Vigil in the Forest: Protests against Mirvac’s Coonara Ave development on West Pennant Hills site

With 3000 trees set to be obliterated to pave the way for a $236 million proposed development, residents and politicians united to mourn the loss in a last-ditch protest.

With 3000 trees set to be obliterated by heavy machinery to pave the way for a major $236 million proposed housing development at West Pennant Hills, residents and politicians came together to mourn the loss in a ‘Vigil for the Forest’.

About 100 people, including Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens MP David Shoebridge and Hills Shire councillors, united to mourn the imminent destruction.

A local mother and her daughter protesting Mirvac’s development at the Vigil

In January Mirvac lodged three development applications (DAs) transform the former IBM site into a residential precinct.

A “southern housing precinct”, including a mix of apartments and houses, has been proposed for the 26ha site.

After receiving the final tick of approval from the federal Environment Minister, the demolition and vegetation clearing of the site is set to begin this year.

Artist impression by Mirvac of the proposed residential development

At the Vigil, Hills Shire councillor Ryan Tracey said he mourned the loss of democracy.

“The Hills Shire Council opposed the proposal along with thousands of residents, yet the Liberal state government fast tracked the proposal during the Covid lockdown,” he said.

“(This development) will lead to the destruction of local habit and is not making a positive impact on the planet.”

Cr Ryan Tracey speaking at the Vigil

The lone Hills Shire Greens councillor, Dr Mila Kasby, raised concerns about the wipe out of 3000 trees.

“People in our area are not known for being protesters but they were compelled to come together tonight to mourn the loss of such a precious place,” she said.

“Once these old growth trees and the ecosystems within them are gone, they can’t be replaced.”

Cr Mila Kasby speaking at the Vigil

In response to concerns raised at the vigil, Mirvac general manager of residential development Toby Long said the development company was working to preserve the environment.

“We are in the process of dedicating approximately 10 hectares of Blue Gum High Forest and Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest to the NSW Government as public open space,” he said.

“This forest area … will become publicly accessible for the first time in 100 years.

“The majority of trees proposed to be removed … (include) species that are problematic to the endangered existing Blue Gum High Forest and Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest.”

“(Mirvac is) working closely with ecologists and council to ensure our proposal is highly sensitive to this unique bushland setting. We are also working with an Aboriginal group, Jiwah, on a proposal for an indigenous Cultural Garden and bush regeneration program … (that will) be incorporated within the site.”

Mirvac have promised to preserve and enhance the critically endangered forests

What the future development could look like … artist impression by Mirvac

Mr Long also said Mirvac would work to minimise disruption and communicate with nearby residents as the development progresses.

Advocacy group Forest in Danger spokeswoman Jan Primrose was sceptical about Mirvac’s intentions to minimise noise.

Jan Primrose has been vocal in her opposition to Mirvac’s development proposal

“There are not enough trees and shrubs along the Coonara Ave frontage to provide any acoustic filter from construction noise,” she said.

“Mirvac’s Vegetation Management Plan says they won’t replant any trees or shrubs along Coonara Ave either which is appalling … (our) community expected a much better environmental outcome from Mirvac.”

55 Coonara Avenue’s “sparse” tree frontage. Picture: Jan Primrose

Demolition is expected to begin later this year with Mirvac planning to lodge further plans for recreation space and forest areas on the site.