LISA CARTY
29/03/2009 12:00:01 AM
PENGUINS and bandicoots as well as police will be protected as part of revised plans for a controversial $21 million redevelopment at Manly's North Head.
New plans for the extensive revamp of the Australian Institute of Police Management will be announced today.
Original plans drew heavy criticism from some who feared the development would harm wildlife, but NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally and Federal Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus said the famed fairy penguin colony would be protected and police would get modern facilities.
"There would be no arguments that North Head is one of Sydney and Australia's most iconic and environmentally valuable sites, that police should have the best available facilities possible and that the Government should continue to support and create jobs," Ms Keneally said.
"Feedback received during a 66-day public exhibition led to significant amendments to the original proposal.
"The new development will now be located in the southern portion of the site away from areas critical to the threatened local populations of the fairy penguin and the long-nosed bandicoot.
"In particular, the local bandicoot population will now have an additional 470 square metres of foraging area."
Mr Debus said the facilities did not exceed two storeys.
Story courtesy of the Sun Weekly @
http://www.sunweekly.com.au/news/national/national/general/penguins-and-police-protected/1472362.aspx
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