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Submission
to the Land and Environment Court regarding the Ardel Development
Proposal in the Manly Dam Catchment.
Mary E. White, D. Sc.
It is my considered opinion that the conservation and protection from further development of the Manly Dam Catchment should not be treated as a local issue, whose outcome may be determined by the Council (Warringah) in which it is located. It has to be regarded as a State, or at least Sydney-Metropolitan, matter because of the unique set of circumstances it comprises. This is essentially a heritage matter--the Catchment and the health of the last feshwater dam inside the metropolitan region are merely entrusted to local authorities and must be responsibly managed and not degraded. The Dam and its Catchment are part of our natural heritage, recognised as such by authorities (who has far greater wisdom and long-range vision than today's land managers) a century ago. Where we, the current stewards of the land, have been fortunate enough to inherit an environmental icon, relatively undamaged, it is our responsibility to see that it is passed on to the next generation intact, with what degradation it has suffered at this point repaired.
In the case of the Manly Dam Catchment we, the residents of Sydney, have a unique opportunity to set and example for all urban communities. Rather than allow further development, this relatively "undisturbed" Catchment is an asset beyond a price. With global warming and the unpredictable changes that will occur in catchments where water supply dams for the city are located, a freshwater source for domestic supply like the Manly Dam must be protected, and every effort must be made to maintain, and enhance, water quality (aims incompatible with "Development" particularly in the headwaters of a catchment).
The already apparent effects from such development as already exists must be minimised. Not one expert can guarantee that there will be no degradation of that part of the Catchment which will remain if further development is allowed. Total Catchment Management in order to maintain water quality requires retention of deep-rooted, high transpiring vegetation, particularly in upper catchment regions, undisturbed natural groundcover to minimise runoff and erosion, and healthy ecosystems which maintain the web of life which is essential for the health of watercourses.
This issue of biodiversity loss, preservation of remnant bush, protection of rare species of plants and animals are all discussed and reported on in the numerous submissions which have been made. All are of great importance especially when we hear such globally recognised experts as Professor Jared Diamond of UCLA saying that in the lifetime of a child born today, half the species alive on earth today will become extinct. We have an enormous responsiblity to do what we can as individuals and as communities.
In the case of the Manly Dam Catchment we have an opportunity to show the world what our values are and that we have the courage to implement strategies to preserve them.
Mary E. White.
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