Shoal Bay Place Plan

In order to thrive, Shoal Bay needs a larger permanent population and the best way to achieve this is by creating a walkable, liveable town centre. Increasing heights will make new developments and investments feasible, which will fund public domain improvements and other community facilities.

Building height can also directly influence access to services. The community has asked for investment in healthcare facilities, educational services and improved transport infrastructure. Only a higher population density will attract this level of investment in urban infrastructure and services in the area.

Step 1: Identify strategic justification and merit to varying building height
Building heights are reviewed as part of Council’s strategic planning. Locality based studies are undertaken to better understand future development opportunities and constraints set against an understanding of the local communities aspirations and desired future character.

Higher buildings have been explored as a way of making the best and most efficient use of available serviced land, providing for housing mix and housing diversity and providing greater density opportunities within a walkable catchment of services, open space and recreation opportunities.

Step 2: Initiate a planning proposal to change the Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2013 Council will be asked to resolve to prepare a planning proposal to facilitate the strategic planning outcomes.

Step 3: Gateway determination from the Department of Planning and Environment
After reviewing the planning proposal and strategic planning justification, the Minister determines whether it should proceed and sets requirements for further studies, public consultation, State agency consultation and project time frames.

Step 4: Public exhibition of the draft amendment to the Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2013

Step 5: Council review and determination
Public submissions are reviewed and Council determines whether to proceed, amend the planning proposal or terminate the planning proposal. If approved, the amendment is made to the Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2013 and becomes law.

The NSW Government are proposing changes to the planning rules so we can help speed up the delivery of a range of different housing types and are currently seeking community feedback.

Their reforms will look at a range of opportunities to unlock supply of low-rise housing like terraces and dual occupancies and mid-rise housing of up to 6 storeys in well-located areas, which could include Shoal Bay.

Visit the NSW Government website for more information or to make a submission on these State Government reforms.

The options identified in the draft Place Plan seek to create additional housing supply in Shoal Bay. A more balanced mix of both residential and visitor accommodation stock will enhance the vibrancy and appeal of the town centre and surrounds. Quality residential units are required to provide confidence in the market.

Increasing building heights will enable a mix of residential accommodation, such as townhouses and 1,2,3+ bedroom apartments, that can support mixed use activated street frontages for cafes, restaurants and ground level amenities.

New buildings could be marketed at seniors looking to downsize to live near vital services, young people looking to live and work at the Bay or those looking to buy their first home close to services and the Bay lifestyle.

The NSW Government have implemented a statewide regulatory framework for short term rental accommodation to support homeowners who want to take advantage of holiday rentals but also provide certainty and safety for local communities and visitors. Find our more information at .planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/short-term-rental-accommodation

The draft Place Plan proposes various projects to improve access in and around Shoal Bay. Projects include improvements or replacement of existing roads, additional pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, drainage improvements and recreational facilities.

The draft Place Plan also identifies a potential location for a second access road from Harwood Road. Any action for an alternative road option would require further investigations and significant consultation with Transport for NSW, National Parks & Wildlife Service and adjoining (or nearby) landholders to determine its feasibility. This would be a long term project that requires significant planning, funding arrangements and partnerships with relevant stakeholders. Construction of the project is unlikely to occur in the next 5 years. There is no intention to acquire private property to construct this road.

The Fingal Bay bypass is a project that is being considered by Transport for NSW. Find out more about this project via the Transport for NSW website.

The installation of Smart Parking is one way that we’re managing car parking in Shoal Bay. Smart Parking is designed to improve the turn-over of parking spaces to create more equitable access to parking in the Shoal Bay town centre. Smart Parking also provides funding to support local infrastructure projects. The infrastructure is aligned to the priorities of the community and includes car park upgrades.

The existing resident and business Park Free Permit Scheme currently used in Nelson Bay has also been extended to Smart Parking in Shoal Bay.

The NSW Government is looking into the potential of the Tomaree Lodge site for future community and recreational uses. Port Stephens Council and local community groups are ready to collaborate with the Government to achieve the best community outcomes. We’ll continue to advocate that the future uses of the site be respectful of the historical and environmental importance of the site, accessible to the entire community, and safe in design. A sustainable operating model needs to ensure a high quality community and visitor experience. We’ll continue to engage with the Government for an outcome that will retain public access, and acceptable levels of infrastructure.

The draft Place Plan indicates that there’s an opportunity to increase building heights at Harbourside Village. We’ve consulted with Harbourside Haven and they’re interested in increasing the capacity in the future. The redevelopment of this site to higher densities would enable additional dwellings and a greater variety of housing choices, enabling people to age in place. Planning controls will also be investigated to ensure that any proposed redevelopment makes a positive statement at this prominent gateway location.