haven City councillors should take the time to inspect the development for which they recently gave approval.

They are to be accountable for the unnecessary destruction of native habitat and foraging vegetation for the eastern freetail bat and glossy black cockatoo (which are feeding there at the moment). It is unlikely that retained tree hollows will be used for future nesting as they will be adjacent to 18m light towers, operational seven nights a week.

The field is entirely within the bush, which contradicts Shoalhaven City Council’s Tree Management Policy; the recommendations of the Threatened Species Officer (to build on cleared land); and a written guarantee by a former senior council engineer (acknowledging the importance of preserving the bush)!

No other private developer would be granted similar concessions, and no ratepayer could clear trees in this manner and escape prosecution.

This is a fine example of environmental vandalism, and so unnecessary – there is space for this field on existing cleared land.

Either someone has a high degree of influence in this council or councillors are more interested in acquiring votes, or both!

C. Cook,

North Nowra.