Revise the Rocky Point Cycle Way Plan to Protect Shorebird and Seagrass Habitats
The issue
The current cycle way has been a significant asset to our community. However, the proposed extension plan around Rocky Point raises serious environmental concerns. The current scheme involves the construction of a platform and potential backfill to create a concrete pathway, distressingly poised over the habitat of shorebirds, saltmarsh vegetation, and seagrass. Moreover, this development is set to diminish the beauty of the natural rock platform and pebbly foreshore at the point itself, through the proposed concrete and backfill design marking a regrettable loss in visual amenity.
It's crucial to add that saltmarsh is considered an Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act, and seagrasses are protected under the Fisheries Management Act. These ecosystems are not merely pretty sights; they play integral roles in the grand tapestry of our local biodiversity. Seagrasses act as nurseries for fisheries, promote water quality, and combat climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide.
Further the area is listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife Australia. At the time of writing Pied Stilts are actively nesting in this area with chicks present. This confirms the value of this area as breeding grounds for shorebirds.
Importantly, sustainable development is possible – and necessary. By revisiting the plans for the cycle way around Rocky Point, we can find a route that accommodates the needs of cyclists and walkers without negatively impacting our prized ecosystem. To this end, this petition calls on the appropriate planners to reassess the current plans and to look for alternatives that would preserve our environment. Together, we can ensure the balance between progress and preserving the precious environments that we cherish. Please join us to support this crucial cause; every signature counts.
Although consultation has closed, Council has opted for an option least supported by the local community. Further more the current plan is to construct the boardwalk over the water and intertidal zone of the rock shelf, this is not apparent in the online documents that were used in the consultation period. Updated plan below.
Links to previous plans and project documentation can be found here:
https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/tuggerawong-shared-pathway-stage-5
992
The issue
The current cycle way has been a significant asset to our community. However, the proposed extension plan around Rocky Point raises serious environmental concerns. The current scheme involves the construction of a platform and potential backfill to create a concrete pathway, distressingly poised over the habitat of shorebirds, saltmarsh vegetation, and seagrass. Moreover, this development is set to diminish the beauty of the natural rock platform and pebbly foreshore at the point itself, through the proposed concrete and backfill design marking a regrettable loss in visual amenity.
It's crucial to add that saltmarsh is considered an Endangered Ecological Community under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act, and seagrasses are protected under the Fisheries Management Act. These ecosystems are not merely pretty sights; they play integral roles in the grand tapestry of our local biodiversity. Seagrasses act as nurseries for fisheries, promote water quality, and combat climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide.
Further the area is listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife Australia. At the time of writing Pied Stilts are actively nesting in this area with chicks present. This confirms the value of this area as breeding grounds for shorebirds.
Importantly, sustainable development is possible – and necessary. By revisiting the plans for the cycle way around Rocky Point, we can find a route that accommodates the needs of cyclists and walkers without negatively impacting our prized ecosystem. To this end, this petition calls on the appropriate planners to reassess the current plans and to look for alternatives that would preserve our environment. Together, we can ensure the balance between progress and preserving the precious environments that we cherish. Please join us to support this crucial cause; every signature counts.
Although consultation has closed, Council has opted for an option least supported by the local community. Further more the current plan is to construct the boardwalk over the water and intertidal zone of the rock shelf, this is not apparent in the online documents that were used in the consultation period. Updated plan below.
Links to previous plans and project documentation can be found here:
https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/tuggerawong-shared-pathway-stage-5
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Petition created on 1 January 2025