Councillors at the July 14 meeting agreed to make a request to Tomaree Lodge owners [Department of Family and Community Services] for a plan of management for the headland site once the buildings are vacated. Councillors also agreed to investigate additional car parking, public transport options, amenities and appropriate signage.

A department spokesperson told the Examiner that no decision had been made on the closure of Tomaree Lodge.

"The safe and smooth transition of people with disabilities from large residential centres to new, contemporary group homes remains the focus of the government's Hunter Residences program. Half of the residents of Tomaree Lodge have already transferred to their new homes."

A request for a water station at the entry has been approved.

Peter Clough, president of the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group, formed in 2019 with representatives from business, tourism, community, military, marine, historic, cultural and environmental groups, said that a plan of management would provide a clear vision and direction for the site's future.

"Hopefully, the plan will include a business case and provide us with the means to explore grant opportunities," Mr Clough said.

"We are entering an era where governments are looking for opportunities to stimulate the economy, and we see a plan comprising issues such as parking, traffic management and amenities as key elements for the area's future.

"In fact, reinstating the jetty with a pontoon could be a facility that would assist with traffic and parking management."

Included in the plans are a marine interpretive centre, recognition of the Port's military history and cultural museum.

Frank Future said that the area could become an important educator for visitors and a contributor to marine research, while Ian Farnsworth, president of the Tomaree Museum Association, saw the venture as a great community asset fostering unity and tourism.

Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch director Tom Lupton said there was widespread community support for the site to showcase the Port's strong military history, and Nigel Dique, representing EcoNetwork and Shoal Bay Community Association, spoke of the need to protect the natural surroundings.

The Mount Tomaree site is managed by National Parks and Wildlife Services. Port Stephens Council manages a number of reserves and also holds responsibility as the roads authority on the approach to the headland. The council is also preparing a Traffic and Parking Strategy which is a prerequisite before any smart parking scheme including paid parking may be implemented.