NBN News has reported on concerns about the NSW Government’s decision to oversee the rezoning of the Eden Estates land at Wallsend.
The coverage noted that the 574-hectare bushland site is home to 11 threatened species and has been the focus of long-running concern from councillors and community groups.
The report included comments from Ivan McFadyen of the Hunter Community Environment Centre, who said the long-term goal is to permanently protect the whole site.
Readers can view the original NBN News coverage here:
https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2025/07/26/grave-environmental-concerns-over-wallsend-bushland-rezoning/
Transcript of NBN News Story
574 sprawling hectares of bushland in wallsend, home to 11 threatened species. But a rezoning proposal now fast tracked by the state government has put that on a knife edge.
"I was pretty gutted about the whole thing because we've been working hard with Newcastle Council. And they've recognised the value of the land."
The state government yesterday confirming it will oversee the rezoning of Eden Estates which will provide a mix of bushland, parks, public amenities and up to 4,200 homes. A development that Ivan McFadyen and the Hunter Environment Group have campaigned against for more than three years.
"Our long term goal is to try and preserve the whole site, permanently."
Newcastle Greens Joel Pringle confident community concerns won't be heard by Macquarie Street.
"City of Newcastle has a track record of fast planning approvals ensuring a pipeline of rezonings for affordable well located housing."However Labor councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk is optimistic potential housing plans will be scaled back, following a similar state led decision at Fletcher last month.
"A parcel of land at 505 Minmi… they were seeking up to 200 homes and that has been rejected and refused actually to that scale"
The move comes as the State Government must build 30,000 homes in the Hunter by 2029 to reach its housing accord targets. That includes almost 11,000 in Newcastle and 8,000 in Lake Macquarie with Eden Estates spanning both councils.
The Department of Planning telling NBN news it will work with both councils to prepare a draft rezoning package. And that biodiversity protection will be considered.
"The Department will work with City of Newcastle council, Lake Macquarie City Council and key agencies to prepare a draft rezoning package that will be exhibited for community feedback. Biodiversity protection will be considered during the rezoning process."That proposal is expected to go on public exhibition next year. The developer was approached for comment. Gabriella Warner, NBN News.
Source: NBN News, “Grave environmental concerns over Wallsend bushland rezoning”, 26 July 2025.
