Biodiversity Certification for West Dapto Urban Release Area

As much-needed development in the West Dapto Urban Release Area (WDURA) progresses, it’s important to make sure it doesn’t come at a cost to the existing plant and animal residents. That’s why we’re working with the NSW Government to establish biodiversity certification in the area which will streamline development assessment processes, protect important vegetation communities and offset the impact from new developments.

Currently on public exhibition, the certification application would see some areas greenlit for future development and the biodiversity impact of that development offset by allocating nearby areas for conservation. It can streamline the biodiversity impact assessment process by removing the usual requirement for site-by-site assessment and instead assessing the whole development area at once.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said biodiversity, having a variety of plant and animal life, is vital to maintaining the wonderful natural environment we have in Wollongong.

“Through this process, we can plan for plant and animal conservation early in the development process for a large portion of the release area, rather than each lot in isolation.

“This provides the opportunity for Council to address the conservation planning with an overall goal and vision, which would provide better and more targeted opportunities to protect and conserve flora and fauna.

Once adopted, biodiversity certification will apply to future developments within the certification area.

The offset will see contributions collected by the state government from new developments which then go to support ecological restoration works at nearby spots with high conservation values.

One such spot is Purrungully Woodland, an endangered ecological community in Horsley home to a unique collection of native plant and animal species.

“The woodland community under threat from invasive weeds, habitat degradation, pest animals, a changing climate, and those of the recreational variety like illegal bike tracks.”

The proposed certification covers a 985-hectare area to the south-west of Dapto, largely bordered by the Princes Highway and foothills of The Escarpment. It covers the suburbs of Cleveland, Huntley, Avondale, Marshall Mount and parts of Yallah.

Wollongong City Council’s WDURA biodiversity certification application is based on data gathered by an independent and accredited ecological consultant in accordance with NSW Government methodology.

Community members and landowners are encouraged to view the application in full at https://our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/ and provide feedback by Monday 15 April 2024.