Eurobodalla Shire Council will not proceed with its biodiversity certification process for land at south Moruya, due it says to insufficient interest from affected landowners.
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The south Moruya bio-certification strategy process began in 2011 with the support and involvement of landowners in the precinct.
It was put on hold while the council undertook a bio-certification process for land in Broulee, which was finalised last year.
Councillors in April voted to recommence discussions with landowners about the south Moruya project.
Bio-certification allows landowners to develop land with environmental constraints by offsetting nearby land to protect flora and fauna.
A report presented to council said the south Moruya bio-certification study area contained two endangered ecological communities, lowland grassy woodland, which is critically endangered under Commonwealth legislation, and dry rainforest.
“With very little of these vegetation types protected in national parks or state forests, ongoing development of the subject land has the potential to have a significant impact on the extent, conditions, and ecological function of the remnant vegetation,” the report states.
However upon further consultation with landowners, council deemed there was “insufficient interest” to justify proceeding with the strategy.
This saved council about $13,000 and removed the need to allocate another $14,000 to complete the strategy and to apply to the NSW Government for a bio-certification agreement.