ALMOST three acres of Raymond Terrace's Boomerang Park could be sold off for development to help fund a community playground and hub which would rival that of Maitland Park.
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The idea was floated by Port Stephens mayor Bruce MacKenzie after meeting the NSW treasurer Mike Baird, Port MP Craig Baumann and council staff at the site on Monday morning.
Mr Baird and Mr Baumann were there to promote the NSW government's $50,000 contribution to stage one of a new park at the site, which will cost about $200,000.
Cr MacKenzie unveiled his million-dollar plan to "outdo" Maitland's popular main park after the meeting.
Cr MacKenzie said he wanted park land fronting Kangaroo Street, not including the dog-friendly area, rezoned to make way for about three acres of over-55s retirement living, with the profits used to fund the new park and community hub.
"To me it makes sense . . . it's under-utilised," he said.
"I challenge anyone to say it's used, I've never seen one person there."
"If you have an under-utilised asset that can help fund community projects - let's do it."
West Ward councillor Ken Jordan said he supported the idea but only if 100 per cent of the profits from the development went back into the park.
"I went to the committee meetings [for the Boomerang Park study]," he said. "I'd love to see a lot of them [ideas] happen.
"But all of that takes money."
He said the location proposed by the mayor was ideal for retirement living.
"I think it makes sense . . . it's across the road from the golf club, not far from the CBD," he said.
Cr MacKenzie said he expected the development would generate a "couple" of million dollars and he agreed it should all be reinjected into the park.
When asked how he would pursue the idea, Cr MacKenzie was light on details but determined it would happen.
He said he wanted to see the Raymond Terrace Men's Shed, a new croquet court and the park all built at Boomerang Park before the end of this council term.
