Read the Northern Beaches Envirolink Inc E-News, 22 December 2024 below:

Lizard Rock update

As many of you may be aware, the public meeting took place on Monday 9 December 2024. Thank you to everyone who spoke and attended remotely – around 80 individuals, community groups and MPs spoke against the project, and around 160+ people watched online.

Summary of the meeting outcome

The outcome of the meeting brings mixed tidings. Currently, the Rural Fire Service and the NSW Government’s Biodiversity Conservation Services both oppose the proposal. Despite the advocacy of the community, in a 3:2 decision the majority of the panel decided to essentially recommend approval, subject to further discussions with RFS to see what changes could be made to the proposal in order for them to support it. If they continue to oppose it, the panel would recommend refusal. The dissenting two minority panellists recommended refusal outright. As such, the proposal currently hinges on the position of the RFS.

We are obviously disappointed in this outcome, as we would prefer a recommendation for outright refusal. We are also concerned that any approval will be legally flawed as:

– It is unclear to us that the Department and Panel have been applying the biodiversity conservation legislation properly. 
– We are concerned that one of the panel members has an actual or perceived conflict of interest, as he is heavily involved with the Darkingjung Local Aboriginal Land Council which has a similar proposal, and DLALC spoke in favour of the Lizard Rock proposal.

We note that, somewhat more positively, the Panel does seem to be considering the recommendation from Northern Beaches Council (and also Envirolink) that a conservation zone – not the R2 residential zone sought – be applied. Applying a C3 zone would not exclude building dwelling houses at Lizard Rock, however it would likely mean less clearing would be approved at the DA stage, potentially fewer lots in order to meet the outcomes of a C-Zone, and eliminate development via CDC in such a sensitive area. While we oppose the proposal outright, if it were to be approved as C3 and not R2, this would be an improved outcome. 

To watch the meeting recording, read the notice of outcome, or find out more about the proposal, click below:

Access the decision here

What you can do to help

Given that the proposal currently hinges on the position of the RFS, we are encouraging people to write to the Minister responsible for emergency services, Jihad Dib MP, and ask him to:

– Urge the RFS to continue to oppose this project and avoid building homes where we know future residents will be at risk of bushfire with limited evacuation options.


– Consider his duty of care to the employees and volunteers with RFS and NSW Fire+Rescue whose lives will be put at risk defending this site from bushfires.If you need help writing a letter, we have a template linked below which you can copy paste. 

Email Jihad Dib MP Template letter