Labor’s Shadow Minister for Environment Penny Sharpe and Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis will today join the local community living near Wolli Creek to celebrate a rare win that will save 2.5 hectares of precious bushland from the bull dozers. 

The 2.5 hectares of bush is located at near Illoura Reserve at Earlwood. The land is currently owned by Roads and Maritime Services and had been under threat of clearing for a number of road projects. 

The local campaign to save this bush has been led by the Wolli Creek Preservation Society and local bush care volunteers. 

Last year, Leader of the Opposition, Luke Foley, Shadow Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe and Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis visited the area and announced that Labor would bring a bill to the parliament to have the land transferred into Wolli Creek Regional Park. 

Subsequently the Government has agreed to the transfer. 

There is a community celebration being held from 10.30am – 11.45am at Illoura Reserve today. 

Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe

“The campaign to save this small piece of bushland has been fierce. The bush care volunteers have restored the bush while running a campaign to have it save it for future generations. I am very pleased that the Labor Opposition was able to lend our support and force action from the NSW Government.”

“This 2.5ha provides critical habitat for wildlife, it is an essential part of the ecosystem that supports biodiversity, and improves the water quality of Wolli Creek. It is also a valuable community resource providing natural walking tracks through Wolli Creek that in enjoyed by locals and also brings visitors to the area.” 

Quotes attributable to the Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis

“This decision is a win for not just our local community but for the whole of Sydney. With so much bushland under threat this community campaign has delivered an expanded and protected Wolli Creek Regional Park that all can enjoy. 

“I want to congratulate the bush care volunteers and the Wolli Creek Preservation Society for their long campaign. I will continue to work with them to look for ways to add to the Regional Park in the future.”