The buy-back of Mambo Wetlands by the state government was a triumph for the Port Stephens community, for the dwindling koala population and for common sense, says the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group.
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"After three years the government has bought back the 5.6ha corner of Mambo that was sold to a developer by 'mistake', to be incorporated within the 170ha reserve in Salamander Bay," group secretary Kathy Brown said.
"Thank you to the whole community who signed petitions, wrote letters and submissions and never gave up on returning this land to public ownership."
Planning Minister Rob Stokes said the purchase of the site for $420,000 - it was sold in 2016 for $250,000 - to ensure the land is returned to the community for future generations to enjoy.
"This site sits adjacent to the ecologically important Mambo Wetlands, which is treasured by the community and has a strong Aboriginal history," he said.
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Environment Minister Matt Kean welcomed the acquisition, which he said was a win for the community and visitors to the region.
"The protection of this site will also support the local koala population and endangered and threatened species including powerful owls, squirrel gliders, bats and migratory birds," Mr Kean said.
The property was purchased under the Coastal Lands Protection Scheme, a long-running NSW Government initiative, set up by the Liberals & Nationals in 1973, which acquires coastal land for public access to the coast, scenic value or for environmental protection.
Jaimie Abbott, a Port Stephens councillor and the Liberal candidate in the 2019 state election, said she was glad the sale had been resolved.
"This should never have been sold. The land will be returned where it belongs so we can protect it into the future," she said.
Port Stephens Council was also praised for its objection to the sale in a submission to the NSW Government.
"Thank you to Port councillors who unanimously supported a request that the land be bought back and thank you to MP Kate Washington who supported the community over three years to have Mambo returned," Ms Brown said.
Related reading
November 2018 | Liberals look to buy back Mambo land
February 2018 | 10,000 signatures collected for Mambo Wanda Wetlands buy back
November 2017 | Mambo Wetlands dual occupancy plan withdrawn
September 2017 | Wetlands DA ignites fury, sparks rally
June 2016 | Wetlands land sale sparks outage