In response to the misrepresentation and disinformation abounding in the mainstream media and Stockland publications, the following list of myths regarding the Stockland proposal and Kuradji Sandon Point was developed [This list is not exhaustive, providing an overview only].

1. The intended site is an industrial waste land.

2. Residents opposing the development are just a vocal minority.

3. The Sandon Point site has been subject to comprehensive studies.

4. Sandon Point has little ecological value.

5. The Aboriginal artefacts found on Sandon Point have little 'scientific' value.

6. The European heritage of the Tramline is of little significance.

7. Stockland is the landholder - why shouldn't they go ahead and develop the site as they see fit?

8. The traffic management plan for the development will solve problems that local residents have been complaining about for a long time.

9. The "Umpire" (The Land and Environment Court) has come to a fair decision.

10. When work gets under way opposition to the development will dissipate.

<top>

1. The intended site is an industrial waste land
Despite its long history of industrial use, the land between Thirroul and Bulli contains a diverse range of habitats that are home to over 100 species of native and migratory birds. It contains 27% of the remaining coastal wetlands of the Illawarra. Those who visit Sandon Point agree that this spectacular coastal flood plain should be preserved because of its unique combination of environmental, historic, and Aboriginal cultural features.

<top>

2. Residents opposing the development are just a vocal minority.
People from a variety of backgrounds have become active in opposing the development of Sandon Point. A public meeting of over 600 people on 29 September 2001 unanimously agreed that before any decisions were made, truly independent studies should be undertaken. Our petitions have been signed by over 5000 locals and supporters from all over Australia who are concerned about over-development.

<top>

3. The Sandon Point site has been subject to comprehensive studies.
While there have been many studies we still need comprehensive and independent studies that fully address all the bio-diversity and environmental issues. Most of the developer's studies carried out so far have been cursory and superficial to support their own proposals. For example, the flora and fauna study was carried out over just 3 winter days (when most animal life is dormant). Aboriginal people have said the archaeological survey did not meet the specifications they worked hard to develop in consultation with the council. Wollongong Councillors agreed to establish an Aboriginal Heritage Study and European Heritage Studies and neither has been carried out.

<top>

4. Sandon Point has little ecological value.
Sandon Point is one of the most bio- diverse sites in the Northern Illawarra. There are 119 species of native bird that use the land and foreshore area. The Latham's Snipe and Ruddy Turnstone which use the area are protected under Australia's conservation treaties with Japan and China to preserver the habitat of migratory waterbirds. The Australasian Bittern which has been seen there is listed as a vulnerable species under NSW Threatened Species Act (1995). No proper surveys have ever been done for mammals, bats, lizards, snakes, fish or invertebrates (i.e. insects, crustaceans etc). The plant community along the creeks is also listed as threatened under the NSW Threatened Species Act (1995).

<top>

5. The Aboriginal artefacts found on Sandon Point have little 'scientific' value.
Even the limited explorations done so far uncovered a campsite and toolmaking places estimated to be 4,000 years old. The discovery of the remains of an Aboriginal Kuradji (a Cleverman) in 6,000 year old sand dunes tells us this. Sandon Point is at the foot of Bulli Pass and has always been a significant site for Aboriginal people. Application has been made to have this site recognised as an Aboriginal Place. Stockland have refused to allow further archaeological investigations to take place on their land. Why?

<top>

6. The European heritage of the Tramline is of little significance.
This symbol of the Illawarra's history will be completely destroyed if the development goes ahead. An important link to the coal mining past of Bulli will be lost. The tramline was the place where the wives and children of striking miners turned back blackleg workers who had come to break their strike in 1882. This was just prior to the Bulli Mine Disaster that killed over eighty local men and boys. The Tramway is a tangible link to our past and physically connects the escarpment with the coast.

<top>

7. Stockland is the landholder - why shouldn't they go ahead and develop the site as they see fit?
Since the land was zoned for development in 1995 new policies and legislation have been formulated. The current development as proposed is not in accordance with with what is now accepted as best practice and policy. Both the Lord Mayor, George Harrison, and the Member for Keira, David Campbell, have publicly admitted that current zonings are inappropriate.

<top>

8. The traffic management plan for the development will solve problems that local residents have been complaining about for a long time.
The traffic study undertaken by Stockland was based on a loop road and 428 single dwellings. This is deceptive, as we all understand areas zoned 2b (Medium density) may have several units on each lot. Realistically, there could be over 1000 dwellings if the development goes ahead. This means a significant increase in the volume of traffic. A workable integrated traffic plan in needed for the whole of the Bulli/Thirroul area, not stop gap measures such as putting traffic lights at the intersection of Point Street and Wrexham Road.

<top>

9. The "Umpire" (The Land and Environment Court) has come to a fair decision.
Last year in the Land and Environment Court Wollongong City Council did not provide vital evidence to defend the flooding, threatened species and traffic issues. Aboriginal heritage issues were not even allowed into court. How could the Court arrive at the correct decision without all the information? Wollongong City Council was never serious about putting up an effective case and Watts and Hussey even said in their judgement that they made their conclusions " in the absence of any substantive challenge" to the evidence by Stockland's witnesses. Council threw the game and allowed Stockland to win. What's fair about that?

<top>

10. When work gets under way opposition to the development will dissipate.
Labor politicians Bob Carr, Andrew Refshauge and David Campbell will have to suffer the odium of presiding over the destruction of Aboriginal artefacts as well as the LAST parcel of open space that connects the sea to the escarpment in the Northern Illawarra. Federal Labor member, Stephen Martin, suffered a 7 percent swing against him in the November 2001 Federal election, twice the state average. With a state election due in less than 12 months, opponents of the development will never forget the appalling treatment of "do-nothing" politicians.