Macquarie Links residents have stepped up their fight against plans to develop community owned land situated across from Governor’s Way.
Proponents of the plan to subdivide the land into around 35 new residential lots met with Campbelltown Council this week.
The open space area incorporates the spectacular Lady Macquarie Walk and the treed corridor surrounding the Frank Bulluss Reserve.
There are concerns that housing would devastate the ecology of the site and the native animals that rely on it for food and shelter.
Opponents also say that too many Macquarie Links residents remain unaware of the proposal for housing at the highest point of the estate.
Anthony Cichonski, who lives on Governor’s Way, has joined forces with neighbour and former Campbelltown Mayor Les Patterson to alert the community to the downside of this proposal.
“Many residents feel the full implications of this proposal are not yet widely understood,’’ says Mr Cichonski.
“This proposal involves the potential loss of one of the last remaining open green spaces within Macquarie Links, including bushland that supports local wildlife and forms part of the Lady Macquarie Walk,’’ he said.
The proposal by the original Macquarie Links developer, Monarch Investments, includes sale of community association land, residential subdivision of the site and a broader project estimated at around $24 million in total value
“While a financial return to residents is being presented, the concern is that this represents a one-off gain in exchange for a permanent loss of community space, amenity, and environmental value,’’ says Mr Cichonski.
If the housing development were to go ahead, native animals such as wallabies, possums and reptiles regularly seen by residents going for a stroll along the Lady Macquarie walking path would have their habitat seriously eroded.
“This land is owned collectively by residents, and many are now questioning whether there has been sufficient consultation and transparency given the scale and long-term impact of the proposal,’’ says Mr Cichonski.
Another argument against development is that the land in question forms part of the originally planned estate layout.
As evidence the residents point to the installed interpretive signage and heritage markers, the defined walking paths (Lady Macquarie Walk), structured entry points and trail alignment, and retained vegetation corridors integrated with residential lots.
“These features were delivered by Monarch Investments as part of the original Macquarie Links development,’’ says Mr Cichonski.
“This indicates the area was deliberately designed, integrated into the estate identity and intended for ongoing community use and amenity,’’ he says.
He says if a proposal goes to Campbelltown Council for consideration it should ensure that it preserves the integrity of the Lady Macquarie Walk corridor, retains the existing tree canopy and vegetation buffer, maintains habitat continuity for native fauna, and recognises the original estate design intent and community reliance on this space.
