Native forest in South Dural may be saved or destroyed by plans for development residents say

South Dural development of new homes set among native forest seen by some as “ecological destruction” while others see it as a way to preserve the forest and free it from private land.

South Dural development artists impression.

Plans to develop South Dural into thousands of new homes set among native forest has been characterised by some residents as “ecological destruction” while others see it as a way to open up the forest hidden on private land and preserve the bush.

There are more than 120 properties that make up the proposed development area with the South Dural Residents and Ratepayers Group representing the majority of landowners.

This group have agreed to work with developers and their spokesman, Rick Alloggia, said they support the “sustainable manner” that the plans “seek to transform the South Dural lands”.

The development will also contribute to local road infrastructure upgrades.

DURAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL

“There will be protections for the existing ecological environment within the proposed residential zoning,” he said. “(But) recently we have been made aware of misguided allegations about the project and its effect on the land.”

The South Dural development proposal area with sections of native forest highlited.

Residents Infrastructure Planning Alliance spokeswoman Jacqui Goddard said signs are being put up around the area by one of their member groups because there are “serious concerns” about ecological issues not being addressed in the proposal,” Ms Goddard said. “There is a lot of strong feeling about it.”

The Respect Rural community group has been campaigning and emailing local councillors saying the proposal “fails to protect threatened and endangered flora and fauna” and the area “must be preserved for its agricultural potential”.

An aerial view of the South Dural development proposal area.

Developers Foldkstone and Lyon spokesman Ben Dodwell said they are “very open” to a “meaningful dialogue with any group” about ecology or other issues and would be happy to answer specific questions.

“The over-aching principal of this proposal is that we are celebrating the ecology by preserving it and opening it up through public open spaces,” Mr Dodwell said. More: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/council/noticeboard/on-exhibition