Environmental groups have raised concerns about the damage to a crucial buffer zone between the Chinese market garden and the Landing Lights wetland at Banksia.
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Cooks River Valley Association member and former secretary Peter Munro was travelling through the area late last month when he saw workman access the garden site through the buffer zone using an excavator.
A visit to the site showed a bent steel bollard that bars vehicle access to the area.
A second wooden pole was also broken and clear tyre tracks are seen travelling down into the buffer zone and through to the market garden which has fresh garden beds plowed.
Rockdale Wetlands Preservation Society President Ronald Rayner said the buffer was made up of thick reeds which acted as a habitat for several types of birds while also providing food for aquatic life.
‘’The buffer stops the noise and human intrusion into the wetlands and provides habitat for reptiles and fish,’’ he said.
‘’The reed gardens are particularly important for a range of small passerine birds which now have restricted areas of habitat at the regional scale. To destroy the habitat at the start of breeding season is particularly regrettable.’’
He said he was a supporter of the market garden but said studies should have been done before any work was undertaken.
‘’While we agree that the historic value of the working market gardens is important and should be maintained- the management should also recognise the natural environment- and there should be a balanced approach,’’ he said.
Botany Bay and Catchment Alliance Chairman Brian Shaw said it was extremely disappointing.
‘’I’ve been extremely devastated by the destruction,’’ he said.
‘’It’s a loss of habitat, the birds are gone. A large part of the ecosystem is gone.
‘’This is one of the last habitats in the area and it needs to be restored to where it was at the very least.’’
The affected land is owned by the Department of Land and Environment and leased to the market garden.
A departmental spokeswoman said no application had been made for new works at the site and it was investigating the matter.
A Bayside Council spokeswoman said they were aware of the situation and reported it to the relevant state agencies.
Officers inspected the site and are assisting with the investigation.
Representatives for the Chinese Market Garden have been contacted for comment.
