Local planning proposals
100 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay
A planning proposal has been submitted for 100 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay, aimed at increasing housing supply while also delivering local benefits. The planning proposal is expected to deliver a mix of diverse housing options for more than 300 residents.
As owner of the land, Council has committed to ensuring the profits generated from the redevelopment of 100 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay will be reinvested into the Roads Acceleration Program, intersection upgrades, footpath connections and environmental management initiatives.
Like many regional communities across Australia, Port Stephens faces challenges related to housing supply, affordability, and diversity. Over the next 20 years, Port Stephens will need homes for an additional 20,000 residents. Approximately 2,680 new homes will be needed on the Tomaree Peninsula to support this growth.
Last year, Council adopted the Local Housing Strategy and Housing Supply Plan to guide where new homes could be built across Port Stephens. Since then, we’ve been reviewing Council owned land to identify suitable sites for future housing.
100 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay, is a large parcel of land that includes both previously disturbed land and important environmental land. The planning proposal will seek to retain 83% of the site for conservation, with an estimated 110 housing lots to be established on 16% of the site. A dedicated tree planting area will also support wildlife movement and create a vegetation buffer between new and existing homes.
A planning proposal has been lodged to rezone 100 Salamander Way, Salamander Bay.
The rezoning of this land will deliver a diverse range of housing for our growing population. The sale of land for housing will generate funding for important community projects:
Managing and improving the environmental value of the biobanked area (83% of the site) to the highest possible level. Unlike other sites, the conservation credits from this land can only be used for Council projects, not sold.
A tree planting area to support wildlife movement and create a vegetation buffer between new and existing homes.
Repairs and rehabilitation of roads across Port Stephens as part of the Roads Acceleration Program including a new roundabout at the entrance to Salamander Way, entry roads, and active transport connections to the Salamander Bay Town Centre.
FAQs
A planning proposal is an application to Council or the NSW Government seeking permission to amend the Local Environmental Plan (LEP), which is the primary planning instrument for a local government area. The LEP is a framework for zoning and development controls, outlining what can be built, where it can be built, and what activities can occur on land.
Biobanking ensures the long term protection and enhancement of biodiversity. Biobank sites enable credits to be sold for developments where the environment is impacted. For 100 Salamander Way, the credits from this site can only be used for Council developments. This means funding for the conservation area must come directly from the residential portion of the site.
Even with our population growth, we need to consider the diversity of housing options offered across Port Stephens. With limited opportunities for new greenfield housing developments, housing prices continue to rise, pushing low to middle-income families out of the market. This site represents an important chance to deliver new housing on the Tomaree Peninsula. The area proposed for residential development has lower environmental value, primarily due to historical sand mining activities. This land has the potential to accommodate at least 100 residential lots of mixed density—including detached houses, townhouses, and multi-dwelling housing—offering various housing options for downsizers, first-home buyers, and families, including more affordable choices.
A 1ha tree planting area is being provided between the new residential homes and the older homes. Although supporting wildlife movement, this corridor will create a vegetation buffer between new and existing homes.
Over 83% of 100 Salamander Way will be retained for environment conservation. The area will be biobanked, managed, and maintained to the highest level. Funding for managing and maintaining this conservation area will come from selling part of the land for housing. Without this, the biobank site would remain inactive without the money to support the ongoing protection and care of this important area.
There will be opportunities to have your say during the planning proposal process. Once the planning proposal is lodged with Council and the initial assessment is undertaken, it is reviewed by the NSW Government to see if it holds merit to place on public exhibition. The proposal is placed on public exhibition for 28 days with neighbouring residents notified, and submissions can be made. There will also be a public hearing. Public exhibition and the hearing are expected to commence early in 2026.