The Wire

A key Wilderness area may be at risk after it was revealed that a Film production company, AFG Talons Pty Ltd, cleared five hectares of bushland in the Kurnell peninsula, south of Sydney. The illegal clearing took place near Serenity Cove studios where Colombia Pictures latest multi million dollar action film “Stealth” is being shot. Sutherland Shire Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service are investigating the incident. Shefah Szetu spoke to Miriam Verbeek, chair of Sutherland Shire Environment Centre. Keith Muir from the Colong Foundation for Wilderness is also concerned about AFG Talons’ proposal to conduct filming activities for the movie “Stealth” in the Blue Mountains National Park, within the Grose Wilderness. The Colong Foundation has pointed out a number of problems with the proposal including: the building of structures and a helipad at the site, the effect of noise on plant and animal life such as the larvae of the endangered Giant Dragonfly. They also say that there are many alternative sites in the Blue Mountains outside existing national parks or other environmentally sensitive areas which provide ample opportunities for filming dramatic mountain scenery desired by this adventure film proposal. Approval of the proposal would set a precedent eroding the purpose of declaring wilderness areas under the Wilderness Act 1987. The application is currently under review by the department for environment and conservation and a decision is due by mid April.