SHARON Healy (“505 Minmi Road is too precious”, Letters, 14/1) expresses the sentiments of many people when she points her finger at the state government that wilfully ignores the importance of green corridors for our present and future wellbeing.

The massive expansion of hard rock quarries in the Port Stephens and Lower MidCoast hinterland areas means Balickera will soon be wiped off the map, directly threatening areas of koala significance and that community’s way of life.

I believe the planning department deliberately chooses to ignore the cumulative impacts when site after site of highly biodiverse forested areas is slated for permanent destruction. Even Forestry Corporation NSW has joined in, hoping to capitalise on the industrial development of NSW’s forest estate. Where’s the planning for future generations?

When councils and residents are left out of the NSW planning process, the inevitable future costs from the loss of environmental services and amenity are borne by the community. The NSW planning process fails to represent its best interests.

Megan Benson, Gloucester