St Philip's Christian College, Charmhaven

When i saw the list of ecological effects this development would have, I was appalled that tge proposal had gotten this far. Please protect this important forest area which is currently teeming with biodiversity and threatened flora and fauna. See the list I read below:

▪️This land contains the last haemastoma scribbly gum forest in the shire

◾️The threatened Angophora Inopina

▪️Critically endangered
orchids
Swift Parrots
Regent Honeyeaters
Both observed on site

◾️This land is the only haemastoma inopina bloodwood forest in the world.

▪️Home to many endangered species genoplesium insignis
Corunastylis Branwhiteorum.
It contains the largest concentration of genoplesium rupuii (a rare plant) in the shire.

▪️This area is the last major green forest area in Charmhaven.
It lies between Chelmsford road and Wallarah creek. Platypuses have been seen in Wallarah creek.

▪️Sea eagles roost in there

Please protect this site, and the 100acres attached to it for future generations and for nature. We need sites like these now more than ever.

Thank you.

SSD-14082938
Lot 2 DP 809106 Arizona
Road, Charmhaven
This land contains the last E. haemastoma scribbly gum forested community in the shire, the threatened Angophora Inopina, critically endangered orchids and Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters (both threatened) have seen feeding on trees (swamp mahoganies) in the land. It’s also the only haemastoma inopina bloodwood forest in the world. It has the criteria to be nominated to the NSW scientific committee as an endangered ecological community.
The area is home to many endangered species such as critically listed Genoplesium insignis [red listed and Corunastylis Branwhiteorum, critically endangered, and is highly likely to contain Patersonia rosea, a new species currently under the precautionary principle, nominated for critically endangered with the NSW Scientific committee. This property contains the largest concentration of Genoplesium ruppii (a rare plant) in the shire, possibly in the state, and eligible for listing.
This area is the last major green forest area in Charmhaven. It lies between Chelmsford Road and Wallarah creek. Platypuses have been seen in Wallarah creek. Sea eagles have been seen roosting in there. If rezoning is allowed for this school, then there is an adjoining 100 acre property waiting on the rezoning so that they can put in houses. If both of these developments are approved, there would be essentially no environmental buffer zone at Charmhaven.

The concern I have is the road coming from the School out onto the Pacific Highway and the four -leg intersection which incorporates Jetty Avenue. Has anyone in your office been on the Highway between 8am heading South? It is at a crawl and backed up past the Charmhaven shops .Putting in an intersection would stop the traffic and back it up more. The same happens in the afternoon heading North. Using Arizona road for all traffic to the School would be the most feasible as there is no major traffic on this road.

There is not much wildlife left around. Let them be. I also believe every child has the same rights to education. Why should a child be deprived of a private school due to money. It shouldn't matter what the parents earn to say what education is available to children.

I do not support the new school being built! We have so many beautiful animals that live in this location and walking tracks that many people use daily! The infrastructure will never be appropriate for this development due to the high demand of vehicles and family's that already use the main road to get in and out of charmhaven.
There are multiple accidents on this stretch of road weekly, the flooding that happens everytime it rains at the bridge is ridiculous.
People are cut off all the time due to the already heavy flow of traffic coming and going along this road! Do not approve this school to many wildlife will loose their life and habitats due to this development!

Please see attached letter.

I am against this application.
This land should not be rezoned from c2 to allow a educational facility on it.
This site is one of the last vegetated buffer zones in the area and is a biodiversity hotspot for vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered flora and fauna.
Why is the planning system enabling destruction of natural areas that are essential open spaces for people to recreate within the area responsibly.
We already know the environment is under threat and we are in a biodiversity crisis. So why keep enabling it when federal and state reviews into the environment show are wildlife are under stress.
The biodiversity act is failing the very things it is supposed to protect.
The Environmental Planning an assessment act is clear on what esd is, but this development is not sustainable and has no strategic benefit for the community, even though the application submits it is.
Destroying nature to build a school that is supposedly be a Environmental school is ludicrous, hypocritical and irresponsible.
The bdar and Eis have deep flaws in them, Destroying the last known ecological communities and saying they will be offset is complete stupidity. With increasing urbanisation where is the wildlife left to go, how many holes in trees will be created elsewhere for birds and mammals. Where can humans connect with nature for there physical and mental health?
There is so much wrong with this development that I could make a 100 page submission on its flaws, disregard for intergenerational equity, protection of biodiversity and true ESD. Who ever makes the decision on this development should look past the spin about its so called strategic merit and invoke the precautionary principle.
This development will Trigger the EpBc act with its critical endangered orchids and vulnerable tree species.
Further ground truth ing studies on the existence of the florist's make up should take place rather then depending on outdated desktop studies.

It would be a real travesty is this land is carved up and concreted.

Yours Sincerely
M.Ellis.

I object to this project on the grounds that it would result in the clearing of bush land that is the last remaining Scribbly gum ecosystem on the Central coast and contains numerous threatened species such as angophora inopina and critically endangered orchids. It is also habitat for the critically endangered Swift Parrot which has been sighted on this land.

The northern Central Coast has been cleared to an enormous extent and this is pushing many species to the brink of extinction because there is very little habitat left for them to live in.

There is no need for a large new school in the area - there are plenty of schools in this area already.

If a school is really needed and research can prove there is demand, then site it on land which does not contain bush land and endangered species.

There is also very poor public transport in the area so a school there would result in increased car traffic and local pollution.

Walking in to ‘the A track’ at Lot 2 DP 809106 Arizona Rd Charmhaven, I was immediately struck by the unusual vegetation communities, the ecotone offering a unique combination of structure, form and colour that I had never seen before (nor have I since). Though there were heavily degraded areas the remnants were stunningly beautiful, and the heathland was in excellent condition. Here was something really special. It was apparent to me that the overlap in resources here would offer excellent habitat quality for small Australian fauna (my specialty, as an ecologist) – from dense heathy patches, to open areas, to the sturdy vegetation structure provided by the low-statured Angophoras. Though I only visited once or twice the memory has stayed with me and I am not surprised by the discoveries being made by passionate locals: secret threatened orchids, squirrel gliders (disappearing from the central coast), and tree species that are unique to place; not found anywhere else on the planet. We must not deny future generations gems like this.
The proposal suggests the destruction of over 20 hectares, which spells the end for the ecological function and long-term sustainability of the larger bushland patch. The mitigation of ecological damage (as stated on page 227 of the EIS) claims that the development is situated to minimize the need for vegetation clearing. However, based on my experience, a large-scale development like this typically triggers rapid degradation of the surrounding environment. There is seldom genuine protection of remnants or proper follow-up.
As an example, consider the Supercentre at Belrose, NSW, 4-6 Niangala Close which was constructed on the fringes of critically endangered Duffys forest vegetation. The remaining patch has now deteriorated significantly and become overrun with weeds. Moreover, a substantial area has been legally cleared as part of an asset protection zone. Similarly, the residential land development at Green Point on the central coast impacts the bushland of Kincumber Mountain Reserve, resulting in physical harm to native vegetation, invasive weed species, and erosion.
I would also like to argue against the inference made by the applicant that the cleared areas impacted by vehicles devalue the land in terms of biodiversity. Firstly, this land will have excellent resilience and would regenerate strongly if given a little assistance. Secondly, small fauna is often benefitted by mosaic patches of dense structure adjacent to open land (e.g. Chambers and Dickman, 2002). Orchids can benefit from clearance of surrounding vegetation as well (Lunt et al 2006). Thus the whole patch should be seen as high biodiversity value.
If our biodiversity protection laws and international obligations (Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, World Heritage Convention) cannot safeguard this land, which:
* shelters and provides a habitat for so many endangered species, including Angophora inopina, (which has a range is limited to this very area and is a species under immediate and tangible threat),
* represents a unique combination of vegetation communities, (one of which is itself threatened),
* has significance as a crucial wildlife corridor,
*as well considering the backdrop of swift development in the surrounding natural landscape - then we, the public, cannot place our trust in these mechanisms. The profound importance of this bushland, on multiple fronts, cannot be emphasized enough. Though I'm not a local, I am deeply personally invested in the preservation of this land.
Government has a clear duty under local, national and international law to preserve this utterly unique and beautiful patch of land.
References: Chambers, L.K. and Dickman, C.R., 2002. Habitat selection of the long-nosed Bandicoot, Perameles nasuta in a patchy urban environment. Austral ecology, 27(3), pp.334-342.
Coates, F., Lunt, I.D., Tremblay, R.L., 2006. Orchids and disturbance; Effects of disturbance on population dynamics of the threatened orchid Prasophyllum correctum D.L. Jones and implications for grassland management in south-eastern Australia. Biological Conservation, 129(1), pp.59-69.

State Significant Development Application ( SSD-14082938 )


Location Arizona Road, Charmhaven (Lot 2 DP 809106)

Applicant St Philip's Christian Foundation Ltd

Council Area Central Coast

Consent Authority Minister for Planning and Public Spaces or Independent Commission


-https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/st-philips-christian-college-charmhaven

Submission regarding Private School Charmhaven

As a resident of the Pacific Highway Charmhaven since 1974 I strongly OBJECT to the proposed building of the new school. I believe this will devalue my property especially as the school grows and the traffic problems increase.

I have seen the traffic prior to the freeway and after and have never seen it as bad as it is now.
It is difficult to leave my property onto the Pacific Highway particularly from about 8.00 am to about 9.30 am and again in the afternoon around 3.pm to around 6.pm. The traffic on the Highway is so dense that it takes up to 5 minutes to join the traffic. In the morning going North on the Highway the traffic is banked up right through to Doyalson and the reverse in the afternoon.
As long as there is a single lane bridge over Wallarah Creek there will be massive traffic jams.

Accidents occur frequently and although many are minor, there have been some fatalies. There is little pedestrian traffic at present but if the school is built that would substantially increase and we would see pedestrian accidents as well.

The drawing area for this private school would cover many of the new subdivisions as well as
older areas such as Gorokan, Toukley and Wyong. The public transport Hub is at Lakehaven Shopping Centre where many of the students would then proceed on foot to the new school having to cross the busy Highway at the Lakehaven Drive and Pacific Highway intersection. If according to the submission it is that students will come up to the Highway then walk down to cross at Jetty Avenue, then they do not know students well. They will cross the quickest way to get to their destination.

The bushland opposite was always a haven for wildlife, flora and fauna. There are so few areas such as this left locally. We need to protect our environment not demolish it.

I believe the best place for this school would be near the Warnervale Town Centre. There would
be transport, buses and trains. There are also large subdivisions of housing currently under construction in this area. If they were to extend the roads to meet the link road to Doyalson
it would reduce the traffic on the present highway.

I realise that another educational institute may benefit the area, but the present site is not the answer as the sacrifice of the bushland, the creation of enormous traffic and pedestrian problems would be detrimental to our community of Charmhaven.

St Philip's Colleges are recognised around the Central Coast and Newcastle so it is not unimaginable that the shift of the site slightly west would not still achieve jobs, student support, Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander support. This would also include Early learning and DALE areas within the school precinct.

I was informed of this proposed development months ago by letter. I have NOT received by mail any further notifications. As a member of the older generation, I do not rely on the internet for notifications of such things.

It was word of mouth that I find that there is a "Public Exhibition " of these plans. Then I found it in a local newspaper publication which is available at some places if one chooses to pick it up.

Public Exhibition is then "ON THE INTERNET", not at local Council where one can view a three-dimensional aspect with surrounding properties. Not everyone from my generation has access to the internet so this proposal is discriminating against people without access to the internet.

A public hearing on this proposal should occur as soon as possible.

I am unable to view this on the Inernet. Plans amendments and other documents are not able to be viewed by me. I am able to use the Inernet for other things without any trouble.

I Strongly OBJECT to the proposal.

This land holds living space too wildlife and it’s a shame to have it all taken down. RESPECT THE TREES

My points of concern/ objections are as follows:
The developer has not made contact with me as an adjoining property owner to discuss the significant impact this will cause to me and my business. There are a number of us that have trucking companies on the western side of Arizona Road. We are here because our business is not suitable for the suburbs. Kids and trucks do not mix.
Has the developer contacted the Rural Fire Service or So Cares Animal Facility to discuss the impact of 2000 kids and the additional traffic that will bring to the currently quiet neighbourhood? Have you actually noticed that many of us have horses here (many are ridden locally)?
Does the developer know that this area is flood prone? And if they are considering building up the site – that will create additional significant drainage issues to the surrounding properties. This is what happened when Wyong Council approved Woongarrah Waters to be built and we are still dealing with the issues (as well as the incompetent council).
How will this proposed new development interface with the Wallarah Creek as well as the significant flooding next time we have a downpour of rain? What precautionary measures will the school developers take to ensure the creek is not polluted?
Flora and fauna is still in recovery mode after the 2019 Bushfires. I’ve been informed that some are endangered. These need to be preserved. The developer needs to be held accountable for the relocating or re-homing of the wildlife at the very least.
In short - I love where I live and don’t want it destroyed any more than it already has been by development. I enjoy listening to the birds, watching the kangaroos come through. Listen to the gliders and micro bats each night – the frogs as well during wet weather. Seeing the possums at night and even the tawny frog mouths.
I firmly believe that further discussions need to take place with the current adjoining and surrounding landowners before this development goes any further.

To whom it may concern please find my submission and objection
Re: Application Number
SSD-14082938 - St Philip's Christian College, Charmhaven.

I have been a resident of the Central Coast for 32 years (since I was born).
During this time I have seen significant growth and development on the Central Coast, some for the good and some for the bad.
I believe this proposed development is non beneficial and “bad”.
My reasons being the following.

The Northern end of the central coast has seen rapid development in recent years, particularly along sparks road where the bushland has been decimated and was once a wildlife corridor connected to the “A track” where the proposed development is. Forcing the displaced wildlife to utilise the “A track” as home. Where will the wildlife end up once the “A track” is destroyed ?.

The number of calls to wildlife rescue organisations and observed roadkill has been higher than previous years.

The Northern end of the Coast has little natural bushland that is available and accessible for nature walks.

With 13 schools in the area and limited natural bushland I believe the preservation of the central coast flora and fauna and the critically endangered, endangered and threatened species
which are in the footprint of the proposed development is more beneficial for the people of the Central Coast then another school. It is significant for the state and the Central Coast to not have this school built when you also consider the current state of the roads in the area in regards to both traffic volume and road condition.

The benefits on peoples mental health through connecting with nature is evidenced by many health health professionals, journals and even the department of planning and environment “ Connecting with nature is so important as it improves your mental health and connection to place. Australians have endured a lot recently - drought, bushfires, and a global pandemic – and we need to connect with nature now more than ever”

https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/programs-and-initiatives/urban-greening/everyone-plant-one/mental-health

The 2021 census statistics for mental health
On the Central Coast also shows that 11% of residents suffer mental health conditions.

Mental health condition (including depression or anxiety) 37,984 11.0 %

https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/LGA11650

With low socioeconomic suburbs, limited resources and accessibility to mental health support to residents in close proximity to the “A track” bushland,
I believe those residents who can no longer utilise the bushland for recreation will be a further risk on developing or contributing to mental health issues on the northern region of the Central Coast.

I understand many other community members are opposed to this development also and have legitimate concerns they will express.

I can only hope that the concerns of the community who live ,work and utilise the area are listened to.

Kind regards,
Jessica Fancett

Dear Brent,
SSD 14082938 – Lot 2 DP 809106 Arizona Road Charmhaven - Proposed Private School Development (St Philips Christian College)

I would like to express my concerns regarding the proposed development of a new private school on Arizona Road Charmhaven as I'm quite concerned about the wildlife within this area, among other things. I’ve also been advised there are a number of significant flora species in this area (e.g. Wyong Daisy and various terrestrial orchids) – therefore this site should be preserved.
Additionally, the birds and the nocturnal creatures in this area are a phenomenal. This is one of the last bushland areas within this region and I’m concerned about where the flora / fauna will go if this property is developed. I don’t believe the current zoning is appropriate either – are you aware of the Wallarah Creek located adjacent to this proposed development?

I’d also like to know when the sale of this property occurred. It seems to have been done very quickly and quietly – I don’t believe any locals were aware of this, nor given the opportunity to purchase this land – was the sale conducted in an ethical manner?
You may not be aware of this fact, however we had significant fires in this region late 2019 and the flora and fauna species have only just started to recover from this event. Again – where will they live if this land is developed?

Are you aware that this proposed school is located next door to a Rural Fire Service Training Centre where helicopters land / take off on a regular basis between Spring and Autumn? During the 2019 bushfires, there were many aviation partners landing / taking off / refuelling from this site to assist locals with firefighting activities. Wouldn’t this excessive noise be a hazard to a school environment?

Finally – the roads in this area are not built to deal with this type of development. Are you aware of the all the trucking companies that are located in Allinga Road, Mona Road and Arizona Road? This area is adjacent is adjacent to an industrial estate. I know I wasn’t consulted about this development as a business owner; and I don’t think any of my associates were either. Do you realise we are all 24/7 transport operators – typically running B Doubles out of these streets? We were here first and should not have to worry about school kids running out in front of our trucks because they aren’t paying attention. Additionally, parents will be parking inappropriately causing all sorts of issues as they don’t have any heavy vehicle requirement knowledge.

I would strongly suggest that a more thorough traffic study be conducted before any further consideration be given to this proposed development. The roads around this area will not cope with the additional traffic. There is an accident every second day on the Pacific Highway roundabout (known as the Lakehaven roundabout) and there is at least one incident each week at the new Bunnings roundabout – add kids running across the road in this area and we will be talking severe consequences.

I look forward to participating in further discussions regarding this proposal.

Regards
Sharon

State Significant Development Application ( SSD-14082938 )


Location: Arizona Road, Charmhaven (Lot 2 DP 809106)

Applicant: St Philip's Christian Foundation Ltd

Council Area: Central Coast

Consent Authority: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces or Independent Commission


-https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/st-philips-christian-college-charmhaven

Submission regarding Private School Charmhaven

As a resident of the Charmhaven for over 40 years I strongly OBJECT to the proposed building of the new school.

I believe this will cause traffic problems from Sparks Rd to Doyalson impacting thousands of residents everyday as well as destroying one of the few areas of bushland remaining in the area.

I saw the traffic along the highway prior to the M1 express way being built when it was the main Rd between Sydney and Newcastle and I have never seen it as bad as it is now.

I have particular experience with the Highway in Charmhaven as I lived on it for over 30 years then moving one street back from it as well as my mother still living on it. The difficulty trying to leave her property onto the Pacific Highway particularly from about 8.00 am to about 9.30 am and again in the afternoon around 3.pm to around 6.pm is horrendous. The traffic on the Highway is so dense that it takes up to 5 minutes to join the traffic and then you crawl until you reach the Sparks Rd roundabout heading south or Doyalson heading north.

As long as there is a single lane bridge over Wallarah Creek there will be massive traffic jams and this bridge will never be widened as the suburbs of Bluehaven and San Remo have been built to within metres of the bridge. The traffic congestion has been caused by the expansion of this area and the complete lack of any new infrastructure including arterial roads to accommodate the increasing population. Accidents occur frequently and although many are minor, there have been some serious accidents including fatalities.

A solution would be to extend the highway from Waldalba right through to the Doylason link road running near the rail line. This would take a large amount of traffic from the highway.

I believe the best place for this school to be constructed would be near the proposed Warnervale Town Centre which has been in planning for many years. This would give students access to a transport hub including buses and trains. This area is also still being built out unlike older areas such as Gorokan, Toukley, Charmhaven and Wyong and surrounding areas, meaning it will have many more families living there in the future giving the school a larger local catchment area.

I also believe that the other roads bordering the development are woefully inadequate to handle the large volume of traffic associated with the school. These roads were designed for rural traffic loads and have in recent years been overloaded thanks to the areas developments particularly the new Bunnings. The proposed main entrance to the school on Arizona Road, which is to have a bus bay will lead to people having to drive off the road when they meet a bus coming the other way due to Arizona Roads narrowness. This will lead to a very dangerous situation at drop off and pick up times with having cars driving off the road to avoid buses next to children walking or riding beside the road to school.

The existing public transport Hub is at Lakehaven Shopping Centre where many of the students would pass through, proceeding on foot to the new school by having to cross the busy Highway at the Lakehaven Drive and Pacific Highway intersection. If according to the submission it is that students will come up to the Highway then walk along to cross at to proposed traffic lights at Jetty Avenue, then they do not know students well. They will cross the quickest way to get to their destination.

There is little existing pedestrian traffic but if the school is built that would substantially increase and we would see pedestrian accidents as well. We would also need large amount of footpaths along the highway between Moala and Jetty Ave’s to facilitate the new crossing point at the new proposed traffic lights, costing the residents along the highway a portion of it’s cost. These lights will further add to the dire traffic situation.

The bushland opposite was always a haven for wildlife as well as an area use by many to walk and ride bikes which is this area are few and far between due to the huge amount of new construction. This will take away not only another bushland site but much needed green space as when new subdivisions are put in ALL trees are removed which anyone can see an example of along Sparks Rd. We need to protect our environment, not destroy it.

I realise that another educational institute would benefit some in the area but the present site is not the answer as the sacrifice of the bushland, the creation of enormous traffic and pedestrian problems would be detrimental to our community of Charmhaven and surrounding areas.

St Philip's Colleges are recognised around the Central Coast and Newcastle so it is not unimaginable that the shift of the site slightly west would still achieve the school's intended outcomes and create jobs.

I was only informed of this proposed development when my mother received a letterbox drop pamphlet, outside this I would be none the wiser that this development was happening, and I find that to be extremely poor. If I was to build a shed in my backyard, I need approval which involves notifying my neighbours in the surrounding properties, yet they have tried to build a 200-million-dollar school without any form of public meeting or exhibition. Saying it’s on “Public Exhibition” by putting it on a government website where you must look had to find it is ridiculous as not everyone has access to the internet or is tech savy enough to search and find it’s listing.

A public hearing on this proposal should occur as soon as possible.

There are many who cannot view this on the internet due to many circumstances so having something the people can attend and see the plans, amendments and other documents should be arranged as this is a major development and affects tens of thousands of people.


I Strongly OBJECT to the proposal.

By way of context to my comments, I have lived on the Central Coast for 50 years .. 2/3 of my life. I have raised a family here, run two small businesses and been actively engaged in community development and local government issues for many years.

During my 50 years here, I have seen many changes as our population swelled .. roughly 6 times .. with consequential land clearing for housing, shopping centres, schools, roads and industrial areas.
I've seen poor quality land cleared .. but,, increasingly environmentally sensitive land being bought cheaply then rezoned and cleared .. creating mega-profits for developers .. and mega-savings for religious institutions.


Planning Framework
Pursuant to Schedule 1 Clause 15(1) of State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021 (PS SEPP), development for a new school that has a Capital Investment Value of more than $20 million is state significant development.

The assessment priority therefore is primarily of the value of the economic and social benefits of the proposal .. CIV and job creation .. rather than on the loss of biodiversity.

I make the simple point that these economic benefits are available on hundreds of sites across the Central Coast .. without destroying part of contiguous relatively undisturbed land with significant environmental value.

From the BDAR assessment, it's quite clear that the proposed site contains significant biodiversity .. the construction of around 22 buildings, sportsfields, a chapel, roads etc require clearing of over 20Ha .. significantly destroying the current bushland and a corridor contiguous to the Watagans.

I note the land to be cleared is sufficiently unique that no similar offset is proposed .. rather simple a payment into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund. I note also no requirement that this fund be used to maintain local biodiversity .. in fact the fund for another State Significant Development .. the Train Maintenance Facility at Kangy Angy .. was not spent locally.


The land to be cleared contains

+the last haemastoma scribbly gum forest in the LGA
+the threatened Angophora Inopina
+ a number of critically endangered
orchids

I refer to the detailed submission made by well respected local orchid specialist Boris Branwhite .. who has recorded species on this site which the BDAR suggests were not found during their surveys

+ Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters observed on site

◾️This land is the only haemastoma inopina bloodwood forest in the world.

+ insect life recorded by specialist Peter Street
https://www.facebook.com/641495407/posts/pfbid0q3cbupLfUu7inCkBwgnrQWL2R2yFQvj6Z4BZKSghe55rGqisVbsuQTUrFop7yxj1l/?mibextid=Nif5

Having visited the adjoining helipad during training and operations, I am aware of the inevitable noise from helicopter operations .. I question the wisdom of siting a school next door .. especially one designed to cater for DALE students.

Traffic is a pressing issue .. and worse that the proposal states .. noting that traffic counts were undertaken during COVID.

Conclusion

I am certainly not opposed to development .. and have witnessed much over the last 50 years.

That said, I believe that proponents ought seek suitable land to their proposal .. not seek to clear environmentally sensitive land which is part of a significant contiguous green corridor.

Whatever the aimed economic and social benefits .. the community loses biodiversity once and for all .. with no assurance whatever that money paid into a Biodiversity Conservation Fund will even be spent locally

On balance, I do not consider this proposal is in the long-term public interest .. hence my objection to the proposal on this site. I would, however, support the proposal on a more suitable site.






Kevin Armstrong

See attached submission

Please accept this submission as my comment on the proposal by St Philip’s Christian Education Foundation Ltd to develop a new school in Arizona Road, Charmhaven (Lot 2 DP 809106).

Context
As a carer with Wildlife ARC, member of Central Coast Birders, Landcare volunteer, and nature photographer living near Charmhaven, I have an interest in the impact of this development on the ecology of the area.

The school
I am unable to comment on the need for a new Christian School in the area although as an educator with fifty years’ experience I know that choice is important to parents, however that experience also leads me to question the site’s fitness for purpose with the potential for chemical contamination from the adjoining Rural Fire Service Depot, and ongoing noise pollution from helicopter activity.

The proposal
The Environmental Impact Study and its appendices is self-serving in that it describes major issues with no elaboration and then either ignores or disregards their significance. Feel-good language is used to promote a specious sense of well-being while hiding the detail of the proposal. The report is a box-ticking exercise prepared by outside consultants on behalf of developers.



Issues of concern
The road access from the Pacific Highway cuts the C2 section of the lot into two, creating smaller sections and increasing the fragmentation of the site. The negative effects of habitat fragmentation are well documented, contributing to population decline, biodiversity loss, and alteration of community structure and ecosystem functioning. A specific example is the way that Noisy Miners form colonies and dominate eucalypts adjacent to open space such as roadways, driving out other species. The road will also create a traffic hazard, not only for birds and wildlife, but for children using the planned walking/cross country track. Sufficient access from the Pacific Highway can be provided by an eco-friendly footpath/cycleway.

Ten koala-use trees were identified on the site within the area of vegetation to be removed as part of the development, and a koala assessment report found no koalas during the period of the survey. Removing koala-use trees without replacing them is contrary to the Central Coast Council’s Koala Project which seeks to preserve and extend koala habitat on the coast. The tree species being removed should, at the very least, be replanted elsewhere on the site.

Significant environmental issues need to be managed in construction and operation. The proposal acknowledges that the site contains significant numbers of the vulnerable Charmhaven Apple (Angophora inopina). It also recognises that the habitat is likely to contain other rare and vulnerable plants, but there is no specific detail on how these will be protected during the building phase and beyond. Mr. Boris Branwhite of Wyong Terrestrial Orchid Research has recorded a number of rare orchids on the site including the Wyong midge orchid (Genoplesium insigne), of which only fifty plants survive in four small areas between Chain Valley Bay and Wyong. It will require expert identification and management to ensure vulnerable plants are protected.
The site has been identified as a Swift Parrot Important Area, and the squirrel glider has been recorded adjacent to the proposal site. The swift parrot is listed as critically endangered nationally. Squirrel gliders are listed as vulnerable in NSW. The major threat facing both species is habitat loss and fragmentation from clearing, aging and dieback of foraging and nesting sites. Keeping a few favoured trees near to school buildings will do nothing to save these species. An ongoing program to maintain a significantly large area of suitable vegetation is required.

The spring-fed creek system is an important part of the habitat, and following on from the need to avoid fragmentation, the riparian zone should be included in the C2 zone and afforded rehabilitation, protection, and strategic management.
The area has been used for non-destructive recreation by the community. As part of the Central Coast Council’s commitment to green zones throughout urban areas, the eastern part of the site should allow for the public to walk, birdwatch, and otherwise enjoy the bushland on the C2 zoned section of the site.

Conclusion
My blue-sky preference would be for no development to take place, the area to be rehabilitated, fenced, and policed, pedestrian amenities provided, and the ecosystems monitored with respect to the rare and endangered species. However, it is acknowledged that parts of the area are highly degraded and fencing and signage have not eliminated the causal illegal use by off-road vehicles, dumping of household and building rubbish, burning of vehicles, and firewood collection. Significant resources would be required to manage the conservation values of the block.

It is essential that the area from the Pacific Highway to and including the riparian zone, is rehabilitated, protected, and made available for non-destructive recreational activities.

This could be achieved through a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement - a legal agreement between a landholder and the government that aims to conserve and manage biodiversity on private land. A BSA would protect and enhance the biodiversity of the block in perpetuity and generate biodiversity credits to offset the impact of the development and the costs of conservation.

Comments per attachment

The proposal would ruin one of the most beautiful and ecologically important parts of the Central Coast. The school can find an alternative site in another area that fulfils their needs and does not help to desecrate our lovely coast.