SMIRBI SUB GROUP

Here’s a summary of points discussed at the Sub Group meeting.

1. Write to relevant state and local government authorities requesting a better plan to manage the area (whether it is the whole or just the offset area) – particularly point out aspects of the existing deferred consent (offset mechanism, vegetation management plan, etc.) that are inadequate and falling short of best practice standards

2. Send an annotated list of issues of concern re the existing deferred consent and additional issues that haven’t been addressed, illustrate them with photos/descriptions, make requests for solutions that meet best practice in management of these issues (try to find examples of best practice as per point 3.)

3. Use Green Point community group’s example of pushing for best practice; they achieved lots of concessions from the developer including dedication of the Green Point Reserve

4. List of specific issues mentioned at the meeting:

   1. inadequacy of proposed fencing of soccer fields

   2. better management of vegetation corridors needed esp creekline on western side and its link into creek on southern side and eventually into Winding Creek; the sediment trap proposed for the junction of these creeks is insensitive to the health of the creek and connectivity of the vegetation (make reference to large concrete sediment traps constructed north of Myall Rd in Forest Hill estate where management of native and weed vegetation is not best practice, as well as management of nutrient enrichment and pollution of water and management of rubbish)

   3. unique orchid diversity and high Tetratheca juncea abundance that will be destroyed if housing development goes ahead and inadequacy of salvage methods – requires sensitive collection at time when species are easy to detect (when flowering), needs regular engagement of professional native vegetation managers not just establishment of Landcare group for this (and other native veg and invasive weed issues)

   4. recent (Covid-related) build-up of mountain bike tracks and related destruction of vegetation and erosion and compaction of soil because there is no management of existing users of the area; of particular concern are sensitive rainforest gullies, Powerful Owl nest and dangerous mine subsidence sites; need to establish compliance system for mountain bike riders like Glenrock SRA and exclusion system for motorbike riders

   5. management of 130 known mine subsidence ‘potholes’ requires input from habitat restoration expert in this specialised area, particularly to make site safe for recreation (walking, dog walking, birdwatching, mountain bike riding)