Environmental campaigners have pledged to continue their battle to protect the Mambo Wetlands in Salamander Bay, despite Port Stephens Council voting to adopt a controversial development plan that targets the area for expansion.
Council Approves Controversial Development Plan
The Salamander Bay Place Plan, approved by council on Tuesday night, designates five new zones for development including commercial space, health services, residential housing, and community facilities around the existing shopping centre complex. The decision came after conservationists from the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group made a final presentation to councillors and displayed "Save Mambo" signs during the proceedings.
Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson acknowledged the community's environmental concerns but emphasized the pressing need to address the region's housing shortage. "We have got a housing crisis. We do not have enough homes and affordable houses in Port Stephens," Cr Anderson stated during the meeting.
Balancing Housing Needs Against Environmental Protection
The mayor highlighted the region's projected growth of 20,000 people over the next 20 years and state government housing targets as key factors driving the decision. "We need to make decisions that will deliver housing and more affordable housing options," she argued, suggesting that one-bedroom units in Salamander Bay would be more accessible for first home buyers than properties in nearby Nelson Bay.
Cr Anderson sought to reassure concerned residents that the plan wouldn't directly impact the wetlands themselves. "We are not building on Mambo wetlands," she declared, noting that an area would be reserved for environmental protection. She described this as "early days" in the process and promised continued community engagement.
Conservationists Dig In for Long Battle
Kathy Brown, spokeswoman for the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group, expressed disappointment with the council's decision but determination to continue the fight. "We have to wait for the process now," she said, acknowledging they had been forewarned about the likely outcome.
Brown believes their presentations have given councillors "something to think about" and vowed to maintain pressure on the council. She challenged the council's definition of the wetlands area, noting that "for the community, that bushland is part of the wetlands."
The conservation group has already taken visible action, erecting a large red banner on the land adjacent to the wetland that concerns them. They argue that development in these buffer zones threatens several endangered animal species and ecological communities that depend on the wetland habitat.
Brown emphasized alternative solutions exist, stating "There are different options, heaps of space and ways to do this and still get the housing we need." The group plans to escalate their campaign in the coming weeks, ensuring the protection of Mambo Wetlands remains a priority issue for Port Stephens Council.
