PLOTS of land in Salamander Bay will be rezoned to achieve environmental and community development goals, with a special focus on koalas.
In 2023, Port Stephens Council began investigating lots situated near 22 Homestead Street, 30 Homestead Street and 1 Diemars Road, originally designated for public recreation.
After a process of thorough analysis and community consultation, it’s been decided that seven percent of that land (1.29 ha) will be rezoned for residential developments, while the remaining 93 percent (16.3 ha) will be used for environmental purposes and koala conservation.
“This has been a long-term project of mine since the last term of Council,” said Mayor Leah Anderson.
“It not only is forming, but forever protecting a significant koala corridor.
“Future residential planning needs to be underpinned by koala-sensitive principles.”
The Port Stephens Koala and Wildlife Preservation Society, which is responsible for the planting of koala feed, will keep operating on the land.
Cr Roz Armstrong stated that this project “is an example of good planning, which is not about choosing between homes and the environment, but about how we can achieve both carefully, transparently, and for the long term. “Environmental assets are not obstacles to growth, they are part of the foundation of our local economy, our health, and our lifestyle.
“Future residents will live with the consequences of whether we planned carefully, protected key environmental values, and made room for a growing population in a sensible way.”
Council also agreed that any net revenue generated by the future sale of these lots for residential development will be retained in a separate fund.
The money will then be used for vegetation management plans and broader environmental projects.
Councillors unanimously approved the development of a proposal for the rezoning of the land.
Once completed, it will be put out for public consultation.
Cr Armstrong commended the way that community engagement was conducted, saying that “the process commenced with consultation from community groups rather than leaving it to later and last, as often is the case.”
By Nico Lombardo
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