WHILE Port Stephens Council (PSC) has committed not to build on the wetlands buffer zone near the Salamander Bay Town Centre, the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group is concerned about the lack of long-term guarantees for the future of the area.
During the Council meeting on 25 August 2026, PSC will discuss an updated footprint for the site at 155 Salamander Bay; if endorsed, development applications will proceed.
PSC also intends to keep pursuing Expressions of Interest for a premier medical facility at 10 Central Avenue; the extent of development at the location, situated over 120 metres away from the wetlands, is not yet known.
In a previous meeting, the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group unsuccessfully requested PSC to stop these developments until matters about land classification and a revised Town Centre Place Plan had been properly discussed.
“It’s alright for Council to now say ‘We won’t allow anyone to build in the buffer zone,’” said Kathy Brown, Secretary of the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group.
“But unless they change the zoning of it to [add] some environmental protection over it, in five or 10 years’ time the same thing is going to happen.”
The Conservation Group objected to leaving sensitive environmental matters “to the free market”, and stated that PSC lacks a clear vision on the future for the Salamander Bay Town Centre, not even providing clarity on where it is meant to be located.
A PSC spokesperson stated that future developments would be conducted in accordance with environmental principles while balancing the housing, services and infrastructure needed for the community.
“Proceeds from future development will help fund local infrastructure improvements that directly affect the daily lives of local residents and visitors, such as road and intersection upgrades and new pathways,” they said.
“Funds will also support enhancements to the Mambo Wetlands, particularly ecological studies, and an update to the Mambo Wetlands Plan of Management.”
PSC also stated that the revised footprint, which increases environmental conservation by 66.4 per cent, demonstrates their willingness to listen to the community.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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