The original DA, lodged by Soldiers Point Marina owners Clippers Anchorage, sought to construct a two storey addition to the site, with a members lounge, gymnasium, pool, spa, pool lounge, patio, decking, amenities, storage and plant rooms, landscaping, and to conduct site preparation works including partial demolition of existing slipway and earthworks.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Port Stephens Council refused the DA on a number of grounds, before an appeal was lodged with the Land and Environment Court.

The matter will now be heard by the Land and Environment Court on February 6, 2024.

Interested parties are able to attend.

Jean Armstrong has been battling to stop further development of the site for many years with the Soldiers Point Community Group and now the Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association (TRRA) after the two organisations merged.

“A large majority of Soldiers Point residents are actively opposed to further development on the riparian shores of the Soldiers Point Aboriginal Place,” she said.

“These people place environmental concerns first on the list when it can be shown that proposed development has the potential to increase run-off, and possible contamination, into the pristine waters of the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park.

“We have proved our case before in the Land and Environmental Court, and we will do it again, thereby promoting environmental concerns over corporate business interests,” she said.

For further information, please contact the Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association.

By Marian SAMPSON