Port Stephens Eco Network and Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association welcome mayor Ryan Palmer's rethink

Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer had proposed to sell the waterfront property to kick start the Tomaree Sports Complex redevelopment.

The 557 square metre lot, beside a similarly sized public reserve, was part of a subdivision that occurred decades ago.

Conservationists argued that to sell it now would severely restrict waterfront access, particularly to those koalas that are known to lick the salt off the sand.

“We see that the mayor has decided to take it off the market and we’re very pleased he’s decided to do this,” Port Stephens Eco Network secretary Nigel Dique said.

“He said he’s taken into account the community’s feelings and we applaud his decision.”  

Cr Palmer had lodged a notice of motion to sell the land at the last council meeting. The item was deferred so that councillors could undertake a site inspection but Cr Palmer has in the meantime declared he would withdraw the motion.

He said the strength of the reaction –  including support for a special rate variation rather than a sale – meant it was an appropriate time to put the issue aside and consider other options. 

“There’s no rush in selling the block,” Cr Palmer said. “We are here to listen to the community.

“If we park it there for a while and we are able to find other funding sources … we may be able to look at making it community land.” 

Mr Dique said Cr Palmer should be commended not derided for his position.

“Generally speaking Cr Palmer is doing a good job and while he is still settling into the role he’s bound to grow from experiences like these,” Mr Dique said.

Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association president Geoffrey Washington also welcomed the rethink.

“TRRA is pleased that Cr Palmer has taken notice of the many public statements about this land’s importance as a public asset,” he said.

“There are always government grants available and we should look closely at these and even land sales elsewhere.”