With tourism in Port Stephens on the rise, locals and council are putting their heads together for a possible solution.
Following one of the biggest Easter and Anzac peak seasons to date, residents in Tomaree and Shoal Bay have expressed their displeasure living in a so-called “parking nightmare”.
During busy periods, figures show an average of 1,500 people pass by the Tomaree Headland Help Desk daily, to access the national parks and recently-opened coastal walkway.
In an ordinary meeting on 10 June, Port Stephens councillor Mark Watson was joined by local representatives in a notice of motion for a shuttle bus to be deployed along pinch points in the region.
Cr Watson stated the eastern end of Shoal Bay foreshore was a known traffic logjam with limited space for vehicles to move in and out of the area.
Alongside consultation from members of the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group (THHG), he suggested a shuttle bus service be made available to transport visitors to popular areas in a more efficient and sustainable manner.
THHG president Peter Clough agreed, saying the issue would only worsen if action wasn’t taken.
“It’s not going to get any better,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Hopefully, council will work with us and other groups to work out some of the options.”
Potential stops for the service have been tabled, including ones at Fingal Bay, Boat Harbour and Birubi Beach.
“We also think that the sports grounds at Nelson Bay would be a great pick-up point,” Mr Clough stated.
“Plenty of people can park there and then go on the shuttle bus to the headland or the coastal walk.”
Cr Watson has made a request for the general manager to report to council with a comprehensive evaluation of the service, including potential costs, operational models and funding sources.
But, Mr Clough said due to recent upgrades to the area, a decision needed to be made fast.
“Now that Newcastle Airport’s gone international, it’s going to draw more people,” he added.
“It’s significant and there’s no doubt that it’s going to have an impact.
“We think that council should be addressing that, particularly with infrastructure for parking and traffic.”
Mr Clough also suggested a ferry route be connected to Shoal Bay, in order to decrease the demand on roads.
“We have put forward the idea of upgrading the Shoal Bay Jetty to allow access by ferry and cruise operators achieved by a simple extension with a pontoon and a ramp,” he stated.
“The jetty is currently only used as a young people’s jumping and diving platform and also for fisherman.
“We believe it has the opportunity of becoming multi-functional without a large cost with great community benefit.
“A shuttle bus service could easily complement visitors who use a ferry or cruise boat service to access Tomaree headland and the coastal walk.
“These modes of transport would also reduce the reliance on motor vehicles and would have environmental benefits.”
With the motion now tabled to Port Stephens Council, THHG and locals are awaiting a response.
For more news stories:
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- Twelve new public preschools slated for Hunter
- Cooks Hill Campus students turn into Conservation Critters
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