PORT Stephens councillor Mark Watson successfully moved a motion on 10 June requesting that Council investigate trialling a Shuttle Bus Service at the Tomaree Headland and Shoal Bay, in order to address traffic and parking issues at peak times.
The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group (THHG) strongly supports the proposal, as the issues were identified during its regular Tomaree Headland Help Desk program.
Peter Clough, President of THHG, believes it is also an opportunity to address wider public transport options.
“In fact, the Tomaree Headland Group has also put forward the idea of upgrading the Shoal Bay Jetty to allow access by ferry and cruise operators”, he said.
“This can be achieved by a simple extension to the jetty with a pontoon and a ramp.”
The jetty is currently only used by young people as a jumping and diving platform and also by fishing enthusiasts.
“We believe it has the opportunity of becoming multi-functional – without a large cost – for great community benefit.
“The shuttle bus service could easily complement visitors who use a ferry or cruise boat service to access the Headland and Tomaree Coastal Walk and this would, more importantly, reduce the reliance on motor vehicles [and have] associated environmental benefits”.
The motion resolved that Council acknowledge the challenge presented by the high number of visitors during the Easter/Anzac Day peak season, during which an average of 1500 visitors pass the THHG help desk each day.
The General Manager will evaluate the shuttle bus proposal and provide results to Council including costs.
The trial is proposed for the next peak season to transport visitors to the Tomaree Headland and surrounding areas.
By Simon EKINS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
