St Philip's Christian College, Charmhaven

I object to the proposed Christian college school on the “A track”bush site at Charmhaven.🏫

▪️This land contains the last haemastoma scribbly gum forest in the shire

◾️The threatened Angophora Inopina

▪️Critically endangered
orchids
Swift Parrots
Regent Honeyeaters
Both observed on site

◾️This land is the only haemastoma inopina bloodwood forest in the world.

▪️Home to many endangered species genoplesium insignis
Corunastylis Branwhiteorum.
It contains the largest concentration of genoplesium rupuii (a rare plant) in the shire.

▪️This area is the last major green forest area in Charmhaven which is already over populated!

It lies between Chelmsford road and Wallarah creek. Platypuses have been seen in Wallarah creek.

▪️Sea eagles roost in there

▪️Additionally, a new school in Charmhaven would lead to increased traffic volumes on Pacific Highway, and Sparks Road.

▪️The dale school part that’s is proposed is nonsensical being that the school will be located right next to an emergency helipad - noise from regular use of the refuelling and training depot is not a suitable environment for dale schools.

Regards,
Richelle

Please accept my submission as my objection to the proposed development by St Phillips Christian Education Foundation Ltd on Arizona Road charmhaven - Lor 2 DP 809106.

As a nearby resident I have an interest in the ecological impact of this development on the ecology of the area.

The environmental impact statement is unclear and seems self serving. No clear details are apparent in this report.

I am concerned for the fragmentation of habitat, removal ofntrees that are known to house koalas, destruction of rare and valuable plants and the ending of public use of this area.

I am strongly opposed to this development and would lobby for this area to be remediated and made available for nondestructive recreational activity.

Can the church consider using land that is already purposed rather than destroying the dwindling ecology of the central coast.

Jesus would not approve this development.

I was shocked to hear of the proposal by St. Phillip's Christian College at Charmhaven, covering nearly 100 acres of scribbly gum and angophora inopina. I've been exploring this area since 2001, cherishing its many trails and stunning natural beauty. During my walks, I've encountered kangaroos, a variety of orchids (including native ground orchids and occasional tree orchids), and appreciated the tranquility of the surroundings. After the bushfires in 2019, the Xanthereas came out in flower and they looked amazing, a sight to behold. Additionally, the christmas bells come out every christmas and they're beautiful.

Despite being unfortunately used as a dumping ground and subject to motorbike riding and 4WD activities, this area remains a popular spot for dog walkers and bird watchers. Considering the known PFAS contamination of the land and the proximity of a 5G tower to a potential school, the proposal raises concerns and seems illogical. The existing hollow trees in the area are already scarce, and the thought of witnessing the destruction of this beautiful forest would be distressing for the regular users of these trails. In 2019, when bushfires devastated the region, the local community was deeply saddened by the loss and rallied to support the displaced wildlife by setting up water and food stations. This response underscores the strong attachment and love that the community has for this cherished natural environment.

In addition, a distressing incident involving a swift parrot was noted at the back of the Charmhaven council depot, adjacent to the St. Phillip's school block. The parrot, initially presumed to be a musk parrot due to its poor condition, was discovered with one wing missing and covered in filth. It was handed over to Wildlife Ark for rehabilitation. As it gradually recovered and was cleaned, it was identified as a swift parrot. Sadly, despite efforts for rehabilitation, the parrot's health declined, leading to its demise. Subsequently, the parrot's remains were collected and taxidermied by CSIRO in Canberra in February 2021 for preservation and display purposes.

Furthermore, there are already 26 schools within a 10-kilometer radius of the proposed site, making a new school largely superfluous. Introducing a new school would exacerbate the existing traffic congestion in the area, further burdening the already crowded roads.

In conclusion, a development of a new St Phillip's Christian College at Charmhaven would be inherently detrimental to the local community.

Thank you
Debra Raymont
0415672639
[email protected]

Please accept this submission as my comment on the proposal by St Philip’s Christian Education Foundation Ltd to develop a new school in Arizona Road, Charmhaven (Lot 2 DP 809106).

Context
As a carer with Wildlife ARC, member of Central Coast Birders, Landcare volunteer, and nature photographer living near Charmhaven, I have an interest in the impact of this development on the ecology of the area.

The school
I am unable to comment on the need for a new Christian School in the area although as an educator with fifty years’ experience I know that choice is important to parents, however that experience also leads me to question the site’s fitness for purpose with the potential for chemical contamination from the adjoining Rural Fire Service Depot, and ongoing noise pollution from helicopter activity.

The proposal
The Environmental Impact Study and its appendices is self-serving in that it describes major issues with no elaboration and then either ignores or disregards their significance. Feel-good language is used to promote a specious sense of well-being while hiding the detail of the proposal. The report is a box-ticking exercise prepared by outside consultants on behalf of developers.



Issues of concern
The road access from the Pacific Highway cuts the C2 section of the lot into two, creating smaller sections and increasing the fragmentation of the site. The negative effects of habitat fragmentation are well documented, contributing to population decline, biodiversity loss, and alteration of community structure and ecosystem functioning. A specific example is the way that Noisy Miners form colonies and dominate eucalypts adjacent to open space such as roadways, driving out other species. The road will also create a traffic hazard, not only for birds and wildlife, but for children using the planned walking/cross country track. Sufficient access from the Pacific Highway can be provided by an eco-friendly footpath/cycleway.

Ten koala-use trees were identified on the site within the area of vegetation to be removed as part of the development, and a koala assessment report found no koalas during the period of the survey. Removing koala-use trees without replacing them is contrary to the Central Coast Council’s Koala Project which seeks to preserve and extend koala habitat on the coast. The tree species being removed should, at the very least, be replanted elsewhere on the site.

Significant environmental issues need to be managed in construction and operation. The proposal acknowledges that the site contains significant numbers of the vulnerable Charmhaven Apple (Angophora inopina). It also recognises that the habitat is likely to contain other rare and vulnerable plants, but there is no specific detail on how these will be protected during the building phase and beyond. Mr. Boris Branwhite of Wyong Terrestrial Orchid Research has recorded a number of rare orchids on the site including the Wyong midge orchid (Genoplesium insigne), of which only fifty plants survive in four small areas between Chain Valley Bay and Wyong. It will require expert identification and management to ensure vulnerable plants are protected.
The site has been identified as a Swift Parrot Important Area, and the squirrel glider has been recorded adjacent to the proposal site. The swift parrot is listed as critically endangered nationally. Squirrel gliders are listed as vulnerable in NSW. The major threat facing both species is habitat loss and fragmentation from clearing, aging and dieback of foraging and nesting sites. Keeping a few favoured trees near to school buildings will do nothing to save these species. An ongoing program to maintain a significantly large area of suitable vegetation is required.

The spring-fed creek system is an important part of the habitat, and following on from the need to avoid fragmentation, the riparian zone should be included in the C2 zone and afforded rehabilitation, protection, and strategic management.
The area has been used for non-destructive recreation by the community. As part of the Central Coast Council’s commitment to green zones throughout urban areas, the eastern part of the site should allow for the public to walk, birdwatch, and otherwise enjoy the bushland on the C2 zoned section of the site.

Conclusion
My blue-sky preference would be for no development to take place, the area to be rehabilitated, fenced, and policed, pedestrian amenities provided, and the ecosystems monitored with respect to the rare and endangered species. However, it is acknowledged that parts of the area are highly degraded and fencing and signage have not eliminated the causal illegal use by off-road vehicles, dumping of household and building rubbish, burning of vehicles, and firewood collection. Significant resources would be required to manage the conservation values of the block.

It is essential that the area from the Pacific Highway to and including the riparian zone, is rehabilitated, protected, and made available for non-destructive recreational activities.

This could be achieved through a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement - a legal agreement between a landholder and the government that aims to conserve and manage biodiversity on private land. A BSA would protect and enhance the biodiversity of the block in perpetuity and generate biodiversity credits to offset the impact of the development and the costs of conservation.

Walking in to ‘the A track’ at Lot 2 DP 809106 Arizona Rd Charmhaven, I was immediately struck by the unusual vegetation communities, the ecotone offering a unique combination of structure, form and colour that I had never seen before (nor have I since). Though there were heavily degraded areas the remnants were stunningly beautiful, and the heathland was in excellent condition. Here was something really special. It was apparent to me that the overlap in resources here would offer excellent habitat quality for small Australian fauna (my specialty, as an ecologist) – from dense heathy patches, to open areas, to the sturdy vegetation structure provided by the low-statured Angophoras. Though I only visited once or twice the memory has stayed with me and I am not surprised by the discoveries being made by passionate locals: secret threatened orchids, squirrel gliders (disappearing from the central coast), and tree species that are unique to place; not found anywhere else on the planet. We must not deny future generations gems like this.
The proposal suggests the destruction of over 20 hectares, which spells the end for the ecological function and long-term sustainability of the larger bushland patch. The mitigation of ecological damage (as stated on page 227 of the EIS) claims that the development is situated to minimize the need for vegetation clearing. However, based on my experience, a large-scale development like this typically triggers rapid degradation of the surrounding environment. There is seldom genuine protection of remnants or proper follow-up.
As an example, consider the Supercentre at Belrose, NSW, 4-6 Niangala Close which was constructed on the fringes of critically endangered Duffys forest vegetation. The remaining patch has now deteriorated significantly and become overrun with weeds. Moreover, a substantial area has been legally cleared as part of an asset protection zone. Similarly, the residential land development at Green Point on the central coast impacts the bushland of Kincumber Mountain Reserve, resulting in physical harm to native vegetation, invasive weed species, and erosion.
I would also like to argue against the inference made by the applicant that the cleared areas impacted by vehicles devalue the land in terms of biodiversity. Firstly, this land will have excellent resilience and would regenerate strongly if given a little assistance. Secondly, small fauna is often benefitted by mosaic patches of dense structure adjacent to open land (e.g. Chambers and Dickman, 2002). Orchids can benefit from clearance of surrounding vegetation as well (Lunt et al 2006). Thus the whole patch should be seen as high biodiversity value.
If our biodiversity protection laws and international obligations (Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, World Heritage Convention) cannot safeguard this land, which:
* shelters and provides a habitat for so many endangered species, including Angophora inopina, (which has a range is limited to this very area and is a species under immediate and tangible threat),
* represents a unique combination of vegetation communities, (one of which is itself threatened),
* has significance as a crucial wildlife corridor,
*as well considering the backdrop of swift development in the surrounding natural landscape - then we, the public, cannot place our trust in these mechanisms. The profound importance of this bushland, on multiple fronts, cannot be emphasized enough. Though I'm not a local, I am deeply personally invested in the preservation of this land.
Government has a clear duty under local, national and international law to preserve this utterly unique and beautiful patch of land.
References: Chambers, L.K. and Dickman, C.R., 2002. Habitat selection of the long-nosed Bandicoot, Perameles nasuta in a patchy urban environment. Austral ecology, 27(3), pp.334-342.
Coates, F., Lunt, I.D., Tremblay, R.L., 2006. Orchids and disturbance; Effects of disturbance on population dynamics of the threatened orchid Prasophyllum correctum D.L. Jones and implications for grassland management in south-eastern Australia. Biological Conservation, 129(1), pp.59-69.

This land holds living space too wildlife and it’s a shame to have it all taken down. RESPECT THE TREES

The concern I have is the road coming from the School out onto the Pacific Highway and the four -leg intersection which incorporates Jetty Avenue. Has anyone in your office been on the Highway between 8am heading South? It is at a crawl and backed up past the Charmhaven shops .Putting in an intersection would stop the traffic and back it up more. The same happens in the afternoon heading North. Using Arizona road for all traffic to the School would be the most feasible as there is no major traffic on this road.

I object to this project on the grounds that it would result in the clearing of bush land that is the last remaining Scribbly gum ecosystem on the Central coast and contains numerous threatened species such as angophora inopina and critically endangered orchids. It is also habitat for the critically endangered Swift Parrot which has been sighted on this land.

The northern Central Coast has been cleared to an enormous extent and this is pushing many species to the brink of extinction because there is very little habitat left for them to live in.

There is no need for a large new school in the area - there are plenty of schools in this area already.

If a school is really needed and research can prove there is demand, then site it on land which does not contain bush land and endangered species.

There is also very poor public transport in the area so a school there would result in increased car traffic and local pollution.

There is not much wildlife left around. Let them be. I also believe every child has the same rights to education. Why should a child be deprived of a private school due to money. It shouldn't matter what the parents earn to say what education is available to children.