The Bonny Hills woman had just heard a development application had been granted to clear some of the last mature gum trees in her family’s neighbourhood.

It’s not the fault of the council as it is just complying with zoning and development rules handed down.

But the question has to be asked - is it good enough that endless subdivisions are being allowed to sprawl through every part of the Hastings and Camden Haven?

From the Harts’ back verandah the cleared land north to Lake Cathie grows greater every day.

Some might argue the housing is necessary to support the burgeoning population, but at what cost?

Andrew Hart rightly points out many people move to the area because of the beautiful natural environment.

Money talks, but there’s plenty of families out there who want to grow up watching the region’s wildlife and enjoying nature.