BY OLI GOELDNER
The Link Road Forest Campaign is urging Newcastle residents to think carefully at the ballot box this weekend.
Ahead of the upcoming Lord Mayoral by-election on Saturday April 18, the environmental group requested comments from the six candidates on their plans around Link Road Forest.
The 574-hectare site is earmarked for a large-scale housing development by the state government, despite it reportedly being home to several endangered species.
In December, Newcastle council voted in favour of the campaign, calling on the state government to convert the lot into a national park.
"We're just ensuring through this by-election coming up that we get a Lord Mayor that is going to champion this cause for the people of Newcastle," said Link Road Forest Campaign spokesperson Ian McKenzie.
Greens candidate Charlotte McCabe, Labor's Declan Clausen, independent Gavin Morris and the Socialist Alliance's Steve O'Brien responded positively to the questions.
"I understand the land forms part of a green corridor which is vital for the ongoing survival of many endangered species," Mr O'Brien responded.
"I think the broad cross-party and community support for protecting this habitat as a National Park is a powerful story that needs to be told again from the chamber," said Ms McCabe.
Mr Morris stated simply the "land must not be developed," and Mr Clausen reinstated his continued stance, noting "where the land has high environmental value" he will advocate for its protection.
According to the environmental group, independent Milton Caine was personally supportive of retaining the forest but failed to answer the questions.
Liberal Jenny Barrie also did not provide a response.
Pre-polling for the by-election is currently open.
