Images have been released of the Point England concept plan.
Although it looks pretty and I welcome the Omaru creek enhancements (that Watercare have been working on) and the walkway upgrades (that Auckland Council have been working on) there are some major problems:
- 50% of the existing dotterel nesting ground will be replaced with houses (click on the map below).
- Northern New Zealand dotterel don’t use wetlands or go near trees, they need open space. However the proposed wetland will be great for the pukeko and spur-winged plover which predate the dotterel.
- The houses and pathways will bring people cats and dogs into the area destroying the bird roost. The Tamaki Estuary will loose 50-90% of its remaining shorebirds (mostly South Island pied oyster catchers).
But lets not take my word for it (I am not a ecological scientist). We need an independent ecological impact assessment done before the bill is passed.
Follow the development at savePE.org.nz