Preserving biodiversity in the local region is of central importance to the Hunter Community Environment Centre, hence the growing campaign around the latest installment of the Newcastle Inner City bypass.
The bypass is being developed by Roads and Maritime Services and will connect Jesmond and Rankin Park. The current design employs cut and fill techniques, resulting in large sloped walls which rise above the canopy of the surrounding native bush. As it stands, the design includes only two corridors through which all resident fauna must travel (one of which will also be used by pedestraians, cyclists and for drainage.)
Sign the petition to protect local wildlife.
The Jesmond to George McGregor Park bushland is now one of the last viable bushland habits in the area for native animals due to the slow creep of delvelopment over the last few decades. We must ensure the bypass follows best practice to ensure the long term prosperity of our native wildlife.
Jesmond bush is home to rare and impressive species like the Powerful Owl, Squirrel glider as well as Mirco bats and Flying foxes, the Black-eyed Susan and Hakea bakerii.
Jesmond bushland is surrounded by suburban development
The construction of the bypass risks fragmenting populations and limiting the gene pool of the flora and fanua in Jesmond bush land.
After hearing numerous concerns from the community about the risks to resident species, the HCEC have launched a petition calling on Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery to work with RMS to ensure the wellbeing and long-term preservation of native habitat and fauna populations.
Add your voice to the chrous rising for the protection of our local wildlife.