The future vision for the Raymond Terrace shopping strip was central to a visit on Monday by the state Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance.
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Mr Constance, flanked by the Port’s state Liberal candidate Jaimie Abbott along with Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer and the council’s general manager Wayne Wallis, took the opportunity to walk down William Street.
“The government has grants available for revitalisation of infrastructure in shopping strips mainly around streetscape, parking and drainage,” Mr Constance said.
“There is between $10m and $12m of funding available as part of the NSW infrastructure assessment application.”
Ms Abbott said another $13m could be available if the Special Rate Variation (SRV) was adopted by the council and approved by IPART.
“I will be lobbying the minister for funding for this regardless of the outcome of the SRV,” Ms Abbott said.
The Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy 2015-2031, adopted by the council in 2015, looks at the future vision of these business districts, outlining the strategic directions in four key areas.
Goal one is linked to regional services such as transport, health, justice, government, commercial, retail, industrial and entertainment, while goal two focuses on providing for affordable accommodation, which includes seniors living and student accommodation.
Goal three makes reference to the accessibility of quality public and private spaces and goal four looks at improving the social, environmental and economic outcomes for the Port’s civic capital.
Mr Constance also reaffirmed his government’s $60 million funding of public libraries, of which both Raymond Terrace and Tomaree will greatly benefit.
