Who is the ‘Voice of Wallalong and Woodville’?
The Voice of Wallalong and Woodville is a not-for-profit community organisation formed by residents in 2013 to safeguard the character of our north-west corner of Port Stephens Local Government Area.
We represent residents of Woodville, Wallalong and neighbouring areas including Butterwick and Duns Creek, Brandy Hill, Seaham, Nelsons Plains Osterley and Hinton.
How VoWW came about
Our formation was prompted by a development proposal to build a new town to house 10,000+ people at Wallalong, supported by PSC but which failed to win State government support.
We are apolitical, and not opposed to development – provided it is compatible with existing rural land use and not in flood affected areas.
We value the heritage of areas such as Woodville and Hinton and seek to preserve it.
We value the environment and support initiatives such as the walkway around the Seaham Wetlands.
Some of our activities and advocacy
VoWW has:
- represented residents on many community issues and helps to guide residents when making submissions to council.
- facilitated community information sessions on a number of topics.
- representatives on several council committees.
- provided expert speakers on issues which are relevant to the community. As an example, Ass. Professor Glen Albrecht gave a talk on the topic of Solastalgia (the sense of grief caused by environmental change impacting on people who value and live in that environment).
In 2019 VoWW conducted a photo competition titled “Why I love where I live”. The response provided insight into the reasons residents have chosen this are — it was all about the character and the ambience of the area. That is what VoWW is trying to protect.
Andrew Green’s winning photo of the Hinton Bridge at dawn and his statement: “I love the peaceful beauty of the area and would not want to live anywhere else”. Certainly a deserving winner who reflects the feelings of residents of the rural west.
VoWW and EcoNetwork explore the West!!
July and August 2023, VoWW and EcoNetwork partnered to explore and appreciate Port Stephens west. The history of the Paterson, Hunter and Williams rivers, the historic village of Woodville, the iconic bridges, its rural vistas and natural landscapes, environmental and planning challenges, short strolls and so much more.
Find us on Facebook
More Information ~ Submissions
- VOWW Submission – Kings Hill. Precinct 7: Proposed Precinct Plan and 1 into 91 Lot Subdivision comprising 90 Residential Lots (including 4 Superlots), 1 Residual Lot, 9 new Roads, Drainage, Landscaping and…
- VOWW Submission – Kings Hill. Precinct 6 : Proposed Precinct Plan and 1 into 79 Lot Subdivision comprising 78 Residential Lots (including 5 Superlots (1 for Mixed Use Purposes)), 1 Residual Lot, 15…
- VOWW Submission Kings Hill – Monarch’s Rise
- Five into 100 lot Torrens title subdivision, clearing and associated site works. This submission is written on behalf of VOWW, a not-for-profit community organisation. We…
- VOWW IPC Presentation – Eagleton Quarry
- KKEPS / VOWW / ECON Proposal for protection of native wildlife habitat at Kings Hill
- VOWW Submission – Stone Creek Quarry: Members from both VOWW and BHSAG (Brandy Hill/Seaham Action Group) have been involved with several quarry expansion applications including Hanson Brandy Hill and Daracon Martins Creek.
- Quarry applications continue unabated: ‘There has been a failure by government to engage in strategic planning in relation to quarry developments despite calls for this from the community. Unless of course the strategic plan is to simply transform our area into a super quarry for Sydney.’ Save Balickera inc.
- Joint letter to Transport for NSW Regional and Outer Metro Division
- Kings Hill Development Concept Plan – McCloy rebuttal as an opinion piece: We would like to challenge the opinion piece written by local developer Jeff McCloy on 15th September 2023. On the 23rd August 2023, Commissioner Bish, following a hearing in the NSW Land and Environment Court, handed down her decision on the Kings Hill Development Concept Plan.
- Will State Forests become quarries? The direct loss of 100 hectares of State Forest providing habitat for 10 Threatened and Critically Endangered species followed by three decades worth of noise, vibration, dust and light pollution impacts associated with the operation of Stone Ridge Quarry will result in ongoing disruption to sensitive flora and fauna and degradation of incredibly high-value, connected habitat in the areas of National Park and Nature Reserve that surround it.
- Media Release – Save Wallaroo State Forest! Media Release – Save Wallaroo State Forest! Another Quarry in Port Stephens is too much for any Koala to bear! A coalition of community groups…
- 792 Seaham Rd submission – March 2022: The Koala Koalition EcoNetwork Port Stephens (KKEPS ) supports the objection submittedby VOWW – Voice of Woodville and Wallalong. The proposal for rezoning of 792…