Introduction

Coastwatchers' objection to the proposed subdivision of Lot 54 Sandy Place Long Beach is presented to Council in the public interest.

The site in question is an undeveloped block bounded by Reed Swamp Lagoon on three sides and on the eastern side by the former YMCA development.

Residents of Long Beach, concerned about what they believe to be the excessive subdivision on the eastern end of the wetland, and the need to protect it from further degradation, have conveyed these concerns to Coastwatchers.

To some residents the wetland, Reed Swamp Lagoon is a very spiritual place, still hidden from encroaching urban sprawl where it is possible to enjoy peace and tranquillity, observe nature and experience a sense of timelessness. An abundance of burrawangs and massive spotted gums, some possibly over two hundred years old, contribute to the spirituality of this experience. Sadly, several of these magnificent old trees are earmarked for removal.

Coastwatchers supports the Long Beach community and their desire to protect the unique qualities of the Reed Swamp Lagoon, a State Significant freshwater wetland, from the negative effects of further clearing and subdivision.

Freshwater wetlands - an endangered community

It has been said by experts, wetlands are the kidneys of our catchments and ecosystems, just as the forests are the lungs. They are our water purifiers and we cannot afford to let them degrade.

Lot 54 Sandy Place is zoned in part, 7(a) Environmental Protection (Wetlands) and contains part of State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP 14) Wetland No 216, which is a major freshwater lagoon behind Sandy Place, listed as a wetland of State significance under State Environmental Planning Policy No 14 (SEPP 14).

Freshwater wetlands have been determined by the NSW Scientific Committee as being endangered by degradation from several sources, including, eutrophication, sedimentation and weed invasion from adjoining urban development.

Water level fluctuations combined with the absence of woody plants and the presence of eight characteristic plant species indicate that at least part of Reed Swamp Lagoon conforms to the definition of an endangered community, as defined by The Committee.

The impacts of urban development on the biodiversity of wetlands

Wetlands are known to be very sensitive to changes in both water and land management, particularly from population growth and urban development. Pressures from overdevelopment and the effects of increased stormwater run-off will result in siltation and nutrient build-up.

The Long Beach Foreshore and Wetlands Reserve Plan of Management (POM) - Objective 5 of Wetland Conservation and Water Quality (p: 52) clearly states, "protect water quality and prevent further siltation and eutrophication of the lagoon and subsequent biodiversity decline in the wetland…include measures, such as reduced residential development…installation of permanent sediment and erosion control. Establish a regular maintenance and monitoring plan for sediment control…including regular inspections of the catchment and monitoring of water quality and environmental conditions of the wetland"

Since extensive clearing for residential development has occurred in the western part of the Reed Swamp Lagoon catchment area, high levels of turbidity are more evident after heavy rainfall, resulting in a marked decline in the water quality. Measures taken to detain stormwater and to control sedimentation are already inadequate and if not checked will ultimately cause irreversible degradation, affecting the biodiversity, habitat value and the ecological significance of the wetland.

Further subdivision on the eastern end of the wetland will likely result in increased clearing of vegetation and habitat and further environmental degradation of the wetland.

The POM - p: 52 - Wetland Conservation and Water Quality, assigns a high priority to Objective 3, which specifically states, "Prevent any further clearing and subdivision in the Reed Swamp Lagoon's catchment to protect native vegetation, wildlife habitat and water quality associated with this wetland of State significance. Ensure that the objectives of SEPP 14 are achieved and implemented and that the wetland environment is adequately protected and managed for biodiversity conservation."

Survival of native wildlife populations and the provision of quality of habitats

A high priority was assigned to Objective 1 of, The Conservation of Indigenous Vegetation, Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat, pp: 50-51 of the POM, which states, " Undertake a flora and fauna survey of the catchment to determine the species diversity, ecological communities, the presence of threatened or endangered species, occurring in the bushland and wetland environment…"

The Flora and Fauna Assessment - Reed Swamp Lagoon and Long Beach Dunes, was recently finalised by Andrews Neil Pty Ltd. Because there was had already been considerable clearing on privately owned land, the survey area was limited, but the study did show the wetland reserve supports a diverse number of native plant communities and a diversity of habitats, indicating the area has high ecological value.

The POM also assigned high priorities to Objective 2 - "Protect, regenerate and restore indigenous plants and wildlife corridors in all areas of the reserve…" and Objective 4, "Require the retention of native vegetation and the protection of native trees in particular, as a condition of further development in the catchment"

Conclusion

Reed Swamp Lagoon is a unique freshwater wetland of high ecological significance to the State and highly valued by the Long Beach community. It is evident that the effects of further clearing and subdivision would degrade the wetland.

Coastwatchers members took part in the recent IRIS workshops and overwhelmingly the theme that emerged was that, the greatest value to residents is the natural environment and the need to preserve and protect it. Council must heed this message and could certainly minimise the impact on environmentally sensitive locations, such as Reed Swamp Lagoon, by approaching development in a visionary way with carefully controlled planning that respects the needs and preferences of the people who actually live in the area.

Coastwatchers concurs with the objectives of the Long Beach Foreshore and Wetlands Reserve POM that, measures do need to be taken to prevent further clearing and subdivision to protect and manage Reed Swamp Lagoon's catchment for biodiversity conservation and that, the objectives of (SEPP 14) must also be achieved and implemented, to ensure that coastal wetlands are preserved and protected in the environmental interests of the State.

Coastwatchers urges Council to critically assess the proposal to subdivide Lot 54 against the objectives of SEPP 14 and the Long Beach Foreshore and Wetland s Reserve POM, and the findings of the Flora and Fauna Assessment, and requests that Council rejects this and any subsequent proposals to subdivide Lot 54 Sandy Place.

Image 1 - Reed Swamp

Image 2 - One of the habitat trees on the proposed subdivison

Image 1   Image 2