The Manyana community showed up in big numbers on Saturday to demand the State Government step up and intervene to stop the controversial Manyana Beach Estate development.
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More than 200 residents and supporters brought their surfboards, protest signs and bikes in a show of unity for this community which was so badly affected by the bushfires.
Using their surfboards, the group spelt out "STOP" on the Yulunga Reserve, adjacent to the site, to send an unambiguous message to Planning and Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes.
Community spokesperson Jorj Lowrey, said she was delighted and overwhelmed by the numbers who came out.
"To get this many people, especially on a cold, wet and windy day, was beyond our wildest expectations . To see so many locals willing to stand up for the environment warms my heart," she said.
"Surely the NSW Government can't ignore such a powerful message from so many in our community.
"This is one of the last substantial pockets of unburnt habitat here. Our brave volunteer firefighters fought to save it just a few short months ago.
"Tearing it down would not only destroy the homes of native animals, but it would break the hearts of those who saved it - and the rest of us locals."
Residents say his summer's bushfires burnt more than 80 per cent of the Shoalhaven's national park bushland.
Community members say the destruction from the bushfires makes the land for the Manyana Beach Estate a vital refuge for the survival and rehabilitation of vulnerable or threatened wildlife species.
Manyana residents are calling on the State Government to purchase the land and turn it into a nature reserve.
The community believes developer Ozy Homes plans to start preparations for clearing the land today (Monday May 25).
"The Manyana community is willing to take action to stop this happening," Ms Lowrey said.
"We're not going away until the State Government acts to preserve this land.
"We saved it from the bushfires. Now we're going to save it again."
Manyana Matters Environmental Association (MEAA) Inc acknowledges that the prospect of this land being cleared is having a profound impact on the mental health of people within our community and beyond.
They encourage those experiencing distress to reach out to Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or LifeLine on 13 11 14 for support.
