Denise Robertson
Environmental Planning Officer 7 May 2007
Coastal Team Urban Assessments
Department of Planning
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001 Your Ref 9042613

Dear Ms Robertson

Re AMENDED SECTION 96 (1A) APPLICATION MODIFICATION TO
DA 199-8-2004 - Part Lot 2 in DP 1037342, Candlagan Drive, Broulee
Modification of Condition of Consent Requiring the Removal of Trees -
MOD 47-4-2006

Our Association is delighted to know that Yellow-bellied Gliders and other arboreal mammals are still living on this site and using surrounding areas, even near houses and the adjoining school where prime habitat was cleared. The NGH report indicated that they may even be crossing George Bass Drive near to the proposed subdivision and this means that they will not become genetically isolated.

The NGH report states:
"residential development may not negatively effect (sic)Yellow-bellied gliders provided resources are still available to allow movement, provide den sites and maintain feeding resources."
The Gliders have survived against high odds and we would like to see the subdivision done in a way that will continue to give them a chance.

While we understand that the three trees (10,11 and 12a) may have to be removed we urge the Department and Council to condition the consent so that at least three, and preferably more, other trees used by the Yellow-bellied Gliders are identified and designated on Section 88B certificates to be retained. These should be in addition to trees already identified and must include any potential den trees. We support the recommendation of NGH that trees that are close to the public reserve but in residential allotments should be retained wherever possible to increase the level of connectivity to this corridor.

The NGH report emphasized the importance of linking corridors especially beside George Bass Drive and across the southern portion of the site. Any conditions regarding bush fire protection should ensure that all the trees important to the Gliders are retained.

We support the idea of a medium term monitoring program. It may provide knowledge of how to successfully design subdivisions so that people and arboreal mammals such as Yellow-bellied Gliders can co-exist.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.