BY JAMES CARTER
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington is pushing the NSW government to buy land in Hawks Nest that locals consider to be a koala habitat.
Ms Washington has written to NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean with concerns that the sale could be catastrophic to local koala conservations.
Local residents have reported frequent koala sightings at the site and in the letter Ms Washington is pressing the Minister to take action before the expression of interest ends.
The six hectares of land has been advertised by Commercial Collective as a 'once in a generation opportunity' and is taking interest for the site until July 8.
The land is adjacent to existing residential areas and is zoned for low and medium residential development and environmental conservation.
Ms Washington says that maintaining the Koala population was crucial to Port Stephens.
"People move to these areas, people Holiday in these areas, Port Stephens is renowned for its beauty because of its environment we must preserve this elements to ensure for the economy's sake let alone for biodiversity's sake, Ms Washington.
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| Image: Kate Washington MP Facebook |
