150ha of core koala habitat to be wiped out by controversial Minmi Estate development

Minmi Road where there has been further land clearing for Winten Property's Minmi estate. Picture by Simone De Peak

Lake Macquarie Council has defended its assessment of the controversial Minmi Estate development despite acknowledging the project will likely wipe out 150 hectares of core koala habitat.

Like City of Newcastle planning staff, Lake Macquarie council staff expressed major concerns about the project's environmental and social impacts.