Both the NSW and Australian Government have upgraded Cumberland Plain Woodland from Endangered to Critically Endangered. You would assume any development that proposed to clear over 200 ha of critically endangered bushland would be struggling to get approval. We can assume nothing these days in Australia. Here is another focus where Australians need to unite to help each other get back democracy and protect fauna and flora from the growth lobby. The community has fought to save this area for nearly 20 years.See also related articles.

Urgent: Penrith Council set to vote tomorrow night to approve 2 new Delfin-lend-lease suburbs totalling 3420 dwellings at the former ADI Site, last big stand of Cumberland grasslands. Residents say public has no idea of what is in process and call on councillors to defer approval pending series of public meetings. Council planners urge councillors to approve plans despite residents' 16 year campaign to save this environmentally crucial sanctuary for wildlife and natural ammenity, not to mention safe CO2 store.

Kristina Keneally, NSW Planning Minister, sells out public land and the environment to Delfin Lend Lease. Now many gentle wild creatures will die the most abject deaths and 1000s of trees will give up their carbon to the atmosphere. How much more nature to be destroyed for narrow corporate interests in a dead-in-the-water economy for the grasping few? See also "Council bastardry..."

Are you awake yet, Australia? We are losing all our rights to developer lobbying. Concerned residents sat in amazement last night as Penrith Council voted to condemn hundreds of hectares of Cumberland Plain Woodland which NSW Scientists claim is verging on extinction. Council voted 14/15 to enter into a Planning Agreement with developer Delfin Lend Lease to build 3500 houses and clear approx 300 ha of Cumberland Plain Woodland from the ADI Site. Spokesman for ADI Residents Action Group alleges undeclared vested interest among council members.