A CANDLELIGHT vigil was held on Sunday at 109 Foreshore Drive, Salamander Bay as the fight continues to stop the sale of the block of land and to have it reclassified as community land with around 160 local residents attending the event.

Locals say koalas are often seen on this block of land and use it to access the beach where they have been seen licking salt from the sands.

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Members of the community enjoyed a stunning sunset as they quietly reflected upon the need to preserve community assets and open spaces on the foreshore.

Port Stephens Councillor Leah Anderson took a stand on the site during her election campaign and is continuing to advocate for the land to be saved for community use.

She has been a volunteer for Port Stephens Koalas for many years and has seen first hand the need to protect habitat and health of our local population of koalas.

Councillor Anderson told News Of The Area, “This week, I watched back the Council Webcasts from 2018 when former councillor John Nell went to great lengths to save this land for the community, because he was listening to his community.

“He was supported by West Ward Councillor Giacomo Arnott, because he was listening to the East Ward community.

“In 2018 the battle was not won, and now the community, four years on, is still fighting to save this land for our community, our environment, and our koalas, yet again.

“I made a commitment to our community during my election campaign, that I would listen to them, and I would act on their behalf, as an elected representative should.

“I am doing just that.

“The fight to save 109 (Foreshore Drive) continues next Tuesday night at 5.30pm at the next Port Stephens Council meeting (22 March),” she said.

More in next week’s edition of News Of The Area.

By Marian SAMPSON