Cities and green space

With an ever increasing population, it is getting harder and harder to find green spaces in cities around the world. Yet urban green spaces are important as places such as parks, sports fields, woods, lakesides, and gardens give people the space for physical activity, relaxation, peace, and an escape from heat. Multiple studies have shown that these spaces reduce stress and boost mental and physical health. Green space is also good for climate mitigation through reducing heat island effects in cities and reducing air pollution effect according to Medical News Today.

Sydney is no exception to the disappearance of green space. Australia's only metropolitan state forest, Cumberland State Forest lies only half an hour from the CBD and is located at West Pennant Hills. The site contains remnant forest of critically endangered Blue Gum High Forest and is home to the threatened Powerful Owl.

Adjacent to the Cumberland State Forest is the former IBM site which is now owned by Mirvac. The NSW state government has recently given Mirvac the go ahead for the development of 600 apartments and homes on the former IBM site which covers 24 hectares in West Pennant Hills. This involves the re-zoning of the land from business park to medium and high density residential. There is also Blue Gum High Forest on the Mirvac site.

While the public forest won’t be touched, during the construction up to 2,000 native trees will be felled which could be habitat for native animals such as the Powerful Owl which are known to breed on the site. Also having such high density dwellings right next to the forest is bound to have some effects on the public land such as increased bird strike if reflective glass is used.

This comes as a slap in the face for many residents who have campaigned relentlessly against the development. The local council also voted against the proposal. This that the community and local councils no longer have the power to fight against inappropriate development.