Foreshore Thinking

Newcastle Herald

Friday July 21, 2006

By JACQUI JONES Port Stephens Reporter

A REVAMP of the Nelson Bay foreshore in a style similar to The Entrance on the Central Coast or Mooloolaba in Queensland has been proposed by town management.

Nelson Bay Town Management co-ordinator Peter Clough said this week the organisation's opinions had been sought by consultants appointed by the state Department of Lands to plan for the future of the foreshore.

The Herald reported last month on plans by the department to increase the Nelson Bay marina's berth capacity and improve nearby commercial and recreational development opportunities.

It is also aiming to improve the marina's relationship with Nelson Bay town centre and the beaches and recreational areas.

Mr Clough said town management hoped the marina and foreshore area would become a showpiece, with appealing new concepts.

"We would like it to have a Mooloolaba feel or The Entrance feel, with outdoor dining, family and children's activities and facilities including a children's water garden, regular entertainment areas, possibly an amphitheatre, a boardwalk, and at the same time retain the beach area," he said.

"We see it as an economic driver for the town.

"If it's appealing, people will come and spend money."

Town management is also preparing to put a proposal to the council next week for new promotional funding.

This month the council stopped a Nelson Bay town promotion levy, which was in place for six years. In the past year, it had afforded $130,000 to the organisation.

Mr Clough said an increased amount would be sought from the economic development budget for festivals and events.

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© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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