Already the single biggest sports precinct in Port Stephens, stretching from the Tomaree Aquatic Centre up to the No. 1 sports field, the complex would take over the council’s works depot, with two additional fields, while retaining the pistol club.

The plan also outlines a dramatic overhaul of existing facilities to host additional sports and address the adhoc growth of the complex over time, which includes inadequate roads and toilet facilities.

The western end would get synthetic hockey fields, and a baseball diamond.

Nearby, the plan provides potential for tennis courts and a redesigned pool entry to include a gym, wellness centre and hydrotherapy pool.  

The No.1 sports field and Dick Burwell Oval would be reshaped to host AFL and little athletics respectively. There’s also additional croquet and netball courts, alongside redeveloped clubhouses and storage buildings for the numerous sports that already use the area.

All of this would be topped off with a sports walk spine, linking all facilities for pedestrians, as well as upgraded entrances from Nelson Bay Road and Salamander Way, and include upgraded parking.

“This is a really exciting project for all of Port Stephens,” the mayor Ryan Palmer said.

“When this is finished we will be able to host all kinds of carnivals from across the state.

“We’ll be the envy of regional NSW.”

Council staff will also strive to make it a visually attractive space, seeking inspiration from successful designs elsewhere in Australia and around the world, such as the Theatre d’eau Pool (France), Victoria Square (Adelaide) and The Goods Line (Sydney). 

Council staff advised councillors that the master plan would enable them to advocate for state and federal funds, through grant schemes, in order to “realise priority projects”.

“The realisation of the master plan will increase the capacity of the complex to attract regional sporting events which provides flow on economic benefits to local business,” the report noted. 

Cr Palmer noted the complex already hosted regional touch football carnivals, among other events, which brings entire families to Port Stephens for multiple nights.

“We really want to attract more sports events, so we have more people staying longer,” he said.

“Destination NSW has established a goal to double overnight stays by 2020 and it will be facilities like these that will help.”

Councillors John Nell and Chris Doohan moved and seconded the plan at Tuesday night’s meeting. It will now go on public exhibition for 28 days, from Monday, April 30, before it is formally adopted. 

The plans will be posted on haveyoursay.porstephens.nsw.gov.au from Monday.