newy.com.au – A 4.5 hectare site on Billabong Parade in Chisholm will become public open space rather than a neighbourhood sportsground after the discovery of a protected bird, Maitland City Council has announced.
Latham’s snipe, which was found at the site, is protected under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The council said its presence made the land unsuitable for the sporting fields and facilities needed.
Council general manager Jeff Smith said the site could not accommodate infrastructure expected at a modern sportsground, including bright lights and sporting nets.
The land will instead support recreation, with walking trails and natural playspaces identified as possibilities rather than confirmed projects.
“While we can’t progress a state-of-the-art sports complex in the area, we will continue to consider what can be done there and in the meantime we can give the people of Chisholm another open space to gather and enjoy the local area,” Mr Smith said.
The separate Chisholm Sports Complex on Suncroft Street is due for completion in 2027, according to the council. That project includes two mixed sports fields across two hectares, toilets, showers, change rooms, cricket nets and a dedicated playground.
“We’ll also continue to investigate other locations that could offer the right space for more sporting facilities in the area in line with our Community Infrastructure Strategy.”
