The RSGC is a very well recognized golf course globally. I have nothing against golf but the redesign of this course spells disaster for our local wildlife and vegetation. 595 trees are being cut down that amounts to 23.5% of the current tree canopy. Many of these trees have been alive for 70-80 years. Their carbon storage is huge and they are provide shelter, habitat and food for local and migratory birds. The majority are also in good condition (based on the assessment RSGC arranged).

The future of the golf course promises to be a beautifully biodiverse landscape but falls short in its strategy to sustainably adapt as the landscape shifts in maturity. A cut and replace strategy is not ok (especially with the backdrop of climate change). While living on the East is a blessing, it’s highly urbanised and the RSGC proposal puts in jeopardy much of the wildlife that calls the RSGC home.

The impact of this mass destruction of an urban forest will be felt in the first instance by the area’s wild life, but ultimately by all of us in the eastern suburbs. 

Ten listed species are noted to have habitat in the golf course key wildlife corridor including wag tails and cockatoos and it is one of the last local habitats for many bird species such as Blue Wren, Eastern Spine Bill, New Holland Honey Eater and Mud Lark. 

Of particular loss will be the older trees with the hollows and holes needed for nesting by the threatened yellow tailed black cockatoo, as well as kookaburras, ring tail possums, sulphur crested cockatoos, rainbow lorikeets. Many native bee species, which play an important role in pollination of many native plants well outside the golf course also rely on burrowing into the old wood of many of trees slated for destruction. 

Loss of any species, even locally is a source of sadness for humankind, but we are also in line for the direct negative effects of this proposal. 

The mature tree canopy of RSGC is a large contributor to the purification of pollutants from the air of the Rose Bay Valley and it also cools our suburbs through transpiration and shade while helping maintain a pleasant level of humidity. 

Please support me to let Woollahra Council know this is not ok.