Habitat pitched for Harold Park

The contentious Harold Park paceway has been proposed for apartments, a commercial precinct and a sports ground, and now a bird sanctuary has been added to the list.
With growing community backing, Sydney City Councillor Meredith Burgmann has put it to Council to set up a small bird habitat behind the ailing tram sheds at Harold Park.
Newfound hope has arisen for the site after NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally told local media the future of the paceway is likely to be decided by Sydney City Council.
Council has reacted fiercely to the news that the NSW Harness Racing Club was applying to have the site declared state-specific.
Cr Burgmann said she was confident that Council will get the site.
After losing the battle over Orphan School Creek, members of the Glebe community are adamant on creating a habitat area to revive the area’s native bird population.
“Getting the habitat stuff right is very important and yes the Harold Park site opens up all sorts of opportunities,” said Glebe Society president, Lesley Lynch.
Of special significance is the locally endangered Superb Fairy Wren, which environmentalists have identified as severely dwindling in the area.
A City-funded report into the Superb Fairy Wren last year found that the species requires low, densely packed shrubbery to live in, and identified Harold Park as a potential habitat opportunity. Another area considered was along the light rail corridor, where human intrusion would be minimised.
“What you need is a habitat area really where even humans don’t go. It’s about giving the little birds that everyone loves to see around, giving them a bit of a safe place to live,” said Cr Burgmann.
Cr Burgmann also asked Council to undertake another survey on existing fauna in the inner city.
The Glebe society is encouraging Council to prepare a masterplan of the Harold Park site to identify its best possible uses.