A community workshop held last weekend at Springwood gave bushcare volunteers from all over the Blue Mountains an opportunity to review the draft Local Environment Plan.
The Blue Mountains Conservation Society organised the workshop to give bushcare volunteers an opportunity to discuss specific issues they had in terms of the draft LEP.
“The extensive network of bushcare volunteers in the Mountains is something we should be justly proud of,” said Sue Morrison, community campaigner for the Society.
“Given their expert know-ledge of their local bushland, it is important they have an input.”
Bushcare volunteers were able to examine zoning maps, as well as vegetation and watercourse mapping.
“Key issues raised by attendees at the workshop, included the accuracy of some the vegetation mapping, and how bushland areas, currently labelled “no subdivision” under the existing LEPs, are dealt with under the draft LEP through the imposition of lot size limits.
“Concerns were also raised about the zoning of some council managed bushland reserves,” Ms Morrison said.
The Society has urged all bushcare volunteers and all residents to make a submission to the draft LEP, especially supporting the provisions aimed at protecting the environment.
“We need to make clear to both council and the NSW government that we will not accept a second rate ‘watered down’ LEP, which sacrifices the environment for development at any cost,” she said.
To assist the community understand the draft LEP and make submissions, the Society has organised a public meeting this Sunday, February 16 at 2pm in the Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson. The meeting is open to everyone and will include speakers from council, who will outline the environmental provisions of the draft LEP.
Maps and copies of the LEP will be available for residents to look at and ask questions.
There will also be assistance to enable residents make submissions.
Throughout February, the Society will have LEP information stalls at various village shopping centres as well as at community markets.
The Society’s website has more information at www.bluemountains.org.au with the chance to include a submission letter residents can download to add their own comments.
