The proposed relocation of Kevin Wheatley Reserve has upset Airds residents and wildlife activists

Airds residents and local wildlife activists are upset by plans to relocate Kevin Wheatley Reserve an area behind the Riverside Drive shopping centre.

Airds residents and local wildlife activists are upset by plans to relocate Kevin Wheatley Reserve an area behind the Riverside Drive shopping centre.

The reserve is named in honour of Victoria Cross recipient Warrant Officer Kevin Wheatley but has fallen into a dilapidated state in recent years.

The proposed plan would also see a road built through a patch of Cumberland Woodland.

The plans are currently on public exhibition until April 28.

Campbelltown resident Nea Makowski said the loss of open spaces would impact wildlife and the quality of life for new residents moving into the suburb.

“Considering its proximity to the Georges River bushland and the Dharawal National Park, I believe it is a valuable buffer for wildlife which should be enhanced,” she said.

A report by Cumberland Ecology in the development proposal stated the effect of the land clearing on the local koala population would be minimal.

But Airds resident Kathy O’Connor said many koalas were often seen by local residents using the trees to travel between habitats.

“The studies don’t take into account local residents who have seen these koalas for years,” she said.

“This is Kevin Wheatley Reserve here, it may not look very good right now but it’s larger than the new proposal and if its fixed up could be a wonderful open space to be used in the future when the development is complete.

“Do we really want smaller open spaces with small lot sizes?

“We’re not opposed to the development, Airds needed it for years, but lets do it the right way.”

Campbelltown’s koala colony is the last chlamydia-free colony in the Sydney basin.

The plans are available to be viewed at Campbelltown Library or Campbelltown Council.