Stop the eviction of Sue and John Gay and family from 180 Appin Rd, Appin, NSW
Petitioner:
Mr Peter Mahoney
| Member:
Warren, Greg
| No. of Signatories:
1,317
| Date closed:
29/03/2021
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly,
180 Appin Rd, Appin (owned by Department of Planning, Industry and Environment) is located in an area well-populated by chlamydia-free koalas. As tenants for the past 35 years the Gay family has voluntarily cared for sick and injured koalas at their own expense and are keen to continue. Ms Gay, president of "Save Sydney's Koalas", was recently recognised by Parliament for her efforts, and Wollondilly Council supports the family's ongoing tenancy.
Although local koalas were identified by Parliament's Inquiry into koala populations and habitat in NSW, and despite Ms Gay's efforts being recently recognised by the Legislative Council, the family faces eviction on 31st March, 2021. It is also noted that Mr and Ms Gay suffer from serious health issues.
We believe that consideration should be given to the continuation of the lease to the Gay family in a caretaker capacity indefinitely, so that their invaluable work can continue. To that end a lease of the house and "house paddock" would suffice, so that the remainder of the property may be dealt with as required by the department. There is no other koala refuge or care facility in the area and the situation will be exacerbated by the impending closure of the Sydney University Cobbitty campus.
We respectfully request that the family be allowed to remain at the property so that its vital work can continue in support of the recommendations of the Inquiry into koala populations and habitat in NSW.
