SAVE GLENLEE

Glenlee is a 2.5-hectare historic property fronting the Georges River on the Lugarno peninsula. In March 2021 a Development Application before Georges River Council for the construction of 31 dwellings would have seen:

• Over 200 mature trees removed

• A wildlife corridor destroyed

• The habitat for more than 12 threatened species obliterated

• The loss of the 110-year old homestead

• Considerable damage to the environment and biodiversity of the area

 

The National Trust has listed Glenlee for its significant Early Settler History and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. Well-preserved evidence of Aboriginal life on the site is also listed on the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System.

 

Over its 110-year history Glenlee has become home to a wide range of native wildlife including Swamp Wallabies, Echidna, Powerful Owl, Eastern Osprey. A significant number of endangered species forage and nest amongst the 80-100-year old trees and their understory.

 

A remnant Blackbutt forest has been preserved since the Matthei family settled the property in 1908 and Grey Gum, Angophora and Smooth-barked Apple are just some of the 200 trees that would have been destroyed by the developer, causing incalculable damage to the environment.

 

The biodiversity of Glenlee cannot be overestimated and its removal would have a huge impact on the health of the surrounding area and particularly the river system.

 

Glenlee was settled by the Matthei family in 1908 and has been in the family ever since.  In 1910 Otto built the now historic Genlee homestead, which still stands today. He also built stone paths, steps and walls descending the gentle slope to the river’s edge. 

 

This irreplaceable property remains a rich and diverse ecological treasure, which must be preserved at all costs. It is now back on the market.