The Cumberland Plain is Sydney's greenbelt. It is a wildlife hotspot and home to a very special koala colony. But this green space is under threat with plans to bulldoze and destroy wildlife corridors. We need your help to save it.
IFAW is part of Sydney Basin Koala Network which has created a great three-minute video explaining the issue - click here to watch.
Take Action - Please send a message to NSW Minister for Environment, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Planning, Paul Scully and urge them to take action. We have suggested copy, but please feel free to personalise.
Dear Ministers,
The Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (The Plan), frames the western edge of Sydney. It has the potential to curb Sydney's urban sprawl as a greenbelt; protect endangered ecosystems; and help tackle killer urban heat for existing and new residents – while supplying additional housing. However, in its current form, it will put a critical koala colony at risk and cause irreversible damage to the environment.
The Plan should be amended to put the conservation of the many threatened plant and animal species and new parks securely in place before new development. Bearing in mind the Plan is a 35 year projection of development - environment protection amendments can be implemented quickly.
We call on the NSW Government to implement the following reforms:
- Permanent environment protection zoning (C2) of conservation lands
- Reservation of all koala corridors, according to Chief Scientist criteria (425m width, no less than 250m at any point)
- Rapid delivery of new national parks and reserves
- Review of current development proposals
- No translocation of koalas
The Cumberland Plain is a vital greenbelt for Sydney and an important wildlife hotspot that deserves safeguarding. Your government has the opportunity to ensure its long-lasting protection.
I look forward to your response.
Kind regards
[Your comment here]
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
