With a further 7000 people projected to settle in Medowie by 2036, the council has bought a 7.6 hectare block of land at 38 Ferodale Road, across from Peppertree Road, for an undisclosed sum for a mixed residential and recreation development.

Port Stephens Council general manager Wayne Wallis said the land purchase, which had been identified as a 'key site' in the 2016 Medowie Planning Strategy, was a "critical step in the ongoing development of Medowie".

"This purchase of the site will be a catalyst for new development and growth in Medowie providing opportunity for better connectivity between housing and recreational facilities," he said.

"With the development of this land, we will be able to host more events in the area and look forward to a large scale regional playground."

The council is now working on developing a Place Plan - a strategy to improve livability, increase wellbeing and deliver economic growth - for Medowie.

Consultation on the plan has already begun but will be expanded into the New Year to ensure the community can have its say on how they would like to see the space at 38 Ferodale Road evolve.

The council's land purchase comes amid a year of rapid development in the town centre.

More than 200 volunteers banded together in May to overhaul the park next to community centre and the surrounding CBD as part of the Medowie Makeover. The aim was to better connect the town centre.

Commercial development in Peppertree Road and Muir Street, including the McDonald's, chemist, gym and childcare centre, were established and opened. A new service station is due to open in Medowie Road, near the McDonald's commercial precinct, in April 2022 followed by a KFC and a dentist in October 2022.

While supportive of the progress in Medowie, solicitor Brooke Vitnell said the need for a pedestrian crossing and greater traffic safety signage in the CBD, particularly Peppertree Road, was needed now more than ever. Her call for more safety measures is supported by fellow Peppertree Road business owners.

"These new developments are making our CBD bigger. With that comes increased traffic and pedestrian movements and it's time we had a proper pedestrian connection across Peppertree Road. A pedestrian crossing is vital for connecting our town CBD to make it user friendly and safer for all. Medowie is rapidly growing and getting busier, our CBD is rapidly developing, our local infrastructure needs to keep up," Ms Vitnell said.

A Port Stephens Council spokesperson said it would contact businesses about their concerns and "provide support" should they wish to make an application to the council's traffic committee to have speed limits assessed and changed.

"As part of the Medowie Place Plan, council will continue to work in partnership with the community to understand their priorities for the town centre. Future planning will consider traffic and pedestrian needs in the Medowie town centre," the spokesperson said.

Dowling Property Medowie director and progress association member Greg Brown said there had been a "huge amount of growth" in the town in the past 12 months including the Peppertree Road commercial development, construction progressing at The Gardens and Tallowood residential estates, land being cleared to start the Tall Trees Estate and three land releases.

Additionally, Subway, a sushi restaurant and a skin clinic will soon open near Coles.

"It's amazing to have all that happen in such a short time. I think a lot of people think it has taken away from the ruralness of Medowie. I understand where they're coming from, but Medowie still offers something for everyone," Br Brown said.

Mr Brown is supportive of the development of a large recreational area, like what is available in Speers Point, at 38 Ferodale Road to increase the town's appeal to visitors.

"Any development will be a great addition to the town centre. It's really going to tidy it up that patch along Ferodale Road and really connect the town centre."

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