Newcastle University Academics Call For Brandy Hill Quarry Expansion To Be Stopped

BY IAN CROUCH

A new report by two Newcastle University Academics has recommended the Federal Environment Minister overturn planning approvals for the expansion of the Brandy Hill Quarry.

Dr Ryan Witt and Associate Professor John Clulow say the proposed 52 hectare expansion would sever an East-West Koala corridor, disrupt vital breeding processes and destroy high suitability habitat which is vital to the survival of Koalas here and across the state.

Shadow Environment Minister and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says Federal Environment Minister Susan Ley must step in.

"The statutory timeframe for the minister to respond is 8 September, so the clock is ticking. And we are desperate now for there to be as many people as they can raising their voices on behalf of our local Koalas and urging the minister to refuse this project and stop the 52 hectares of core Koala habitat being cleared," she said.

Port Stephens residents rally to support the local Koala population Picture: portstephensexaminer.com.au

Save Mambo Wetlands Rally This Weekend

BY TANIA SALITRA

An onsite fundraising rally will be held this Sunday 9^th September, to help finance the fight to save Mambo Wetlands from development.   

Organised by the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group, it's hoped to raise funds to assist with the ongoing legal costs to retain the koala habitat and ecological asset for fish nurseries and the 22 species of frogs that live in the wetland.

Secretary for MWWCG, Kathy Brown says that the Planning Department has made an offer to buy back the land, but this was rejected by the owner Paul Unicomb.  

With compulsory acquisition still a possibility, their focus is now on pushing the State Government to get the land back into public hands.   

On the day there will be information on what has been happening recently in the fight with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington speaking. 

Along with a BBQ sponsored by Salamander Bay Recycling Centre, there will be live entertainment with Newcastle band Chowder Keg.

The event will be held from 11-3pm on Sunday 9^th September at 109 Foreshore Dr, Salamander Bay.

Conflict over Port Stephens land sale puts Koalas at risk

BY HOLLIE HUGHES AND SANZIANA TIMIS


The future of a section of land along the Salamander Bay foreshore will be decided tonight at the Port Stephens Council meeting.

Councillors will vote on whether to sell off the 557-square-metre public site to developers which has been in council hands since 1977.

Mayor Ryan Palmer wants to use the sale to fund part of the $65-million-dollar Tomaree Sports Complex upgrade, however Port Stephens MP Kate Washington is urging them not to go ahead with the move.

Washington says the plans are short-sighted as the sale will not provide significant funds for the development and will directly
threaten the vital koala habitat situated along the foreshore.

The proceeds for the sale will be unlikely to surpass 1% of the $65 million-dollar total cost of the sport complex upgrade.

Any development on the site will place additional strain upon the local threatened koala species, particularly during the highly disruptive construction stage.

Washington says that there is "little point investing money in the koala hospital if we don't also retain their habitat."

"Yes, everyone wants these sporting facilities upgraded but it should not be at the cost of precious habitat and public land like this."

Port Stephens To Receive $3 Million Dollars For Koala Hospital

BY OLIVIA PORTELL

Animal rescue organisation, Port Stephens Koalas, will receive $3 million dollars to go towards a new koala hospital.

It is hoped the hospital will take the burden off local volunteers, who, up until now, have been operating out of their own homes.

Port Stephens Koalas Care and Rescue Coordinator Simone Aurino says having adequate facilities will mean more progress can be made.

"We need to contribute to conservation in many ways and without a central facility, it makes it very difficult for us to do this," she says.

However, Ms Aurino says getting the government on board has not been an easy process for volunteers.

"This has been an absolute mammoth task- it's not something that has happened overnight, we've had a team working on this project dedicated solely to this for several years," she says.

"They've had to really petition the government, supply all the supporting data that really shows why this should move ahead, and it's brilliant that it's finally being recognised."

$20 million dollars has also been allocated to purchase land for preservation.

It comes after six hectares of the Mambo Wetlands was sold last year, which is prime koala habitat.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says the funding is long over due.

"We've been critical of the government in its delay on even releasing its koala strategy," she says.

"Whilst that's been delayed, we've seen our koala numbers plummet."

Ms Washington says she hopes the government will consider buying back the section of the Mambo Wetlands which was sold for $250 thousand dollars last year.

"We are renewing our calls heartily for the government to spend some of that allocation of funds to returning the Mambo Wetlands to public hands."