AFTER months of engagement, protests, and community workshops, Port Stephens Council (PSC) has agreed to revise the Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan, saying housing will not be built on the last remaining wetlands buffer zone.
The decision, unanimously endorsed during the 23 June meeting, mandates that PSC will have to engage in further consultation with the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group and other key stakeholders before proceeding with a new proposal.
“This decision shows how much we value our community’s feedback and our commitment to balancing responsible development while protecting our wetlands for future generations,” Mayor Leah Anderson said.
Despite the decision to not develop on the Mambo-Wanda wetlands buffer zone, council will be looking at ways to still deliver the promised housing targets in the Salamander Bay Town Centre.
“We still have a target in mind to deliver what we’ve planned and set out to do, and that’s unlocking funding to upgrade that town centre,” said Cr Mark Watson.
“If we can’t build out, then we need to look at how to build up.”
Mayor Anderson, while disappointed that the extensive amount of community consultation undertaken before the approval of the plan turned out to not be enough, thanked the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group for ITS high-quality presentations and advocacy.
“Highlighting that this is the only remaining piece of buffer zone that hasn’t been built on really resonated with me,” Mayor Anderson added.
“I won’t sit back and take that [housing] is not important. But you know what? I totally agree that the environment is just as important.”
Cr Roz Armstrong shared her enthusiasm about the decision.
“This may be the compromise that will enable us to proceed with these plans without further heated community rancor,” she said.
The community has responded positively to this development, with many hailing it as a very promising step for the future of Salamander Bay.
The Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation cautiously celebrated council’s commitment to further consultation.
“While we welcome this consultation, the Mambo Conservation group remains concerned about council’s plans for other areas around Salamander Way and the lack of a coordinated plan for the town centre,” the group said.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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