We are not normally in the habit of promoting land sales but this one came to our attention on Domain – 24 Ninox Close Salamander Bay. The road in this new subdivision was named after owls in the Genus Ninox:
“Fully serviced at the foot of a new cul-de-sac the land rises through virgin native forest to the crest of the hill behind, with snippets of water view through the trees. Accessed by walking trails the owner will have sole rights to this incredible enclave, which is home to a myriad of Australian flora and fauna, including the protected habitat and nesting place of the endangered powerful owl (Ninox Strenua).”
Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association (TRRA) is well aware of this land and had discussions with Council over the sub-division at Ninox Close in 2019. TRRA’s submission stated: “This DA originally proposed a 30 lot sub-division which would have involved the clearing of bushland, including important habitat for the Powerful owl and the koala. Following significant community concern, it was approved as a 19 lot subdivision, preserving most of the uncleared western half of the site (Lot 19). This was a sensible and balanced outcome for the community and developer alike.”
However, TRRA was adamant that any “modifications should only be approved if they can be guaranteed to improve the prospects for sound environmental management of Lot 19. We can see two possible routes to this outcome:
- Conditions that require the purchaser of the new ‘extra’ dwelling to actively manage the whole of the Lot with specified environmental objectives.
- Agreement by the developer to transfer the majority of Lot 19 free of charge to Council for incorporation into the adjacent Stony Ridge Reserve. Council may have other ways of securing the desired outcome – for instance through negotiation of a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA).”
Council adopted the former approach, which means that the developer can transfer responsibility for compliance with the conditions protecting the bushland part of Lot 19 to a buyer. However, the concern for TRRA is whether the new owner will take their responsibilities seriously. A conservation-minded buyer would be the ideal outcome. Please contact us if you have any ideas!