COMMUNITY protests surround a development on the Mambo Wetlands site sold by the NSW Education Department.

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Kate Washington Port Stephens MP told News Of The Area, “The community has been calling for this so-called ‘mistaken’ sale to be reversed for more than a year, and now the inevitable has happened; no development on the Mambo Wetlands is acceptable.”

Ms Washington believes the Government should immediately buy back this core koala habitat.

Consideration is being given to classifying koalas in Port Stephens as endangered; the protection of this six hectare parcel of land is crucial to the survival of our koalas.

“I encourage everyone who wants to see this environmentally sensitive land protected to contact Port Stephens Council and make a submission about the use of this land,” she said.

Kate Washington is also advising residents to contact the Minister for the Environment, Gabrielle Upton, to urge her to do the right thing, and buy back the core koala habitat.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said, “Council has received an application for a development at Port Stephens Drive, Salamander Bay, which neighbours the Mambo Wetlands site, there is clearly significant community interest in this matter which I’m aware has significant ecological constraints.”

“I’d encourage the community to take the opportunity to make a submission and be heard on this matter.”

“I know Council staff have been proactive in reaching out to community groups to make them aware of this application and exhibition process, I strongly encourage everyone to participate,” Mayor Palmer said.

Councillor Abbott said, “This development application has angered and upset locals who have loved and cared for the site for decades, the sensitivities of the site are very well known and I share that community angst.”

Councillor Nell added that, ideally, the land should become part of a National Park.

By Marian SAMPSON