COMMUNITY groups are voicing strong opposition to potential development within sections of the Mambo Wetlands, under Port Stephens Council’s Salamander Bay Place Plan.
Maps included in the plan show that sections of the wetlands will be used for medical and commercial activity, parking and mixed-use housing.
The proposal has sparked concern from the Mambo Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group who argue the plan threatens one of Port Stephens’ most significant ecological and cultural sites.
“Mambo Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group will be taking this fight on just as vehemently as we did the previous proposal in Port Stephens Drive in 2016,” group spokesperson Kathy Brown told News Of The Area.
“We hope that by raising awareness now, the development application will be modified to exclude the wetlands from future construction.”
The wetlands are home to threatened bird species, koalas, gliders and other wildlife, and play a crucial role in coastal resilience by storing carbon, filtering water and buffering against flooding and sea level rise.
The wetlands have also long been recognised as culturally significant to the Worimi people.
An application first lodged in 2012 by Carol Ridgeway-Bissett to have Mambo declared an Aboriginal Place is currently under detailed assessment by Heritage NSW.
Advocacy has also continued for RAMSAR international protection, which would bring stronger legislative safeguards and international recognition.
Some conservationists are concerned that the Council faces a conflict of interest by pursuing development while simultaneously being involved in Aboriginal Place and RAMSAR nomination processes.
The Conservation Group has pledged to rally community support and raise awareness ahead of formal planning decisions.
By Cosette DE LORENZO
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