For years, the Vincentia Golf Club (VGC) has recognised the importance of the entire site as a habitat for all species of wildlife, particularly heathland areas within and surrounding the top four holes (10-13) which supports endangered Eastern Bristlebird and vulnerable Ground Parrot breeding grounds.
Our community needs to fight for this land being used for recreational purposes only, for future generations, and to secure much-needed habitat for local wildlife in Vincentia and broader Jervis Bay area.
Heathland surrounding Vincentia Golf Course which includes designated sensitive zones. Habitat with breeding grounds for endangered and vulnerable species.
Not only has the club successfully co-existed with the wildlife and other threatened/endangered species that inhabit the golf course and surrounds, but it has diligently adhered to the threatened species requirements which formed part of the DA which covers the extensions to the golf course (outlined in the DA01/1213).
This entailed monitoring the impact of any development during and after the construction works.
It required the VGC, utilising suitably qualified consultants, to survey and assess the distribution and abundance of the Eastern Bristlebird, Ground Parrot, Square-tailed Kite and White-footed Dunnart, Jervis Bay Tea Tree, and the Jervis Bay Grevillea. And just, for the record, during this process the consultants noted the sightings of some new species in the area, including Quail, Legless Lizards, the Eastern Chestnut Mouse, and the Eastern Pygmy Possum. All of this together with the kangaroos, swamp wallabies, echidnas, a variety of birdlife, black and brown snakes, and Diamond Pythons.
Photos by Leanne Windsor
According to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Eastern bristlebird conservation program (2024), today less than 2,500 eastern bristlebirds remain in the wild. In NSW only 3 populations exist, with the Shoalhaven region known as “the species’ stronghold”.
Any development of the golf grounds site - noted for its important native habitat - needs to provide evidence of a commitment to the Bay & Basin Community Led Strategic Plan (BBCLSP) (Sept 2021). The Plan represents the communities’ expectations and of the nine themes developed, Environment Protection and Appreciation had the highest weighted rank. In fact, 43% of respondents selected Environment Protection and Appreciation as the most important theme, and majority of respondents complained about increasing levels of development carried out without any level of environmental protection.
What is the impact of the proposed development in this area, and who’s going to look after our wildlife for future generations?
Did you notice there was no mention in the recent An Update on The Country Club Vincentia email and letterbox drop by the Country Club President about the implications of his proposed top-tier seniors living development on wildlife and environmental protection?
What say you Bob Proudfoot?
Diamond Python coming out of sensitive zone near 12th tee