There is a general feeling of relief for residents of Shoal Bay who have been fighting to keep Halifax Reserve, also known as Lot 424, in public hands following a key recommendation in the plan of management calling for its retention.
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Port Stephens Council is calling for feedback on the Draft Plans of Management for its Halifax and Shoal Bay holiday parks. A public exhibition period began on July 18 for a period of 42 days.
This will include a series of community consultation sessions.
"We are pleased to see that the report for Halifax has recommended the reserve remain as open space and available to the public," residents spokesperson Rick O'Shea said.
"It certainly seems that the council is heading in the right direction but it is also important for residents to attend the community information sessions and put forward their opinions."
The council's corporate services group manager Carmel Foster said the plans for both Halifax and Shoal Bay parks aim to ensure that council can meet the future needs of customers and the community.
"As a key source of non-rate revenue for the council, we are focused on planning for future visitors, building and improving services and facilities, renewing ageing infrastructure and ensuring we're driving economic benefit into Port Stephens," she said.
Ms Foster said that under the new legislation the council becomes land manager of crown land.
"The public consultation process is undertaken by an independent consultant and the reports will go to the council through the business paper process," she said.
"If there is no proposed changes to the use of the land and its accordance with the reserve purpose, then that will be the end of the process.
"It is anticipated that the paper will be before council in October/November 2019."
Community information sessions will be held at Nelson Bay's Elizabeth Waring Function Room on Tuesday, August 6, at 6pm for Halifax Park and at 7.30pm for Shoal Bay; and on Saturday, August 10, at 11am for Halifax and 12:30pm for Shoal Bay.
Copies of both draft plans are available at council's website.
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