PORT Stephens councillors have voted to put off a decision on the future of a waterfront section of Salamander Bay that was subject to competing notices of motion at Tuesday night’s meeting.
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Fairfax Media reported that mayor Ryan Palmer had been moving to sell the parcel of land at 109 Foreshore Drive, which has been unused in council hands for decades, and use the proceeds to help fund upgrades to Tomaree Sports Complex.
East Ward councillor John Nell had launched a second bid to reclassify the land for community use, which would have precluded any sale.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington had flagged concerns that the parcel was a crucial thoroughfare between the Mambo Wetlands opposite the land and the foreshore itself.
At Tuesday’s meeting councillors voted to make a decision after seeking further community feedback and visiting the block.
Cr Palmer said it was a good outcome, arguing there was some confusion over exactly which land would hit the market if a sale was approved.
“This council is committed to making a meaningful and positive difference to Port Stephens, while protecting our valuable environment,” he said.
“This cleared parcel of land was created along with 55 other lots on Foreshore Drive back in 1956. While it has been sitting idle for some time, it is residentially zoned land on which only one tree stands,” he said.
“The site is next door to an important public reserve, full of trees, which will still be maintained for the community and koalas to access the foreshore.”