Developed in close consultation with the community, the actions in the draft place plan have been designed to prioritise people, improve public spaces, manage traffic and support diverse housing and retail options.

Mayor Leah Anderson said the Salamander Bay Town Centre is one of the key commercial and community hubs in Port Stephens.

“What makes our place plans unique is that they truly recognise the values and priorities of the community,” Mayor Anderson said.

“When it comes to Salamander Bay, the community told us they want a town centre that’s more environmentally-focused, easily accessible, with an improved look and feel for the future,” Mayor Anderson said.

Over 380 community members participated in the development of the draft place plan by visiting the dedicated pop-up at Salamander Shopping Centre. Residents also contributed by attending a community drop-in session or workshop, or by using the interactive mapping and commenting tool available on the Council’s website.

“We’ve heard from the community that they want improved access in and around the Town Centre for both cars and pedestrians, landscape upgrades and more shopping options,” Mayor Anderson said.

“The draft plan will guide how we use the land, upgrade public facilities, attract investment, and ultimately enhance the liveability and wellbeing of our community,” she added.

The last pieces of vacant, commercially zoned land in the Salamander Bay Town Centre are owned by Council. The proposed plans for this land, outlined in the draft place plan, include commercial development along Salamander Way and mixed-use development, which combines commercial and residential, behind the Library and Community Centre.

“This place plan includes actions to create attractive public spaces, make it easier for people and cars to move around, attract additional shopping opportunities and improve access to community services,” Mayor Anderson explained.

“We also know how important our natural environment is to the local Salamander Bay community, so actions also ensure areas like the nearby Mambo Wetlands are protected now and into the future.

“But – the real question is – did we get it right? Now is the time for the community to read the draft place plan and make sure it includes everything you told us during the development,” Mayor Anderson concluded.

The community can ask questions about the draft plan at pop-up stalls on:

• Monday 4 August: 9am to 2pm at Salamander Bay Shopping Centre, Shop 11 (opposite Sushia)
• Thursday 7 August: 1 to 7pm at Salamander Bay Shopping Centre, Shop 11 (opposite Sushia)

The draft Salamander Bay Town Centre Place Plan is now on public exhibition and open for public feedback until 5pm Friday 19 August 2025. For more information and to make a formal submission, visit pscouncil.info/Draft-Salamander-Bay-Place-Plan-Survey