Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer has formally withdrawn a notice of motion which sought to sell a parcel of land at 109 Foreshore drive, Salamander Bay.
The decision follows significant community interest where a survey on the plan received 172 responses against and 94 in support. Council also received a 366-signature from the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation group as well as 226 copies of a pro forma letter.
Mayor Palmer put forward the notice of motion at a council meeting last month to sell the parcel of land with proceeds of the sale going towards upgrading the Tomaree Sporting Complex.
In a submission to council Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association raised concerns due to the land currently used as a koala corridor from the adjacent Mambo Wetlands as well as being used as a recreational space. The association also believes proceeds from the lands sale "would not contribute a viable amount towards the Tomaree Sporting Complex."
East Ward Councillor John Nell who also put forward a notice of motion to reclassify the land from operational to community still holds concerns for the future of the site.
"The Mayor could raise this issue of the sale again at some point in the future. That is why I'm standing by my notice of motion to reclassify the land as it would inadvertently lock the site up for good.
"I think the community has spoken quite clearly. They do not want the council to sell anymore waterfront land," Cr Nell said.
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| 109 Foreshore Drive highlighted in white. |
