Friends of Grasslands

supporting native grassy ecosystems

PO Box 440
Jamison Centre
Macquarie ACT 2614

email: advocacy@fog.org.au
web: www.fog.org.au

Re. Request for reconsideration of decision under section 78 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: South Canberra Memorial Park (EPBC 2019/8595)

Friends of Grasslands (FOG) is a community group dedicated to the conservation of natural temperate grassy ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. FOG advocates, educates and advises on matters to do with the conservation of native grassy ecosystems, and carries out surveys and other on-ground work. FOG is based in Canberra and its members include professional scientists, landowners, land managers and interested members of the public.

Friends of Grasslands is gratified that the Environment Minister has determined that the development of a private crematorium adjacent to and linking with Callum Brae Nature Reserve, on Block 1 Section 3 Symonston be reconsidered as a controlled action.

It is our understanding that the environmental impacts of these works are substantially greater than were originally described by the proponents due to amendments to the development application, and as such, warrant reconsideration of the referral decision. We refer in particular to the reasoning provided in the Reconsideration Requests submitted by the Friends of Callum Brae Nature Reserve and Margaret Roberts and in summary identify the following concerns:

1.       Natural values of the area have been understated and misrepresented

2.       Substantially more activity is proposed than stated in the original Development proposal

3.       Alternative uses are possible to meet legislative requirements for recovery of threatened matters

We urge, on the basis of environmental considerations that were not provided in the original application, that development of a private crematorium complex on Block 1 Section 3 Symonston should be considered a controlled action.

Yours sincerely

 

Professor Jamie Pittock

President, Friends of Grasslands

18/8/2024