I fear this is just the latest development destroying the beauty of the Southern Highlands.

Recent expansion of the industrial area around Bunnings at Aylmerton as well as the suburban areas of Renwick and Nattai Ponds consuming rural and bush land is rapidly destroying the uniqueness and natural beauty of the area.

Obviously it is the developers intentions to continue to expand these suburbs ever outward, until the beautiful Highlands look just like any other dense, metropolitan, suburban sprawl.

The number of dead kangaroos and wombats recently around Colo Vale, Aylmerton and Alpine is also of particular concern and what few animals remain in the area will be under further threat from the increase in activity and vehicles this development will bring.

A service station in Church Avenue will increase the amount of traffic and noise considerably...in an area that relies on its scenery and laid back rural lifestyle to attract visitors and residents.

As usual, development or monetary gain trumps the real interests of the local area and people.

It is disappointing that the council is more interested in turning our area into just another boring cityscape, than blocking unnecessary developments and preserving what is special about this and surrounding suburbs.

There are already service stations in the area, including the Coles Express just three kilometres up the road towards Mittagong as well as one in Colo Vale itself.

I question why suddenly there is an apparent need for another ugly service station blighting the scenery when those at Mittagong, Colo Vale, Welby and Bowral, as well as the massive Bargo service centres have managed to cater for the community quite satisfactorily until now. How many do we really need?

There are also ample motels throughout the Mittagong area - do we really need another one?

And if we do - why aren't they being built down near the Bunnings area which has already become an eyesore of box style warehouses, instead of spreading these grotesque developments further and further into surrounding areas.

I have no doubt the development will go ahead as there appear to be no legal arguments to put up...but just wanted to express my profound sadness that the "gateway to the Highlands" is to now to be announced not by beautiful rolling hills and farms, but by garish flashing neon, fluorescent lights and the smell of petrol fumes.

Shane O'Connor

Alpine