Community groups are ramping up the campaign to save Kincumber Wetlands from development, with Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) liaising with Woolworths over a supermarket proposed for the site.
Members of Save Kincumber Wetlands met recently with Sam Johnson, Coastal Wetlands Community Organiser at the Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC), to discuss potential threats facing the wetlands.
Group spokesperson Sue Chidgey said the meeting touched on the importance of wetlands for local communities, and why their protection was essential.
“The team had the opportunity to show the value of Kincumber Wetlands firsthand, observing endangered species, and understanding the critical role these habitats play for wildlife, community wellbeing, and climate resilience,” she said.
“We remain committed to raising awareness and advocating for the preservation of these essential natural spaces.”
Local environmentalist Emma French said parts of the wetland could potentially be leased to Woolworths for development.
“This would mean a large portion of the wetlands being destroyed and replaced with a supermarket and carpark,” she said.
Chidgey said the visit with Johnson had reinforced the urgent need to protect the wetlands.
“These areas are not only vital for the species that inhabit them but also for the overall health of our environment” she said.
“We have been amazed at the residents’ support for the protection of this last significant, urban environmental land in Kincumber.”
Johnson said coastal wetlands were incredibly important for both people and nature.
“Yet we’ve already lost over half of these precious ecosystems in NSW,” he said.
“Commercial and recreational fishers rely on healthy wetlands, because without them, many fish species would simply disappear.
“These ecosystems also clean our water, making it safe to swim, surf and paddle, while storing more carbon than any other ecosystem.
“Wetlands protect coastal communities from floods, erosion and storm damage.
“When we clear them, we leave ourselves vulnerable to extreme weather and costly property damage.
“We need to ensure all wetlands are off-limits to development, that they have space to retreat as sea levels rise, and that they remain healthy so they can continue to protect communities and support coastal economies.”
French said the soundscape alone, filled with frogs, birds and lizards, was a strong reminder of the biodiversity that thrives in the wetlands.
“It was very productive to have Sam visit,” she said.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge about our ecosystems and how they must be protected, and why wetlands matter not just for people but for our native wildlife too.
“Our Save Kincumber Wetlands page is growing every week.
“We have also had local school kids interested in making it an environmental discussion within their schools and upset that the wetlands they have grown up with could be ripped down.
“Woolworths should be looking to develop new stores in areas that will not cost us part of our natural eco-system.”
Follow the group on its Facebook page for updates.
With membership now at 1,300, the group will hold an on-site rally at 4pm on November 1.
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