newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council has unanimously endorsed a smaller development footprint at 155 Salamander Way in Salamander Bay, cutting the area proposed for housing and businesses from 2.25 hectares to 1.36 hectares.
The reduction is about 40 per cent. The council says the revised footprint is outside the Mambo Wetlands and its buffer zone, and increases the area of environmental land to be protected by 66 per cent.
Councillor Watson said using the allowed maximum building height of 15 metres would enable the proposal to retain the same number of housing options despite the smaller footprint. The proposal would seek to maximise commercial floor space and attract a mix of housing, including homes above shops and more affordable options.
Mayor Leah Anderson said the site was important to meeting local housing needs.
“Responsible development of this land is critical to how we can unlock much-needed diverse and affordable housing options for key workers close to jobs, shops and public transport.”
Councillor Nathan Errington said feedback had been gathered from more than 1,200 community members, including residents, conservation groups and businesses. He said residents wanted more housing near town centres and development proceeds reinvested in infrastructure such as roads and drainage.
Councillor Roz Armstrong said the reduction in the proposed footprint followed a meeting with the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group.
She said the council had previously resolved to contribute a proportion of future development sale proceeds to enhancing the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands. That would include updating the Mambo-Wanda Conservation Wetlands Plan of Management to support long term environmental and cultural heritage protection.
The council says future development proceeds could also help fund local roads, intersection upgrades and new pathways.
The endorsement advances planning for the site, with further assessments to be completed before the council lodges an application to subdivide it.
The council has directed residents to its Salamander Bay Place Plan page for more information.
