PORT Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson, alongside East Ward Councillors Mark Watson, Roz Armstrong and Nathan Errington, met with members of the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group to discuss a revised footprint plan for developments in the Salamander Bay Town Centre.
The meeting, which took place on 9 July, confirmed Port Stephens Council’s previous commitment to not build on the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Buffer Zone, following intense community backlash, and was described as productive by all parties involved.
According to the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group, Council assured that there would be no development on the buffer zones near the Tomaree Library and to the north, and that they would investigate rezoning the remaining wetlands as environmentally protected areas.
Mayor Anderson stressed that, despite the change of plans, Council was still committed to delivering housing developments to Salamander Bay.
“Given the smaller footprint, it’s expected the development will be higher than previously envisaged, with a building height permitted up to 15 metres on the site,” she said.
Additionally, Council stated that proceeds from future developments would fund local infrastructure improvements, enhancements to the Mambo Wetlands, and ecological studies.
Council’s claim that the sale of land around the shopping centre would provide funding for housing development, however, was met with scepticism by community stakeholders, who felt that their numerous submissions for ideas to deliver more housing should be listened to more thoroughly.
Council also reportedly did not agree to temporarily stop any other development on land around the Shopping Centre until matters had been resolved.
Regardless, Council stated that their revised footprint demonstrated a commitment to listening to the community and balancing responsible development with environmental protection.
Cr Armstrong commented favourably on the resolution of the meeting.
“I could not be more pleased to see these outcomes, ” she said. “I campaigned for improvements to our environment while ensuring we were able to provide key worker housing. I look forward to working with the Community and Council staff to update the Mambo Wetlands Plan of Management to facilitate additional environmental and cultural recognition and protection.”
The revised footprint will be released with the Council agenda on 3 August, and it will be considered for endorsement at the 25 August meeting.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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