Lot 424 has become Nelson Bay’s most prized parcel of open space and after years of uncertainty it can now be revealed that the parkland which adjoins Halifax Holiday Park is in fact part of the Halifax Crown Reserve.
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The green corridor, which is also home to koala habitat trees some of which were recently planted by Port Stephens Council, had for more than a decade been the subject of legal wrangling over its classification, with residents calling for the area to remain in public hands.
Last week Port Stephens Council was notified that the NSW Government had in fact incorporated Lot 424 into the Crown Reserve in September 2013 and changed its purpose to ‘caravan and camping park’.
The council’s corporate services manager Carmel Foster said that this was done despite a Plan of Management (PoM) resolution by the council in May 2010, which had excluded Lot 424 from the Reserve’s PoM.
“The legal implications [of the government’s 2013 decision] means that council’s May 2010 resolution to exclude Lot 424 from the PoM could no longer be effected. The operational use of the land, however, remains in the hands of council and how it will be used in the future will be determined by the council,” Ms Foster said.
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Outspoken councillor on the issue, John Nell, said that he would never support camping grounds, nor the removal of trees, at Lot 424.
“I am glad we have clarification but I will be voting to retain it as an open space corridor,” he said.
Shoal Bay Community Association has cautiously welcomed the legal advice that gives the council authority over the recreational area.
“It means council in its PoM review for the Halifax Holiday Park Reserve [expected in 2019] can ensure Lot 424 remains open parkland,” association deputy chairman Nigel Dique said.
“That would be a good outcome for visitors and the local community who frequent the area for walks, barbecues and picnics. Nelson Bay has too little public parkland, especially land where there have been koala sightings.
“It would be a betrayal of community trust if the Halifax Holiday Park were extended for camping purposes without comprehensive community consultation.”
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Ms Foster said that funds from council-operated caravan parks across the Port were reinvested into Crown lands.
“Since 2012, council has reinvested more than $2.8 million from the Holiday Park Trust Reserve on projects in reserves across Port Stephens,” she said.
“Works have included the Lemon Tree Passage wetlands boardwalk, Sunset Beach seawall, Tanilba Bay foreshore redevelopment, public toilets at Fingal Bay’s Barry Park as well as revitalisation of the Shoal Bay foreshore.
“In addition, the council has also reinvested over $1.8 million from the Crown Lands Car Parking Meters Trust over the last five years to deliver the One Mile Beach viewing tower, repair damage from storms and install pathways at Fingal Bay.”
