A NSW Government inquiry into “Zombie DAs” could bring about reforms to protect crucial koala and wildlife habitats across the Hawkesbury. Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, is urging residents to make their voices heard, as public input could be key in safeguarding local ecosystems.

Zombie DAs, or dormant development applications, refer to projects approved years - or even decades - ago that bypass current environmental standards. Often inactive for extended periods, these developments can suddenly restart with little regard for updated regulations or the latest ecological knowledge.

In the Hawkesbury, several projects, including a controversial housing development at 150 Hermitage Road in Kurrajong, threaten significant wildlife habitats. Templeman pointed out that the community is increasingly aware of the dangers these outdated consents pose.

“There’s a growing understanding in our community that there are significant threats to the habit of koalas and vulnerable native animals in the Hawkesbury, particularly through ‘zombie DAs’,” Templeman said.

“These historic DAs were done with a different set of rules or understanding of the importance of the land, or approved for any number of reasons. In the Hawkesbury we’ve seen the impact of these zombie DAs firsthand. I’ve heard from many people who are understandably distressed that we’re seeing trees cleared, trees we now know, are home to koalas. 

“While the revival of dormant, historic DAs is not the only reason habitat is being cleared, there will be other old DAs that come back to life in the future. That’s why I’m encouraging Hawkesbury residents to contact the inquiry and share their concerns about how they’re hurting our vulnerable native wildlife,” she said.

The Kurrajong project, approved by Hawkesbury City Council in 2010, could harm local wildlife corridors critical to koalas, glossy black cockatoos, and other endangered species. Despite strong public backlash, the project moves forward under 2010 regulations, which allows the property to be subdivided into eight residential lots.

Hawkesbury Council has told residents they are powerless to stop it, but have sought further advice from the NSW Minister for the Environment to see if updated conservation laws could apply. Council has not provided any update on whether they received any advice.

Templeman encouraged residents to contact the inquiry to share their concerns about the impact of Zombie DAs. Although formal submissions are closed, she assured that the Committee on Environment and Planning will still consider correspondence from concerned residents. 

Greens MP Cate Faehrmann has also highlighted the urgent need to reevaluate Zombie DAs across NSW, highlighting the threat these outdated approvals pose to species already on the brink of extinction. “These old consents would never meet today’s environmental standards,” Faehrmann stated. “We can’t allow approvals from decades ago to continue harming wildlife.”

Residents can learn more about the inquiry and how to share their views by visiting the NSW Parliament website.

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3037#tab-

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