A Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson confirmed this week that all former residents of Tomaree Lodge "have moved into their new group homes".

"The National Disability Insurance Scheme is enabling people with disability to live in fit-for-purpose homes in the community, where they can live happy and healthy lives, and exercise choice and control over the services and support they receive. These brand new homes are tailored for individual needs."

As for the future use of the now vacant site, the spokesperson said that an assessment of the condition of Tomaree Lodge was being undertaken to help inform future decisions.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin reiterated the government's commitment to keeping Tomaree Lodge in public hands and that consideration would be given to how the site could be used and managed in the future.

It is understood that preparing a conservation management plan would form part of the assessment and consultation with the community would be undertaken, along with a site visit.

For the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group (THHG), the potential uses of the 9-hectare Tomaree Lodge and headland state heritage listed sites would offer an ideal opportunity to stimulate tourism in Port Stephens following the pandemic.

"The nine local community organisations forming this association welcome the NSW government's continuing provision of 24-hour security at this this unique and precious site," said THHG president Peter Clough.

"We have developed a creative vision for the future of the headland which identifies the Lodge site together with the spectacular adjoining Tomaree National Park as having the potential to become a nationally significant visitor attraction on the coast.

"The headland has a particularly strong history including cultural, military and marine. It remains one of the few non-urban forts that protected Australia and played an important role in protecting Newcastle and Williamtown RAAF Base.

"The remnant parts provide historical, educational and research potential for all visitors. There are relatively few intact former World War II Army camps in NSW. Tomaree Lodge is one of the few known surviving examples of this type of purpose-built accommodation for the military in NSW."

Mr Clough said a community vision for the land included a museum/interpretative centre to conserve and showcase the natural and cultural history of Port Stephens and Tomaree Headland, a marine research and education centre, as well as components which will support its sustainability such as eco activities, cafes, restaurants and boutique accommodation.

"Restoration, preservation and showcasing of the unique WW11 relics and remnants will also be extremely important. These facilities, located at the northern entry point to the National Park Tomaree coastal walk, due for completion in 2024, would complement and support this major state initiative."

The heritage group's concept seeks to establish a financially sustainable model for the long-term community benefit, which will substantially strengthen the appeal of the tourism infrastructure of Port Stephens.

He said the concept had in-principle support from Port Stephens Council.

"THHG has examined various management/ownership models across Australia. In particular, the adaptive re-use of Cockatoo Island and the Hungry Point Reserve in Cronulla, previously a Fisheries base, are worthy models for consideration," said its vice-president Geoff Washington.

If adopted for the Tomaree Lodge site, a similar community Trust model could include representation from state authorities, the council and appropriate community representatives. It would be appropriate to develop a master plan to recommend future uses and optimise the visitor experience. This plan would need to address issues such as access to the headland, the provision of parking and the reinstatement of a ferry wharf and shuttle bus services.

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