A KOALA photographed last week just metres from heavy machinery at Tacking Point Public School has intensified scrutiny of the State Government’s proposed $6.3 million preschool.
Parents and independent experts question tree removals, environmental impacts and whether works are complying with planning and safety requirements.
The image, taken by James Bronner near active site works, comes as construction activity ramps up ahead of the new school year.
Fed-up community members plan a major on-site demonstration early in Term 1.
It follows a series of photos taken by local residents showing koalas close to machinery and navigating fenced-off trees, some of which are being removed at the school.
In updates to the school community dated 13 January and 23 January, the Department of Education said tree removals carried out this month were “routine annual maintenance” and “separate from the preschool project”.
The tree removals undertaken on the advice of an arborist following a Tree Risk Assessment completed in September last year.
“The arborist determined the following trees pose a genuine safety risk to students, staff and families and must be removed,” the Department said in its 13 January notice.
“We appreciate these trees mean a great deal to the community, but the arborist’s advice means the department has no alternative but to act.”
The Department said four trees were removed during the January school holiday period, with additional trees within the preschool car park footprint to be removed later, after construction, and fenced off in the interim.
It also said replacement trees would be planted as part of its “ongoing commitment to the area”.
In its 23 January update, the Department confirmed site establishment works were underway, including trenching for services, driveway access and bulk excavation.
It stated the project had “completed all necessary steps and due diligence, including obtaining the complying development certificate (CDC)”.
“Please note that the preschool site establishment activities form part of the preparatory works required prior to construction and do not require separate approval,” the update said.
However, school parent and neuroscientist Emma Schofield has challenged multiple aspects of the Department’s statements, arguing the works raise serious compliance, governance and environmental concerns.
“Firstly, the pink-marked trees (highlighted in the Department’s update) are clearly not within the footprint of the car park, so the notification is misleading,” said Schofield, who is one of 1320 people to sign an online petition opposing the preschool project.
“Secondly, trees are only ever removed because they are a risk to the safety of people or property, but, in this case, they still require a DA, which I believe they don’t have.
“Regardless of whether there is an arborist report or not, and whether they are on school grounds or not, under planning controls, native trees and known koala habitat may only be removed without a DA where there is an imminent risk to people or property.
“The principal has written to me specifically to indicate this is not the case and that the issue is future risk only.”
Schofield said a large native tree removed on 22 January was known koala habitat and questioned why planning rules appeared to apply differently to School Infrastructure NSW.
“Everyone else needs a DA for it.
“Why not School Infrastructure?” she said.
She also raised concerns about long-term playground safety and heat impacts, pointing to what she described as chronic mismanagement of the lower playground.
“There is a depression at the bottom of the playground caused by the removal of a large tree and subsequent compaction as the roots rotted,” she said.
“The ponding that occurs in the depression results in stagnant water sitting in the playground for prolonged periods and consequently preventing grass from growing.
“Grass would usually cool the area and prevent the fine red dust [from] becoming airborne during play.
“If the Department doesn’t seem to care enough about child welfare and the environment to remedy this now, why would they maintain replacement trees or mitigation measures into the future?”
Schofield also questioned how site works could proceed if CDC conditions, including stormwater approvals, were still outstanding.
“If it’s part of the same approval as the CDC, why is it OK to proceed when the conditions of approval have not yet been finalised?” she said.
On tree transplantation, she expressed scepticism about the Department’s plan to relocate “tree number 17”.
“We were initially told no trees would be removed as part of the development.
“I don’t understand how a tree can be transplanted without removing it first,” she said.
“Has anyone ever succeeded in transplanting a swamp mahogany in the height of summer?
“Natives don’t transplant, and nothing transplants in summer.
“It defies logic.”
In a brief statement, Port Macquarie Hastings Council said its role was limited, noting the project was a privately certified complying development approved under state legislation.
“Being a privately certified complying development, the private certifier is responsible for ensuring that works proceed in accordance with the approval,” a Council spokesperson said.
“It is important to clarify that this development was planned and determined by the NSW Government under state-level planning legislation.
“The proponent has, however, sought the necessary approvals from Council associated with plumbing, drainage and road works – some of which have been approved and some that are still under assessment.”
Schofield rejected the suggestion that Council’s responsibilities were displaced.
“Council is not relieved of responsibility merely because a private certifier has been appointed, nor because the proponent is the NSW Government,” she said.
“NSW courts have repeatedly confirmed councils retain concurrent enforcement jurisdiction and a positive duty to respond to credible allegations of non-compliance.”
She said she had lodged formal complaints with Council earlier this month, raising concerns about stormwater, tree removal and children’s welfare, but had received no response.
“I have not received a single phone call, site visit or request for clarification,” she said.
“The koala is iconic to Port Macquarie and deeply valued by the community.
“An inadequate ecology assessment risks the destruction of yet another irreplaceable habitat.”
Main construction works on the new preschool are scheduled to begin in early February.
By Matt TAYLOR
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