Dear Mayor Ruddock, Hornsby Councillors and local MP the Hon. Alister Henskens
I am very concerned about the potential impacts of the proposed Westleigh Park development on the environmentally sensitive bushland on the site, impacts on fauna and the impacts on residents\\\\\\\\' amenity.
I therefore respectfully ask that the Westleigh Park Master Plan give priority to the protection of the environmentally sensitive bushland on the site. Council must fulfil its legal responsibility and immediately close all tracks in and near endangered ecological communities and ecologically sensitive flora.
The Master Plan must have no mountain bike tracks in the areas containing the Critically Endangered Ecological Community of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest or the Endangered Ecological Community of Duffys Forest. Restoration of bushland must begin with a priority to areas where tracks have been built illegally. Council must ensure that any tracks that are retained are reconstructed to ensure rider safety and do not damage surrounding vegetation or cause erosion.
The Master Plan must prioritise the preservation of fauna habitat and ensure that there is no night riding in the bushland areas. Playing field lighting must be consistent with Australian Standards including Control of Obtrusive Lighting Effects, which will minimise the impacts on adjacent neighbours as well as on nocturnal animals. Playing fields should be closed by 9pm to minimise disruption to resident amenity and wildlife.
The Master Plan must ensure that no synthetic turf is used on any playing fields. Remediation of the contaminated parts of the site should embrace the latest technology to eliminate the risk of pollution entering surrounding bushland.
Any second access road must be for emergency access only. It must not be a public road that will increase traffic impacts on local residents.
Thank you for your consideration of my concerns.
%%your signature%%
Save Westleigh Park