Port Stephens Council revises Salamander Bay development plans

Port Stephens Council has unanimously endorsed a revised Salamander Bay Town Centre place plan, reducing the development footprint to protect nearby wetlands. Following months of consultation with the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation Group, the developable area at 155 Salamander Way has been reduced from 2.25 hectares to 1.36 hectares, a decrease of approximately 40 per cent.

The revised plan increases identified environmental land by about 66 per cent. Council officials stated that the new footprint sits outside the Mambo Wetlands and its mapped buffer zone. Mayor Leah Anderson described the decision as a major win for the community, noting the plan remains critical for providing affordable housing for key workers near essential services and transport.

While the vote was unanimous, councillors expressed differing views on the community opposition. Councillor Giacomo Arnott praised campaigners for holding the council accountable, while Councillor Nathan Errington expressed frustration over the continued opposition despite the significant adjustments made to the proposal.