A Port Stephens Council spokesperson confirmed on Monday that the temporary parklets would be installed on Tuesday this week, "with finishing touches being done on Wednesday".

"The parklets are a temporary trial to create safe spaces for pedestrians, extend outdoor seating and give more opportunities for local performances. We will be asking for community feedback after installation and will base trial dates on this feedback," the spokesperson said.

The Examiner reported in February that a number of shopkeepers in Shoal Bay had rallied against the proposed parklets, predominantly due to the withdrawal of five car parking spaces along their already congested shopping strip.

A petition with 46 signatures opposing the parklets was presented to the council.

There is some support among businesses for the parklets, including cafe owner Jamie Harding, who believes the streetscape is in need of a revamp.

"The parklets would generate a fabulous atmosphere along the waterfront and are worth the loss of five carparks."

At the February 23 meeting of the council, mayor Ryan Palmer announced that five parking spaces would be replaced when the Shoal Bay parklets were being trialed.

Petition facilitator Helen Love said that it was her understanding the extra parking spaces would be allocated in nearby Bullecourt Avenue. When asked about the location, council was non committal.

"We are in the approvals process for creating five new car parking spaces, which will be located in the Shoal Bay town centre."

Ms Love said that that the loss of carparking spaces was expected to have a huge impact on Shoal Bay residents, especially the elderly.

"We have been told that the five parking spots will be allocated in Bullecourt Avenue, but there isn't even enough spaces now for the residents there."

Ms Love was also critical of the plans to increase the shared pathway along Shoal Bay Road.

"It doesn't connect to the existing bike park that runs behind the caravan park, nor does it extend the existing bike track to meet up with the Fingal track that begins on the corner of Government Road.

"Why is this council trying to cram everything into our little beachfront which is so beautiful to look at now? We only have a small main street... we need more parking and space for people to walk freely and relax."

On the shared footpath work, the council spokesperson confirmed that the recently approved 2.5m wide pathway would in fact only run along Shoal Bay foreshore.

"The route is available in a newsletter which was delivered to over 300 residents, business and stakeholders. We will be working with the community in the coming months to identify priority projects around the Shoal Bay area."

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