With the plan now off public exhibition an urban economist Mike Cullen, who worked with the Port Stephens Council on some of the plan's key recommendations, will outline progress to date.

The breakfast, hosted by Nelson Bay Business Chamber and Nelson Bay Town Mangement is on Friday, March 12 at the town's golf club.

Mr Cullen this week told the Examiner the 2030 strategy was still suggesting development up to four storeys in part of Apex Park and five storey development across the rest of town.

Up to 12 storeys could be planned for the top end of town near the bowling club.

He said the use of Apex Park was necessary to "marry the town with the waterfront.

"The park basically separates the water from the town," he said.

Mr Cullen envisaged specialty retail stores, hotels and a convention centre occupying the waterfront, rather than retail "anchor" such as a supermarket.

Also proposed in the model is a public pier extending into the marina, acting as an extension of Stockton Street. He was still sticking by design briefs which encouraged a Mediterranean fishing village feel for development in the town. New artist's impressions of the proposal will be presented at the meeting, while

Mr Cullen and urban designer Steve Thorne, who is also involved in the strategy, will both be present to answer questions from the floor.