BY MARLEY RAE
On Saturday, members of the Save Link Road Forest campaign met and cycled with Greens MP and spokesperson for the Environment, Sue Higginson at the Glendale Wallsend Tramway Track where the petition was launched.
Members of the campaign presented Ms Higginson with questions to ask Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, as well as inviting the Minister to meet with campaigners and experience the forest.
Spokesperson for the Save Link Road Campaign Ian McKenzie said it's time politicians take notice.
"It is vital that our elected representatives listen to what the community is saying about Link Forest Road," he said.
Last year, the State Government announced the rezoning of the 574-hectare bushland to be fast-tracked for the Eden Estate Housing project, where an estimated 4200 dwellings would be developed.
Buildings would include a mix of housing types with a focus on affordable housing, employment and supporting community facilities.
The project, which is one of the largest Hunter land rezonings in decades, straddles the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie council areas and is bound by Wallsend, Cameron Park, Elermore Vale and Glendale.
Mr McKenzie said the loss of the bushland, if rezoned, would have a negative impact on the area.
"It's real value for wildlife and community will be lost forever," he said.
"Sue Higginson's interest in and support for Link Road Forest is commendable.
"It is time for other NSW politicians to step up and get involved with this issue."
Information about the campaign can be found on the group's website, with the e-petition requiring 20,000 signatures to be considered in parliament.
Picture: Save Link Road Forest Campaign