Port Stephens: Tilligerry Place Plan cops criticism from residents over pool closure, environmental impacts and RV parking
A battle is brewing between progress and preservation in Port Stephens, with ambitious plans threatening extended closures at a vital community pool and debate over environmental impacts.
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A battle is brewing between progress and preservation in Port Stephens, with ambitious plans threatening extended closures at a vital community pool and debate over environmental impacts.
The future of a local aquatic centre has surfaced as one of the contentious issues surrounding a major plan set to significantly increase liveability on the Tilligerry Peninsula and increase the much-needed housing supply.
At Port Stephens Council’s next meeting, councillors are expected to adopt the Tilligerry Place Plan – estimated to deliver 5.5 per cent of the total housing target on the peninsula.
Key recommendations include investigating increasing building heights of up to 14 metres – or 3-4 storeys – within Tanilba Bay’s town centre to encourage more diverse and affordable housing options as well as delivering more than 200 new homes on rural land adjacent to the golf club.
But despite the push for much-needed growth, residents have raised concerns about a variety of issues, including a community outcry against a potential extended winter closure at the Tilligerry Aquatic Centre.
Action to “futureproof” the centre by council and make it financially viable has been met with strong opposition from some residents, citing the pool’s vital role for daily fitness, physical therapy and social connection.
Feedback from an exhibition period emphasized the pool is a “community asset” and paid for through prior fundraising efforts and extending the closure will have a detrimental impact on community members.
“This facility has been the major source of physiotherapy for myself after having double knee replacement last year. If not for this pool I would not of recovered as well as I have,” one resident said in response to the plans.
“There are a lot of community members that use this pool for their physiotherapy, it is also a major source of social interaction for a lot of elderly people who cannot drive the distance to other pools.”
But council has clarified an extended closure was not a finalised decision.
“There is a bit of confusion that the place plan is the decision making document,” Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said.
“It’s our guiding document that we look towards with what we do in the future of the Tilligerry and community and involvement in that place plan.
“Should we be closing the pool for a period, that is a separate discussion and we would come out to the community for feedback and then make a decision at council.”
Environmental impacts of new developments, the protection of wildlife – especially koalas – and the management of natural assets has also raised significant concerns and questions.
“We don’t want or need more housing supply. Stop trying to turn Tilligerry into a crowded version of lake side. We don’t want it!!!!!” said one resident.
Another also commented: “Koalas are the priority and the natural environment needs to be protected!”
Meanwhile a proposed investigation of recreational vehicle parking and kayak camping also copped some criticism with 33 per cent of survey respondents indicating disapproval.
Residents particularly concerned about the potential for increasing free short-term parking for RVs, fearing it would lead to a significant rise in demand and competition for existing council facilities like showers, toilets, and cooking facilities.
Other voiced concerns about increased litter, “undesirables,” and noise, suggesting that if RV parking were considered, it should be in monitored areas away from residential homes.
Ms Anderson the planning documents were essentially a conversation into the future of the area.
“Yes it does mean your community is going to look different as we move into the future and that is something we’ve all got to embrace,” she said.
Got a story tip? Email amy.ziniak@news.com.au
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