Port Stephens mayor Bruce MacKenzie wants koala hospital to get share of Salamander land profits

The council launched a feasibility study on Tuesday night with the unanimous support of councillors and the mayor, Cr Bruce MacKenzie, knows where the first funds should come from.

“Perhaps we might get $50,000 from the sale of the Mambo land,” he said.

It was a barb at the state government that has just sold six hectares of surplus education land at Salamander Bay. The parcel is part of the Mambo wetlands which is valuable koala habitat.

The sale netted a paltry $250,000.

Cr MacKenzie’s suggestion raised applause from the gallery.

“Thank you,” he said.

“We don’t get many claps in here.”

The council and the Hunter Koala Preservation Society begun talks in 2015 about a hospital and tourism facility. The society has pledged $150,000 in construction and start-up funds.

The scoping study will cost $64,000 or which the society has agreed to put up $10,000.

“Living on the Tilligerry peninsula I’ve watched a slow and steady decline in koalas,”’ Cr Steve Tucker said.

“The number I see in trees around my home are getting fewer and fewer so I think the business case for this is really strong.”

The deputy mayor, Cr Chris Doohan, said it was very concerning to hear that the Port Stephens koala population might soon be endangered, with the Mambo sale.

“[But] if we can be part of the preservation of the Port Stephens koalas it will be something I can be proud of at the end of my term,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the society for all the hard work they’ve done.”

Cr Peter Kafer said a hospital would be most welcome but urged the council to go a step further.

“We still have to make sure there’s habitat for them to live in outside the hospital,” he said.

“We’ve cleared so much habitat in recent years it’s not funny.”