THE Development Application (DA) to extend the building at Soldiers Point Marina has been controversial.

Past President of the Soldiers Point Community Group (SPCG), Jean Armstrong, told News Of The Area, “The SPCG was formed some ten years ago in order to protect the heritage and environmental integrity of the Soldiers Point peninsula.

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“The tireless efforts of the foundation members of the Group and of Carol Ridgeway-Bissett, together with invaluable advice from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) and the due diligence of Heritage NSW (HNSW) and of SPCG external experts, has resulted in the welcome decision by Port Stephens Council to refuse development of the Soldiers Point Marina building and associated community land.

“The decision also puts into question any proposed future development within this ecologically sensitive site and indeed the entire peninsula,” she said.

It is understood that the site is adjacent to traditional Indigenous burial grounds, and that middens were once present in the immediate area.

Carol Ridgeway-Bissett is proud of the Indigenous heritage of the area, she is a Worimi custodian and knowledge holder who was born in Soldiers Point.

At the community meeting last week, Carol spoke about the deep connection that Indigenous people have to country.

While some cultural assets are tangible like scar trees that can clearly be seen, she is keen for the wider community to understand that there are also special places which have intangible links to the culture of the area’s Indigenous people.

Roz Armstrong is a local community advocate who participates in Landcare and other community groups.

She said, “This is a big win for the community.

“More especially for people like Jean Armstrong and Carol Ridgeway-Bissett, who together, with the rest of the committee, have been solidly committed to bring the Council to an understanding of why this Development Application must be refused.

“We are ecstatic with the result and thank East Ward Councillor Leah Anderson for her most comprehensive amendment to the Council Staff recommendation to refuse the development on seven grounds including; Aboriginal Heritage; environment and ecology; traffic management and parking; and of course the public interest,” she said.

By Marian SAMPSON