Creek has
not been adequately covered for its length (from near the corner
of West and Fitzgerald Streets flowing down to the start of
the Res I site's North street boundary). All sections proposed
as EP are supported.
Unnamed creek between Hill View Rd &
Fifth Avenue map sheet 11
We support the EP zones on the private land
to give protection to the swamps, forests and riparian buffer, and
to keep development away from steep slopes. This is an important
feeder creek for MinneHaHa Falls.
Yosemite Creek map sheet 11
We support the EP zoning on private land of the Creekline
west of Seventh Ave.
We support the EP zone on the tributary flowing west
of the tip & behind Bureau Park, however the EP zoning should
be extended to the area zoned Employment.
Tributary between Woodlands and Marmion Road (Marmion
Creek): We support the EP zone on the Waste Management facility
lot, but believe it could be more extensive.
Govetts Creek map sheet 13
We support the EP zones, the Ecological Buffer Areas
and the Slope Constraints around the Creeklines and the Eucalyptus
oreades communities in the headwaters of Govetts Creek. These
affect land in Kings Rd, Lindeman Rd, Mount St and Highland Rd
Employment Zone between Barton St and Woodlands Road
Katoomba map sheet 11
We support the EP zones around the creekline. However,
it is proposed that more of the smaller blocks be required to be
consolidated to enable development to occur outside of constrained
land.
Katoomba Cemetery map
sheets 11&13
We support the EP zoning on the cemetery land, however
the extent of this zone does not adequately protect the groundwater
or the watercourse on site.
The watercourse corridor has not been zoned EP for its
full extent (see mapping of watercourse on panel L of sheet 11-
this is more accurate than the mapping shown in panel E). It is
also proposed that an extensive buffer of native vegetation be retained
and zoned EP, to protect the groundwater from pollution. Given the
proximity of creeklines and swamps to this land, together with the
slope of about 10%, more than the recommended 25 may be required.
Residential Investigation Area on Mort Street map
sheet 11
This has been omitted from this DLEP. It was also excluded
from LEP 91.
SOUTH KATOOMBA
UPPER KEDUMBA RIVER VALLEY
map sheets 12 and 10
Frank Walford
Park/Katoomba Falls Reserve (Katoomba Park & Extension)
We support the Environmental Protection - Open Space
zoning of all those parcels of land within these Reserves/Parks.
We support land acquisitions in Murri St, Neale St and
behind Valley Rd (the top of the tramway) which will prevent development
on steep, unstable slopes. Adding these areas to the public land
will help to maintain the continuity of the green corridor and prevent
unsuitable development which could degrade the natural values of
the public land.
We support road closures as shown both within the Reserves
and in the immediate surrounds, particularly the central section
of Peckmans Rd & Lomond St.
We object to the size of the Recreation-Open Space zones
in Frank Walford Park which covers land identified in the Plan of
Management as Natural Area-Watercourse and Natural Area-Bushland.
They also extend into a hanging swamp on the ground in the western
& northern sides.
We believe that the following areas should be added
to the list for acquisition and zoned EP-Open Space:
- the rest of the tramway which cuts through Frank Walford
Park;
- the sections of the tramway in the rest of the valley
which are zoned EP-General;
- lots 25 & 26 Waratah St (which front onto the
unmade section of Waratah St);
- 7 Peckmans Rd (as it is on a watercourse).
Residential Areas Adjacent to Katoomba Falls
Reserve/Frank Walford Park
map sheet 10&12
We support the Living-Bushland Conservation & Living-Conservation
zoning (which provides for minimum lot sizes) of land bordering
the public land in the valley.
We object to the Living-General zones on land adjoining
the valley in Pine St, Gates Ave and Waratah St. Also in Walgett
St and on the several blocks at the intersection of Loftus St &
Neale St. This zone will allow higher density development &
therefore potential impacts on public bushland. We suggest Living-Bushland
Conservation zoning.
Katoomba Golf Course
map sheet 10
We support the EP zone given to protect the creekline,
swamps and on the Golf Course land. However, we believe this zone
should be extended to protect the Eucalyptus oreades community.
We urge Council to validate the Vegetation Constraint Areas in order
to give these the better protection offered by EP zoning.
The EP zone
on the lots adjacent to the Golf Course in Stuarts Road are strongly
supported.
Watercourses feeding into Upper Kedumba Creek
There are two watercourses which have not been identified
in Panel E nor zoned as Environmental Protection. We request that
these be investigated:
-
Watercourse from Golf Course
There is a watercourse shown on Map Panel E which runs
from the golf course due east towards the Upper Kedumba Creek. The
lower section has not been mapped on panel E, and this section has
also not been zoned EP east of Carlton St. The creekline passes
through the block zoned Living-Bushland Conservation bounded by
Carlton, Peckmans, Stuarts & Ashall Rds.
In order to protect this creekline and avoid the steep
slope, we ask that consideration be given to closing the road reserve
(which is currently unformed) at the southern most section of Carlton
St where it joins Ashall Rd.
-
North of Garden Street
There is a creekline which runs from the swamp identified
above Burrawang St. We draw your attention to the fact that this
section of creekline has not been identified in Map Panel E: Significant
Vegetation Communities / Ecological Buffer Areas. This creekline
runs through the block of properties bounded by Garden St, Peckmans
Rd & Farnell St. We propose this watercourse corridor be zoned
EP.
South Katoomba - West,
Wellington and Stuarts Roads map sheet 10
We support the EP zone on the lot between Wellington
and Stuarts Roads plus the surrounding Protected Areas. However,
we object to the reduced size of the EP area around the watercourse
within the gully between Stuarts Rd & Wellington St, which is
shown on Map Panel A as smaller than the same zone on the LEP 1991
maps.
South Katoomba Employment Zone map sheet
12
We support the introduction of EP zones and
Protected Areas, and road closures in this Employment Zone. This
employment zone is located on degraded swamps and in the headwaters
of Leura Falls Creek.
SOUTH KATOOMBA/ SOUTH LEURA map sheet 14
Leura Falls Creek Catchment
map sheet 12/14
We support the proposed EP zone over most of
Leura Park.
We support the EP zone and the Ecological Buffer Areas
around the creeklines and swamps which form the headwaters of Leura
Falls Creek (which surrounds Leura Park on 3 sides).
The creek running from Lett and Vale Streets
behind houses in Wilson Street (Katoomba) has been zoned EP zoning
and the buffer identified as an Ecological Buffer Area. This is
supported.
Zoning of land around Leura Park
We agree with the Living-Bushland Conservation
zoning of land to the east of Leura Park and strongly support the
ban on planting environmental weeds in new developments in this
area.
We suggest that the Living-Bushland Conservation zoning
should be extended to cover the lots adjacent to the Western boundary
of the park (between Rodova & Govetts Sts) and perhaps all the
way around the boundaries. This would mean better protection for
hanging swamps in this valley, which are being worked on by Bushcare
& Council's environmental weeds team.
SOUTH LEURA map sheet 14-15
Hester Creek map 15
We strongly support the Environmental Protection zoning
of the land north of Hester Place - this swamp provides habitat
for the Blue Mountains Skink and an uncommon bird - the Buff-banded
Rail.
We support the allocation of Protected Areas to land
between Craigend and Vale Sts, Leura, and the zoning of land in
this area as Living Bushland Conservation
Gordon Falls Reserve map
sheet 15
We support the EP zoning of the Gordon Falls Reserve,
however the EP zone should include the triangular parcel on the
southwestern corner of the reserve, proposed to be recreation. This
land is upslope of an area that a Bushcare group has been working
to bring back for many years. We support the application of an Ecological
Buffer Area to the lots along the Western border of the reserve,
but we believe these lots should be zoned Living Bushland Conservation
as they butt up against land zoned EP.
Gordon
Creek Catchment map sheet 15
We
support the Living- Bushland Conservation zones around the perimeter
of the Reserve to include all lands containing creeklines and watercourse
buffer areas.
Escarpment Area map sheet
15
We support the EP zone given on the properties
on the south side of Olympian Pde
SOUTH LEURA/SOUTH WENTWORTH FALLS map sheet
15
Western side of Valley of the Waters Catchment
(Leura) map sheet 15
We support the proposed EP zones and Protected
Areas designed to protect the creeklines, swamps and escarpment
communities in the Valley of the Waters catchment, in particular:
- Land to the east of Vale, Morven & Kurrawang Sts;
- Land to the east of St Georges Rd and in the vicitnity
of Hester Rd and Hester Place;
- PA land on Leura Golf Course.
We also support all proposed road closures in the eastern
part of South Leura.
NORTH WENTWORTH
FALLS
Land between Bass Rd
and Correa Rd map sheet 16
We support the EP zone on the land between
Bass and Correa roads as well as the closure of Banksia Road and
others in the vicinity on the following basis:
-
it is a wildlife corridor between the lake and the national
park, possibly used by the endangered quoll amongst other species.
-
this bushland is an important protective buffer for
the swamp, lake and Jamison Creek.
-
the swamp is habitat for the threatened Leura
Skink, and the rare conifer Microstrobos fitzgeraldii
is found downstream
Lots 474,
475 (DP 751646) Banksia Rd, map 16
These two blocks of land are within the above mentioned
wildlife corridor but are zoned Living-Bushland Conservation. Excising
these lots from this EP area will increase management problems by
creating the 'edge effects' associated with behind back fences.
These lots are also most likely in the buffer of the swamp above
Wentworth Falls Lake. We recommend these lots be zoned EP and acquired,
so that the corridor and buffer remain intact.
Corner Pauline Avenue
and Waratah Street map sheet 16
If this area is not required for a future school, we
suggest it remain as a bushland park. Local residents already use
it for this purpose. It would be appropriate to zone it EP or part
EP/part Recreation.
Drainage line: from Toulon Avenue to Wentworth
Falls Lake map sheet 16
There is a small watercourse running along
the eastern boundaries of lots 211 and 212, DP 848882. It is also
identified as a drainage easement. This watercourse corridor should
be zoned as Environment Protection-General.
Claines Crescent map sheet
16
In the vicinity of the unmade section of Claines
Cres (east of Tarella Rd) is located a swamp which is primarily
in LEP 91 area. This swamp does not appear to have been provided
with a 10m buffer included in the EP zone. It has also not been
provided with an Ecological Buffer Area.
These properties to the
east of the intersection between Farnham Ave and Yanko Avenue should
have an Ecological Buffer Area in addition to the EP zone. We request
that this be investigated and rectified. It is also suggested that
the unmade portion of the Claines Road road reserve be closed as
it is within a swamp.
Yanko Avenue map sheet
16
The EP zoning of part of the properties along
Yanko Avenue is supported to protect the swamp. The closing of Walmer
Cres is also necessary.
Blue Mountain Creek Catchment/Water
Nymphs Dell map sheet 16-17
The 2 owned by Council should be zoned Environmental
Protection and incorporated into the Reserve. (These currently form
part of the area being funded under a URCP Bush Regeneration contract).
The 2 existing houses should have the lower portions of their land
zoned as EP as they form part of the creekline buffer and both contained
hanging swamp until mid 1998, when the previous owner slashed it
severley. There is some regeneration now occurring.
We support the site being zoned EP - this is appropriate
for land surrounded by National Park and Bushland owned by the Crown.
We support the EP zoning for the southern portion of
these lots, however the area covered by this boundary does not appear
to adequately include all the steeply sloping land and the rocky
escarpment.
The designated EP zones are supported for these lots,
except the adequacy of the EP zone on the lots to the east is questioned
(number 15-17). We also question the extent of the mapped Blue Mountains
swamp; for example, on number 21 Allen Cres the sedge swamp goes
considerably higher up the lot than appears to have been mapped.
We also question the accuracy of the mapping of the Open Forest
on those lots (nos 15-31 Allen Cres), as it would appear that the
rainforest community extends further.
SOUTH
WENTWORTH FALLS map sheets 16&17
Wentworth
Falls Cemetery map sheet 16
We support the closure of the road Reserve known as
Mort Street through the bushland on these lots. It is suggested
that a buffer of native vegetation be retained by an EP zoning to
ensure the protection of groundwater. Because of
the fall of the land it would be advantageous to retain a significant
buffer to the western side (of both the lots above and below Mort
St). Buffers on all four sides are needed.
Public reserve at southern corner of Armstrong
Street and Valley Rd -map sheet 16
This is zoned Rec-OS but should be at least partly zoned
EP because it has rare plants, ie Almaleea incurvata. This
park is still recovering from the damage caused by the road contractor
under the Urban Runoff Control Program about 3 years ago, and should
be assessed by Council in the light of this.
Central Park, Falls Road
map sheet 16
Central park contains rare plants, a swamp and a creek
leading to Jamison Creek. Whilst the park contains some cleared
areas, the creekline has an important buffer of bushland which should
be protected. We support the proposed EP zoning for this section
and adjacent road closures.
Road Reserve between Fletcher, Fitzgerald
and Valley Roads map sheet 16
This triangular area of bushland is in relatively good
condition, being higher than the surrounding roads and therefore
protected from runoff. It contains a Eucalyptus sieberi -
E piperita community. It has been shown as "road". This pocket
of bushland is of value in maintaining the character of south Wentworth
Falls. We wish to see it zoned EP.
Murray Park, Falls Road
map sheet 16
The section of bushland on the southern end
should be protected by an EP zone. It is appropriate that the cleared
open space is zoned REC-OS.
Corner of Fletcher and Werong Ave map sheet
16
We support the zoning of this triangular lot as EP.
It now contains a stormwater structure and bushland to absorb the
runoff which is collected from a wide area. It is appropriate that
this land be zoned EP to ensure the retention of native vegetation
to allow it to function as a buffer to Jamison Creek.
We suggest that the unmade section of Werong Ave be
closed and similarly zoned EP.
Wentworth Street in the vicinity on Wilson
Street map sheet 16
We support the road closure of parts of Wentworth and
Wilson Streets and the EP zones and protected Areas on residential
land in the vicinity. The slope of this area is greater than 20%,
and it includes a creekline to the south leading to Jamison Creek.
Jamison Creek Catchment
map sheet 16
We support all the Environmental Protection Zones
and Protected Areas around Jamison Creek.
We support the Protected Areas identified on
both sides of Jamison Creek and the proposed road closures.
Escarpment Areas map sheet 17
Sandbox Road
We propose that the unformed
part of Sandbox Road (south of Mawson St) be closed and that the
lots 83 - 88, DP 7145, which would be reliant on this road for access,
be added to the Jamison Creek Reserve and zoned EP. This area is
identified as a Protected Area - Escarpment Area. This land is steeply
sloping, contains swamps and one of the headwater creeks of Jamison
Creek catchment, and adjoins land zoned Environmental protection.
Maple Grove There
are 3 undeveloped lots in Maple Grove on land between 20% and 33%
which are upslope of the hanging swamp on EP land (street nos 32,
34 and 36). It does not appear that the 60m buffer around this swamp
has been applied as outlined in the Planning Studies. There is no
Ecological Buffer Area identified. We urge council to verify the
details of this swamp soon. The portion of these lots containing
swamp and buffer should be zoned EP.
Yester Road The lots to the south
of Yester Road (west of the corner of Maple Grove) has no EP zoning,
Slope Constraint Area or Ecological Buffer Area identified. All
of these lots contain slopes greater than 20% and some greater than
33%. As with the Maple Grove lots discussed above, this land forms
part of the ecological buffer of the swamp system to the south.
The back of these blocks should also be zoned EP.
STUDY AREA 3
BULLABURRA
South Bullaburra map sheet
18
EP zones around subcatchments
of Bedford Creek
We support the proposed EP zones on the private land
around Red Gum Park and also around the National Park downstream
to protect the creekline, swamps and avoid the steep slopes. This
land includes:
-
land to the west side of Boronia Road,
-
the land in De Quency Rd,
-
2 lots on Cottle Rd ,
-
one lot on the east side of Genevieve Road.
Similarly the swamps and creekline of Bedford
Creek will be assisted by the EP zones on land to the west of Genevieve
Road.
Given the sensitivity of the area (DLEP 97
Planning Report 3, p20), we support the Living Bushland Conservation
Zone for most of Bullaburra, because this zone gives the greatest
environmental protections for a residential area.
Noble Street Progress Hall and Community
land to the south
We support the Recreation zone.
There is a watercourse from the highway through the
community land near the Progress Hall on Noble Street that feeds
into the hanging swamp. This should be identified and zoned as Environmental
Protection and the surrounding buffer identified as a Protected
Area - Ecological Buffer Area.
Genevieve Road, School Site
We support the EP zone on this site as it forms
part of the ecological buffer to a swamp system and Red Gum Park.
North Bullaburra map sheet
18
Walkers Glen Subcatchment
We support the EP zones
and Protected Areas around the Walkers Glen subcatchment; which
includes lots on the north side of Bullaburra Rd, in Hay St, Essex
Street and Wallis Street.
Near the corner
of Bullaburra Road and Anderson, there is a steep sided watercourse
between two houses. The watercourse needs to be zoned EP much further
up into its headwaters. If the steeply sloped sides are not included
in this zone, the slope constraint areas ought be extended.
The hanging
swamp north of Bullaburra Road extends further than is mapped and
also contains locally significant plants.
LAWSON map sheets 18&
9
North Lawson map sheet
18
We support the following EP zones because of
the watercourses which feed into the national park, and the presence
of significant vegetation:
North Lawson Park;
Wilson Park - all the areas designated ECA should be
zoned EP;
The area bounded by Loftus and Lurnea Streets.
South Lawson
Between View and Henry Streets map sheet
18
There is a significant swamp system between
View and Henry Streets (towards the east of map 18). Whilst it is
recognised that some of this is degraded, nevertheless it is still
a swamp and does extend considerably further upslope towards View
Street than has been mapped. Numbers 60-62 are one particular location
where this is the case (Sec.8 DP11078). We support the existing
areas zoned EP and would urge Council to review the EP boundary,
with a view to its possible extension.
We support the
road closures at the end of Charles and Cleveland Streets.
Ridge St Employment areas (Lot 222, DP 628858)
map sheet 18
We commend the zoning of the majority of these lots
(both sides of Ridge St) as EP. However we object to the inclusion
within the employment zone of lands identified as within the Ecological
Buffer Areas and containing two Blue Mountains Swamps. We question
the need to clear existing bushland in good condition for more employment
areas. The use of the existing cleared area is understandable. Have
alternative uses for this cleared section been considered?
South Lawson Park map sheet 19
We support the EP zoning around Lawson Golf Course.
We support the Protected Areas on Golf Course and on
lots west of Honour Ave.
The lot adjacent to Sth Lawson Pk on Waratah
St contains shrub swamp and regionally significant species - this
doesn't appear to be adequately mapped and protected.
Lawson Cemetery map sheet 19
We object to the whole of the area being zoned Recreation.
In order to establish a buffer to protect the groundwater an EP
zone should be established at least along the southern edge. Preferably
all the existing bushland areas would be protected by such an EP
zone.
Proposed Living- General
Zone north of Waratah Street map sheet 19
The area to the north of Waratah which has been identified
as a Protected Area (Ecological Buffer and Slope) should also include
some Environmental Protection zoning to provide some protection
to the headwaters of this creek. Without such protection, future
development will add to the problems of the creekline further downstream.
South Lawson industrial Areas
We commend the EP zones along the watercourse
corridors in the Employment Zone as well as the closure of the road
reserve for Somers Road and the EP zone on the surrounding public
land.
South of Adeleine Street has been Zoned Employment-Enterprise.
This contains a significant area of swamp which should be zoned
EP. We request that this area be checked for possible inclusion
as EP.
HAZELBROOK
North Hazelbrook
Gloria Park, North Hazelbrook map sheet
19
We support the area of Gloria Park and the
adjacent properties which have been given an EP zone.
Horseshoe Falls Reserve & surrounds
map sheet 20
We support the EP zoning of the majority of the reserve.
We support the EP status given to the creekline between
Oaklands Rd and Birdwood Pde to the west of Oaklands Rd - this protects
a spring which drains into the reserve. It appears that there is
a section of this creekline which has not been protected by an EP
zone and we urge council to rectify this.
We suggest that lots zoned Living-General along eastern
side of Fern Avenue be zoned Living-Bushland Conservation - they
are immediately adjacent to EP - OS land and have Protected Area
status. Additional environmental protections are available on Living-Bushland
Conservation land and should be given to these lots.
We propose the closure of the road reserve of Oaklands
Rd above Hall Pde.
The firetrail at northern end of Oaklands Rd was a proposed
road closure in DLEP 1997 but not in DLEP 2002. This should be considered
for a road closure.
South Hazelbrook
Residential Investigation
Area South Hazelbrook/Woodford map sheet 21
We commend the EP zoning over the majority of the area.
This is a highly constrained area with slopes over 33%, escarpments,
swamps, heathlands and high fire risk. Living-Bushland Conservation
(NS) is the most appropriate zone for the remainder of this land
if it is not able to be purchased by a public authority.
WOODFORD
South Woodford map sheet
22
We support the EP zoning of
land on the western side of Buena Vista Rd to protect these steep
slopes, the creekline buffer, and the adjoining Council reserve
(Wilson Glen).
There is a creekline that extends further north
of Sutton St. We propose that this watercourse corridor be zoned
EP.
LINDEN
Chapman Ave/Martin Place
Res I area map sheet 23
We support the dominant zoning of this area
as EP. The extent of the constraint of slope, watercourse and bushfire
threat raise concerns about even this lower density zoning. We believe
consideration should be given to putting a consolidation requirement
over these lots to further reduce the impacts of residential development.
STUDY AREA 4
FAULCONBRIDGE
- south of railway map
sheets 24-25
Jackson Park map sheet
24
We support the zoning of the bushland areas
of Jackson Park as EP.
Faulconbridge Cemetery map sheet 24
A buffer area of deep rooted plants needs to be defined
FAULCONBRIDGE
-north of railway
Adeline Park map sheet
24
We support the zoning of Adeline Park at the
end of Shirlow Ave as EP.
Tortoise Creek Catchment (bounded by Shirlow
Ave, Russell Ave and Meeks Cres) map sheet 24
The bushland reserve to the N-E of the corner
of St George Cres. and Shirlow Ave should be zoned EP.
The zoning (part EP part Living-Bushland Conservation
with some identified Protected Areas) of the privately owned land
(along Russell Ave and Meeks Cres) is also supported. These zones
and Protected Areas will help protect the watercourse, and riparian
communities.
Land in Railway Av and
Parkes Cres map sheet 24
This land surrounds another tributary of Linden
Creek and should have an EP zoning.
Stratham & Coomassie
Aves map sheet 25
We support the creekline reserve at the end
of Garden Street being zoned EP and the Ecological Buffer Areas
applied to the adjacent private land plus Slope Constraint Areas.
Tom Hunter Park map sheet
25
We support the bushland areas of Tom Hunter
Park zoned EP.
SPRINGWOOD- -north of railway
map sheet 25
Birdwood Gully
map sheet 25
We support the
EP zoning on properties neighbouring Birdwood Gully.
Bushland Reserve South of Stypandra Place/west of
Bland Rd map sheet 25
The proposed EP zone is supported together with the
EP zoning on adjacent private land.
Sections of Bland Rd should be closed and incorporated
into existing or proposed adjacent reserves to reinforce the conservation
values of those reserves.
Else Mitchell Park map sheet 25
The mapping of this park appears to be inadequate
The bushland areas of the park should be zoned
EP. Blue Mtns Shale Cap is not shown in the supporting maps. Only
the mown areas should be zoned Recreation Open Space.
The Creek that runs right
through the park is not mapped, therefore not buffered or protected.
This creek should be taken into account with 7.5 metre (20 metre)
EP zoning on watercourses. It must be an identified watercourse
because of all the remedial work undertaken.
Lots on the corner of
Moore & Frazer are undeveloped. They contain turpentine and
should be zoned Living Bushland Conservation or EP-General. This
is not reflected on Map panel E.
Part of Fraser Rd road
reservation section should be closed and incorporated into existing
reserves to reinforce the conservation values of those reserves.
The bush regeneration contract under the Urban Run-off Control program
has extended into that area.
Springwood Golf Course map sheet 26
We support the existing bushland areas within Golf Course
Lands zoned EP.
Springwood Cemetery map sheet 26
The bushland remaining on the northern, western and
part southern boundaries should be protected with an EP zone. The
western boundary is particularly important for groundwater protection.
SPRINGWOOD - south of railway
map sheets 25,29,30
David Road/Burns Road Res I Site map sheet 30
We support the proposed
EP of most of this site. However, we propose that the western side
section be zoned EP, not Living-Bushland Conservation, because of
lack of access.
We support the closing of sections of the David
Road East road reservation and suggest that it be classified as
Community land not Operational.
Integral Site map sheet
25
The EP zone on this site is an improvement
on DLEP 97. We support it for the protection of steep land and the
watercourse buffer.
Fairy Dell Reserve & catchment maps 25,
29, 30
We support the Protected Areas - slope constraint and
ecological buffer areas.
We support EP zoning for the steep areas around Spring
St tennis courts and on the lot on Western boundary of Fairy Dell.
We support Environmental Protection (EP) zoning of reserves
to the South.
We support Living Bushland Conservation zones along
Bee Farm Rd, Yondell Ave & Picnic Glen
We strongly support the split zoning of the lots off
Springwood Ave to the East of Fairy Dell Reserve (map 25), with
southern sections zoned EP as they contain very steep slopes.
Subcatchment east of Burns Road to Coolabah
Rd map sheet 30
The EP zones and Protected areas in this subcatchment
are supported. (This includes Bonton Rd and Farm Road).
SubCatchment between Burns
& Farm Roads map sheet 30
We support the EP zone for the Bushland Reserve
between Burns & Farm Roads and the EP zones and the Protected
Areas on private land which is steeply sloping land and watercourse
buffer areas.
WINMALEE
St Columbas Residential Investigation Area map
sheet 26
We strongly support the EP acquisition zone.
This area should be added to the National Park.
The EP zone over the majority of the site is
also supported.
We do not believe that this area is appropriate for
multi unit housing for the aged because of high fire risk. A development
of this nature will inevitably lead to the degradation of the EP
zoned land because of public pressure for hazard reduction.
Muru Ave and
Bunnal Ave map sheet 26
We support the EP zoning of the creekline between
Muru Ave and Bunnal Ave.
Summerhayes Park, Winmalee sheets 26-27
We support the zoning
of most of this allotment as EP. However, only the area currently
used for playing fields, car park and buildings should be zoned
for Recreation. This site is too constrained to allow for further
development. The EP zone boundary should be adjusted to cover this.
We strongly support the
acquisition of the lot behind/downstream of this reserve (see St
Columbas).
Singles Ridge Road Quarry map sheet 26
There is a need for a substantial EP zone between
the quarry and the houses. This would allow for future rehabilitation.
VALLEY HEIGHTS
Area West of Cambridge
St /Russell Ave (sth Valley Heights) map sheet 30
We support the zoning of this Community land
as EP and the acquisition of the identified lot.
Wyoming Ave (Nth Valley Heights) map sheet
30
We support the proposed EP zones of the properties
on Wyoming Ave and Penninsula Rd plus the Protected areas.
STUDY AREA 5
WARRIMOO map sheet 32
Florabella Street
We support the lower density Living-Bushland
Conservation zone because of bushfire threat and its proximity to
the National Park.
Cross Street Reserve
We support the EP zone for this reserve but
believe it should be extended to include the entire reserve which
is bushland. A bushcare group has been working to restore this area
since September 2001.
MT
RIVERVIEW map sheet 33
EP-General zones
We support the EP zoning on a number of steeply
sloping lots, in particular in Blackbutt Circuit, and in Grand View
Drive.
Creekline between Panarama
Cres and Dixon Rd map sheet 33
Whilst this creekline is located on land within LEP
91, we ask Council to investigate whether the riparian buffer extends
to any of these neighbouring lots which then ought be either partially
zoned EP or given a Protected Area status as an Ecological Buffer
Area.
Reserve north of Yoogal
Tce map sheet 33
We support land zoned EP.
BLAXLAND
NORTH BLAXLAND
Catchment of Glenbrook
Lagoon map sheet 34
Only one ecological buffer area has been created to
protect creek/drainage lines flowing into lagoon. This one, flowing
from the east between Olivet and Kedron Streets, does not have an
EP zone for its entire length. We suggest that other watercourse
corridors be mapped and zoned EP.
SOUTH BLAXLAND
Bridge Road Blaxland map
sheet 32
We support the
EP zoning on the lots to the north of the street, which will protect
the riparian buffer and the watercourse. However we believe that
the watercourse extends further to the east and the EP zone should
also do so. It would be beneficial to show the full extent of the
watercourse and its riparian buffer on map panel E. It is noted
that the watercourse is shown to be more extensive on panel L.
Land between View St and
Ross Cres Blaxland map sheet 32
We support the
EP zoning of substantial parts of the lots in this gully in order
to safeguard the creekline and steep slopes from development.
West St Blaxland map sheet 34
The protection of the Recreation Reserve on West St,
whilst covered by LEP 1991, depends on the protection of adjacent
land which is covered by this DLEP. The adjacent land (and hence
subsequent impacts from its use) includes:
-
land to the west, for
which we support the EP zoning
-
land to north, for which
we support Living-BC zoning with some EP.
Pippas Pass Blaxland
map sheet 34
We support the area zoned EP and would like to see more
of the surrounding properties zoned Living Bushland Conservation,
in order to gain some of the protections that this zone offers.
GLENBROOK map sheet 35
We support the proposed Living-Conservation or Living-Bush
Conservation zones. We suggest that the area zoned Living-General
in Glenbrook, south of the Great Western Highway and east of the
village center, be classified either Living-Conservation or Living-Bushland
Conservation. The increased hard surface areas permitted in the
Living-General zone is detrimental to the protection of the creekline
in close proximity and also the steep slopes.
GLENBROOK / LAPSTONE
Gullies between Brooklands
Road & Governors Dr Lapstone map sheet 35
We support EP zones of the public land in this gully.
We support EP zones on private land (to the east of Brooklands Road).
We suggest that the eastern end of Avoca St
should be rezoned EP, to give more protection to this gully.
We suggest that the lots to the east of Emu Rd should
be zoned Living-Bushland Conservation to give better protection
to the Crown land behind.
LAPSTONE
Knapsack Gully map sheet
35
We support EP zoning along Great Western Hwy and also
the Protected Areas - slope constraint and escarpment above the
gully.
We support the Lovers Walk Road closure.
It needs to be noted that this area provides habitat
for Powerful Owl and contains Turpentine - Ironbark Forest.
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