The Federal Court of Australia has amended the dates of the highly anticipated legal proceedings for Save Wallum Incorporated v Clarence Property Corporation Limited Anon, to 21-28 February 2025.
Save Wallum says that this hearing, which was due to begin Monday, 14 October 2024, represents a pivotal moment in the fight to protect 30 hectares of rare coastal heathland and culturally significant Wallum ecology in Brunswick Heads, NSW.
Save Wallum Inc. successfully secured an urgent interlocutory injunction on 5 July 2024, just 24 hours after being notified that works were imminent. Now, a permanent injunction is sought that could halt the development permanently, leading to the potential buy-back of the land for community and conservation purposes.
This adjustment is welcomed by the Save Wallum community, extending the existing Interlocutory injunction giving crucial time to strengthen the case and bolster efforts to protect the rare Wallum ecosystem.
Very pleased
‘We are very pleased with this outcome,’ said Luciana Bowen, Save Wallum Inc. President.
‘The rescheduled dates provide us with the additional time we need to prepare thoroughly and ensure that the full ecological and cultural significance of the Wallum area is recognised in court.’
The court case centers upon the proposed development at 15 Torakina Road, Brunswick Heads, which Save Wallum says threatens a High Ecological Value (HEV) site and vital wildlife corridor.
The area is home to critically endangered species such as the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, Koala, Wallum Sedge Frog, Long-nosed Potoroo, and the South-Eastern Glossy Black Cockatoo.
The development, which proposes 124 residential lots and supporting infrastructure, has also raised concerns due to the potential loss of critical habitat and the destruction of 76 old-growth Scribbly Gum trees.
Save Wallum says it remains resolute in its mission to protect this vital ecosystem. They say the case represents a key opportunity to hold developers accountable to modern environmental standards and prevent irreversible damage to one of Australia’s precious Wallum landscapes.
‘As we approach the new court dates, we encourage the community to continue standing with us,’ said Luciana Bowen.
‘Contributions to our legal fund will directly support this critical legal challenge, and your involvement remains vital to ensuring a positive outcome for the environment and future generations,’
The Echo has sought comment from Clarence Property.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
