THE Mambo Wetlands could soon be safeguarded from future development as an internationally recognised ecosystem.
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Preservationists have begun investigations to have the wetlands on the Tomaree Peninsula added to the Ramsar list.
Named Ramsar after the Iraq wetlands first inducted to the list in 1972 the convention now sets out management expectations for waterways at 2200 sites around the world. The Hunter Wetlands to the south and Myall Lakes to the north are already on that list and have acquired tourism credentials that befit those sites.
The proposal has in-principle support from Hunter Wetlands CEO Stuart Blanch who has offered community groups his team’s expertise, from explanations of the process through to examination and framing the necessary community discussions.
This will start in November with a talk to the Port Stephens Eco Network. Two Hunter Wetlands members will even take part in a Mambo guided walk this weekend.
“Ramsar doesn’t lock it up but it does introduce another level of legal protection that stops someone from just bulldozing it,” Mr Blanch said.
“But legal protection isn’t the strongest argument for it; Ramsar listing does so much more from recognition to the ability of community groups to apply for funds to care for the asset.”
The recent sale of a six hectare parcel that overlaps the site has shocked community members and renewed efforts to protect the wildlife habitat.
But to have the wetlands inducted to the list could take at least three years if not five. Mr Blanch said it would require the cooperation of everyone from the federal government down to Port Stephens Council, which owns the land, through to fishers and recreational users, with widespread support the key. There are up to nine criteria applications are assessed against.
“I would think it ticks the right boxes,” he said.
Port Stephens Council said it had no formal position on a Ramsar application at this stage.
“Council values the protection and status afforded marine sanctuaries and recognises Mambo Wetland Reserve as an ecologically important area,” a spokesman for the council said.
“In addition to being zoned E2 Environmental Conservation under the Port Stephens Local Environment Plan, areas of the reserve are further protected through SEPP14 Coastal Wetlands status and inclusion in the Salamander Bay Sanctuary Zone of the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park.”
Port Stephens Greens will host the Come and Walk Mambo Wetlands on Saturday from 10am. It will set out from the corner of Port Stephens and Foreshore Drive.
“Many people aren’t aware of what a fantastic resource this is right on their doorstep,” Robyn Williams from The Greens said.