CAUTIOUS optimism is the feeling of the WetCon group over the Mayor’s withdrawal of his motion to sell the parcel of land at 109 Foreshore Drive, opposite Mambo Wanda Wetlands.

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Koalas have been seen using this land to access Wanda beach where they like the sands for salt.

The Mayor’s response to community angst over the motion has been swift, the motion withdrawn and the sale of the land placed on hold for now.

The parcel of land has a large drain on it which floods at high tide, and also sports the council parks sign, bins and doggy bags.

The land creates a safe access to the waterfront for children and the elderly.

WetCon’s Kathy Brown told News Of The Area, “The community will only be content once the land is rezoned and protected.”

She believes that the community appreciates that the Mayor is keen to see the sports grounds redeveloped but they are adamant that this will not be at the expense of community green space and core koala habitat.

The boundaries of the land are marked with one tree sitting across both sites.

“This public space is not for sale.”

WetCon is also appealing to members of the community to check out all the green spaces close to their homes and confirm how it is zoned.

WetCon believes that now is the time to ensure that zoning of public green space protects the assets of Port Stephens.

Mayor Palmer said, “I’ve listened to the community’s feedback and decided to withdraw the Notice of Motion on the sale of 109 Foreshore Drive whilst we explore other funding options for the Tomaree Sports Complex Master Plan.

“I am hopeful we can take the community with us as we look to invest in our region.

“We know what it is they see as priorities, it is now our job as Council to focus on delivery,” he said.

By Marian SAMPSON