Save Link Road Forest is stepping up its crusade to protect a precious green space on the western fringe of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
The community group launched its e-Petition at the weekend, alongside Greens MLC Sue Higginson, calling on the NSW Government, and in particular Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, to put a stop to its proposed rezoning… and declaring it a National Park.
Currently, the privately-owned land, held by Eden Estates, is the subject of long-running development plans that could see large areas of the bushland cleared for housing if reclassification is approved.
The move would fundamentally change one of the region’s last significant remaining native forests — replacing wildlife habitat and green space with urban expansion.
Most of Link Road Forest is protected by conservation-related zoning and environmental planning controls.
However, the NSW Government’s progressing a state-led rezoning process that could remove those safeguards… and open the door to large-scale development.
“This is not where we would place well-located housing that’s connected to services and the things communities need,” Ms Higginson said.
“Link Road Forest provides irreplaceable ecological, social and wellbeing benefits to the surrounding suburbs.
“Once gone, it cannot be replaced.
“Link Road Forest also strengthens community wellbeing by preserving access to nature, reducing environmental pressures and protecting the qualities that make our region liveable.
“So, the next stage is critical.
“The NSW Government’s expected to consider the future of this land in the second half of 2026.
“Before then, we have a powerful opportunity to show decision-makers the overwhelming local support for protecting Link Road Forest for wildlife, community wellbeing and future generations.”
The e-Petition needs 20,000 signatures by 14 August before it can be formally debated in the NSW Legislative Council.
“By signing it, you are helping to send a strong message to the NSW Parliament that the community wants to save the forest,” Link Road Forest campaign group convenor Ian McKenzie said.
“We have a separate paper petition, too, which boasts almost 6,000 signatures.
“So, the response from everyone around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Lower Hunter has been overwhelming.
“The forest is just under 600 hectares, home to at least 17 threatened species and is core koala habitat.
“If this is carved up for development for more urban sprawl, it’s lost… and it’s lost forever.
“The politicians need to listen.
“It’s not just a little campaign; it’s an important one.
“And, it isn’t just for now, it is for the future.”
Go to the linkroadforest.com website and click the Sign the ePetition button.
WHERE IS LINK ROAD FOREST?
Located on the western fringe of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, the forest runs along Link Road and represents one of the last significant pockets of urban bushland in the area. It sits within walking distance of thousands of households, spanning both sides of Newcastle Link Road, Wallsend, from the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in the north to Glendale in the south.
- Vegetation type: Australian native forest incorporating 10 plant communities, two of which are threatened ecological communities
- Area: Approximately 574 hectares
- 20+ threatened species: Koala, squirrel glider, several microbat species, glossy black cockatoo, masked owl, powerful owl, plus many more
- Zoning status: Currently mostly zoned environmental, under consideration for rezoning to drive-in, drive-out residential development
- Access: Walking distance from Wallsend, Elermore Vale, Glendale, Edgeworth, Cameron Park, Minmi, Maryland and Fletcher
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