Three years ago Tomaree sports ground was shared by the Bay's senior league and soccer clubs.

Now, the multi-million dollar complex is expected to sit idle throughout 2015.

With no full-time user, Post Stephens Council is working with the Tomaree Sports Council in its search for a tenant.

"Within a couple of years we have lost both the senior football and league clubs, which hasn't been ideal," said community and recreation co-ordinator Brendan Callander.

"We have a few one-off events coming up but we are focusing on securing a permanent tenant."

Mr Callander said that long-term the complex could be remodelled into an oval to cater for AFL and cricket but that would involve losing one car park and possibly the adjacent council depot.

John Edmunds, vice-president of the Sports Council, said the bay was in the enviable position of having a string of top class sporting facilities.

"It's also true that many clubs have their spiritual homes, such as the Groperdome at Bill Strong Oval and the Bombies at Fingal Oval, making it difficult for them to shift," he said.

Mr Callander said that the Tomaree complex had recently switched from a user-pay to seasonal fee structure, which is on a par with other council facilities.

A spokesman for the Sharks RLFC said the Port Stephens club, currently in recess, had not ruled out a return to the fold in 2016.