The council aims to either buy or compulsorily-aquire six hectares of land adjoining the Mambo Wetlands that the state government sold to a developer in 2016.

And Cr Jaimie Abbott is adamant that the state government should still foot the bill.

“Residents and ratepayers have told us in no uncertain terms they want this land to returned to past ownership,” she said in her notice of motion.

“I want the state government to pay the price but it’s better to work with the state government on this than against them.”

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Conservationists fought the sale of the six hectare parcel because of its importance to the koala population.

The buyer had intended to build two homes on the site (a dual occupancy) but withdrew the plans last month.

Cr John Nell backed the motion.

“I think it’s excellent, it puts pressure on the state government to right this,” he said.

“It was absurd of the state government to ever put it on the market.”

Cr Glen Dunkley said to forcibly acquire the land would be a drastic but justified step.

“The battle for Mambo has become an icon for what we stand for,” he said.

“Acquisition is a drastic step from the landholder’s position but this was controversial from the beginning. I hope the developer will consider talking with council and sell it at a fair price.”

Asked if the developer might be open to a buyback the general manager Wayne Wallis said it looked unlikely.

“There’s been some lengthy conversations but at this time he’s indicated no intention of selling,” he said.

Cr Paul Le Mottee said to include the parcel in the wider wetlands that council already owned, was a wiser move than having National Parks take on the land.

“This motion doesn’t necessarily mean that the state government will play along but my feeling is it will,” he said.

The motion was carried unanimously with cheers and applause from the public gallery.