Independent candidate Nick Maher has announced a plan to balance development with environmental preservation in Cessnock. Maher, who has been in discussions with local builders and the Kurri Kurri Landcare group, is advocating for a policy that would allow residents and Landcare to relocate native plants and trees before development projects commence.
Currently, when local land is rezoned from bushland to residential, much of the vegetation is destroyed, including larger trees that are often mulched. Mather’s proposal would give the community a chance to save moveable native plants and trees by transferring them to local properties and community areas before builders are awarded tenders.
“If elected, I will push for this policy to ensure that while we continue the much-needed development of Cessnock, we also protect some of the bush we love by moving it into our own backyards,” Mather said. He looks forward to refining the details of this plan in the near future.
