Soldiers Point Locals Rally Against $4.7 Million Waterfront Unit Development
A contentious $4.7 million development application in Soldiers Point has ignited fierce opposition from residents, who claim the plan jeopardises mature trees and critical koala habitat. The proposal, submitted by Cerretti Holdings Pty Ltd, seeks to demolish a historic 1930s waterfront cottage at 23 Soldiers Point Road and replace it with eight multi-dwelling housing units.
Environmental Concerns Take Centre Stage
Residents argue that the development fails to align with the area's character and poses significant environmental risks. Key issues include the slated removal of four mature trees, such as two large Blackbutt eucalyptus and a Norfolk pine, which are part of a known fauna corridor. An arborist report acknowledges these trees have high retention value due to their contribution to local landscape amenity and environmental benefits, noting that replacement planting will be challenging due to space constraints.
Ian Woodward, a long-time Soldiers Point resident, expressed fears about the incremental erosion of the environment. "It is an overdevelopment and unsuitable for the site," he said, highlighting that the application overlooks impacts on biodiversity, views, and neighbours. The site, previously held by the Carroll family for about eight decades, was sold at auction for $7.6 million in 2022, adding to concerns about intensified redevelopment pressures.
Koala Habitat Under Threat
The development area is identified in the Koala Habitat Planning Map as preferred koala habitat, raising alarms about the potential loss of crucial links for wildlife. Kathy Brown, secretary of the Mambo Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group, lamented the decline in koala sightings, attributing it to habitat fragmentation. "Any time there is a mature tree taken down, they lose a little more of the pockets they have left," she stated, urging council to consider designs that preserve existing trees.
Woodward emphasised the importance of retaining land bridges or stepping stones to feeding areas, warning that cumulative impacts on flora and fauna have not been adequately addressed. The community's pushback underscores a broader tension between urban expansion and conservation efforts in the Port Stephens region.
Council Decision Awaits Amid Public Submissions
The development application is currently open for public submissions, with residents mobilising to voice their objections. Brown criticised potential council approval, questioning how officials could reconcile such decisions with their stated commitments to tree protection. As the debate unfolds, the outcome will likely set a precedent for future developments in environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
