Port Stephens council shrinks housing development by 40% to protect wetlands
Port Stephens Council cut the buildable area at Salamander Bay. It went from 2.25 hectares to 1.36 hectares. Wetland conservationists pushed for the change.
Port Stephens councillors voted unanimously to cut a housing development footprint by 40%. This protects the nearby Mambo Wetlands.
The land at 155 Salamander Way was planned at 2.25 hectares. It will now be 1.36 hectares.
The Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group campaigned for months. They want to keep development away from sensitive areas.
Mayor Leah Anderson said the smaller site still allows diverse and affordable housing for key workers. The council also increased protected environmental land by about 66 per cent.
The next step is to complete more assessments. Then they will prepare a development application.
- 2.25 hectares
- Original size
- 1.36 hectares
- New size
- 66 per cent
- Environmental land increase
- 40 per cent
- Reduction
Why it mattersLocal community action changed a council plan. This shows that public pressure on environmental issues can shift government decisions.
AustraliaIn Port Stephens, a housing project will now protect local wetlands while still delivering homes; community groups have a model for influence on local planning.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
