Nelson Bay is perhaps Port Stephens’ most iconic town.
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But it has stagnated.
In the midst of a decade-long housing boom in Australia and whilst other NSW coastal towns like Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour have continued to attract more investment, Nelson Bay has been left behind. Most of our community agrees something has to change.
As a Nelson Bay boy born and bred, I’m determined to make sure it does, but we all play an important role, from community to businesses, state and federal government to sporting clubs.
Port Stephens Council wants to put Nelson Bay back on the map. We want to make the Bay a more attractive, liveable place, not just for visitors and the business community, but for everyone who calls Nelson Bay home – both now and into the future.
Building a stronger community and creating a place where people can live, work, play and grow is our priority.
To get this done, we know we need to pull the whole community together through a combination of smart strategies, hard work and collaboration.
Today the Nelson Bay strategy goes on public exhibition for six weeks. Within it there are 29 recommendations we are confident will help turn things around for the Bay.
Virtually all of these ideas have universal support from the community; however I acknowledge that our recommendation to increase building heights in the CBD has drawn some criticism.
As Mayor I can categorically say I am not seeking financial investment at the expenses of all else. But to those who are critical of the building heights I will say that investment, both public and private, is required for our town to be fit for the future
I want to see investment of social and cultural capital. Investment in energy and ideas.
Investment to help us stay vibrant, healthy and relevant. To help personify this approach, we have developed a new brand for all projects, ideas and initiatives in the Bay to live under: Nelson Bay Next.
Nelson Bay Next is about families, jobs and education. It’s about the next generation.
It’s time now to act and kick start the change we all want to see.
I hope you will join with me as we build momentum and confidence in Nelson Bay, aspiring to be as good as we can.
