The successful purchase of over 10,000sqm of environmentally sensitive land in Newport by Council and the NSW Government will ensure it is protected for generations to come.

Council contributed $2.5million to the $4.6million purchase.

Mayor Michael Regan said the acquisition was a huge win for the community.

“Despite its high environmental value, this land on Hillside Rd had been slated for sub-division and significant development,” Mayor Regan said.

“It’s fantastic that we have been able to partner with the state government to save it and bring it into public hands.

“It protects endangered rainforest and an important wildlife corridor and provides additional green space for the Northern Beaches community.

“We know protecting the environment is a huge priority for our residents and I am pleased that the size and resources of the new Council have contributed to our ability to get this purchase done.

“I’d like to thank the many community groups and individuals who fought to have this critical land saved, bringing petitions before Council and ensuring this incredible outcome became a reality.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the strong work of local member Rob Stokes for his support to help get this over the line,’’ the Mayor said.

The land is known as 62 and 85 Hillside Rd. It contains significant Littoral Rainforest which is listed as an Endangered Ecologically Community under NSW Legislation and Critically Endangered under Commonwealth Legislation.

It connects with the Bilgola Escarpment, comprising Attunga Reserve, Hewitt Park, Hamilton Estate and Porter Reserve, making it a corridor extension to other important habitat and biodiversity rich areas.

A natural creek which runs through the property, supporting native vegetation and animals including palms, ferns, birds, frogs, water dragons, lizards and much more flora and fauna.

Its dense vegetation makes it particularly valuable for small birds such as the Spotted Pardalote, Superb Blue Wren, Grey Fantail and Blackfaced Monarch and larger birds such as Australia’s largest owl, the Powerful Owl, which is regularly sighted by locals and is listed as vulnerable.