Port Stephens MP Kate Washington wants the NSW government to purchase six hectares of land up for sale in Hawks Nest, a site being advertised as a "once in a generation" development opportunity but one locals consider to be koala habitat.
The land either side of Myall Street near the Singing Bridge has hit the market for the first time in decades.
The southern parcel adjoins existing residential areas and has mixed land uses with zoning for low and medium density residential development and environmental conservation. The northern parcel is all environmental conservation, zoning that limits but does not prohibit development.
Commercial Collective, which is taking expressions of interest for the site until July 8, describes the land as a "beachside village development opportunity" with the potential for housing, serviced apartments, an aged care facility or resort.
The total developable area, according to the real estate's advertisement, is 1.5 hectares. "The development opportunity presented is once in a generation for this area," it says.
But community environment and wildlife advocates, along with Ms Washington, believe the land should remain as bushland to support the Koala population.
Ms Washington has written to NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean requesting his "urgent attention" to the matter, noting the looming EOI deadline.
"There are real concerns that a sale for the purposes of development would be catastrophic to the local population of koalas," she wrote to the minister. "It is ... a known koala habitat and residents frequently report observing koalas at this location.
"Volunteers from the Myall Koala and Environment Group have worked for many years to protect this small population of koalas who are endangered and close to extinction in the local area.
"Given the adjoining National Park, I believe this parcel of land would be suitable for purchase by the National Parks and Wildlife Service or the Biodiversity Conservation Trust."
The site adjoins the council-managed Jean Shaw Koala Reserve. Myall Koala and Environment Group secretary Ian Morphett said Koalas were regularly spotted on the public and private land.
"The eastern end of the land that is for sale has been defined as core koala habitat because it aligns with the reserve. It's a frequent spot for koalas to cross [the road]."
Mr Morphett said some of the private land was rezoned environmental conservation after a Land and Environment Court case about a decade ago. Mid Coast Council records could not be accessed on Tuesday.
Commercial Collective executive Brendan Sarroff said he could not comment beyond saying the land was for sale via EOI and his agency was "currently finalising this campaign at the moment".
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