Kurnell as a unit

From the outset it may appear that the various case studies and components of this blog are distinct, unconnected elements that are connected only by spatial proximity. Indeed, this is how industry most often portrays its presence in the Kurnell Peninsula. However it is far more than this. Each of these various elements- the oil refinery, sand mining, the desalination plant, the community, the Indigenous population, the environment- must be considered as parts of the same unit as there are numerous links between them (some of which have been made apparent in the articles on this blog). Industrial presence at Kurnell has a cumulative impact on the Kurnell Peninsula. We must not consider the environmental impacts of one industry in isolation from its neighbours. For example, the run off pollution associated with an increase in the extent of impervious surfaces (roads, buildings, etc) has increased as each new industry is built on the Peninsula, and the run off from each of these sites cumulatively affect Towra Point, introducing toxins, chemicals and waste solids. What may be a small amount of pollution from each individual industry adds up to be a large degree of pollution from industry in general. We must begin to consider Kurnell as a unit, and deal with it as such, if there is to be any chance of preserving what few historical and ecological features remain.

Here are just some examples of the numerous links between these elements:

• Industry presence has destroyed and damaged much of the Indigenous heritage in the area, which today demands protection and conservation
• Industry presence threatens the endangered ecological communities of Kurnell through habitat clearing and replacement with impervious surfaces
• Kurnell's historical character as a "fishing village" is threatened by industrial and municipal pollution which is affecting Towra Point and other ecosystems
• Efforts to revive Indigenous connection to their land (to reverse the dissociation from industrial development and white settlement) through projects such as "Towra Team" in turn focus on conservation of Kurnell's ecosystems 
• The community is today threatened by industrial activity both from the toxic pollutants associated with its presence, and the fact that long term sand mining is threatening the stability of the Peninsula, increasing the chance that climate change and strong storms could see the Peninsula become an island
• The community is at the same time also dependent on industry for economic growth and employment

Change is occuring in the Kurnell region. The community is increasingly resistant to further industrial presence- as has been indicated by protests against the Australand development and desalination plant- and are challenging the continued perception of the Peninsula as a site for noxious industry. However this voice struggles to be heard outside of local papers and seldom is presented to officials (even their own). At the same time there is a degree of dependence on industry for economic growth, as indicated by the concern surrounding the loss of jobs associated with the closing of the Caltex Lubricating Oil Factory. There needs to be alternative investment in the area, a movement towards light industry, in order that heavy industry can be removed without further detriment to the community.
 

Kurnell paradoxically contains some of Sydney’s most ecologically diverse and threatened ecosystems alongside heavy industry. Despite its significance as “the birthplace of modern Australia” (as labelled by Salt) it is still today considered “Sydney’s Back Door”. Efforts must continue to be made to change this perception of this important historical and ecological site, if there is to be any hope of preserving the remaining character of Kurnell.