Funding options remain a major stumbling block as Port Stephens looks to transform its long awaited King Park sporting complex.
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The masterplan, developed as a long term strategic vision for the Raymond Terrace site, was adopted by Port Stephens Council at its November 24 meeting.
The plan will also serve as a guide for future decision making and support advocacy for grants through funding bodies.
Raymond Terrace resident since 1956, Dave Davies, was one of many residents - along with sporting representatives from football, netball and cricket clubs - who lodged submissions to the King Park sporting complex master plan.
Some of the significant changes made to the draft masterplan in response to feedback included the reinstatement of existing cricket nets adjacent to field 5 building; provision for drainage upgrades on fields 1, 2 and 5; upgrade field 1 lighting; provision for media box, drainage and irrigation upgrades on field 3; and the removal of proposed upgrades to the Fitzgerald Bridge slip lanes.
Cr Chris Doohan said he was surprised there had been no mention in the masterplan of an undercover area for netballers.
"I have in recent weeks received requests for an undercover playing area," he said.
Cr Giacomo Arnott said that Raymond Terrace was geographically well placed to support the tens of thousands of sportspeople, families and supporters who will use this facility when it's upgraded.
"From amateur sports, like kids playing touch footy on a Friday night to professional sportspeople looking to have their competitions and ticketed sporting games, so many will be able to take advantage of this facility.
"Plenty of people out there say that we often miss out and Nelson Bay gets everything, including a vision for the future of the area. Tonight we prove that Raymond Terrace is well and truly on the agenda.
"I am pleased to have worked over many years with the sports council to promote the King Park precinct. Every meeting I've attended, the passion of our local sporting representatives is apparent, and their work is amazing.
"It's great to see all of the feedback on this proposal, and it's even better to see the changes made to this proposal as a result of it. Council has listened, and acted and this is very encouraging.
"I'm hoping that this masterplan now provides a high level of support for almost every sporting code, and once we're finally done, it will enable the next generation of professional sportspeople to make their way through the amazing facilities at Raymond Terrace."
Cr Arnott thanked the West Ward Sports Council for working so hard to have the masterplan developed, produced and funded.
EARLIER STORY: King Park options canvassed