OVER the past 50 years I have wandered through Tomaree Lodge on numerous occasions, mainly on the way to the headland where I fished for bream off the Tomaree Torpedo Tube.
I often thought of the incredible value of the site and whose hands it would end up in.
Thankfully and rightfully so all sides of politics have agreed that it will be the public who decides the future of this priceless asset.
My opinions for the future of the site would include a Regional Port Stephens Museum to showcase the presence and contribution to the community of the Worimi people and the pioneers who introduced industries including fishing, oystering, timber, lobsters, tourism and farming.
Somewhere to display and teach of the proud part that Port Stephens service men and women played throughout the war years.
I see the need for an interpretive centre where visitors and locals alike could learn more about the creatures that share the surrounding waterways and better understand the fragility of the environment.
A base for the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, which is the largest marine park in NSW.
I see the need for a cultural centre to cater for the arts, stage and auditorium for music and dance which offers an area for the community to display local art and craft and other diverse cultural interests among us.
I’m sure there are other equally worthy proposals that I have not considered.
It will be left to you, the public, to bring such proposals forward when the time comes – hopefully sooner rather than later.
The Tomaree Lodge site at Port Stephens adjoins the Tomaree National Park.
Many of the wooden buildings on the site date back to 1942 when they were constructed for military purposes during the Second World War.
The site was formerly known as the Tomaree Head Army/RAAF Camp and is heritage listed.
Until recent years the site was used as an accommodation and care facility for people with disabilities, under various NSW government departments.
It was closed in May 2021.
In 2023, the NSW Government completed a community consultation process on the potential future uses of the Tomaree Lodge site.
The Government received over 500 survey responses and submissions.
In June 2024, the Government released a report containing the findings of the community consultation for future uses of the Tomaree Lodge site.
In October 2024, the Government appointed a committee of six Port Stephens residents, titled the ‘Tomaree Lodge Community Engagement Committee’ to provide recommendations on the future of the Tomaree Lodge site.
The committee will provide advice to the NSW Government Steering Committee that will oversee the development of the master plan for the site.
In March 2025, a new onsite office staffed by two officers, was opened in Cottage 11 near the entrance to the Tomaree Lodge site.
This office will oversee operations, enhance community safety and support visitors.
Over the forthcoming years the facilities of the Tomaree Lodge site will be repurposed into a community hub of various activities.
Many community groups have expressed interest in the opportunities that lay ahead.
I would encourage all the members of our community to involve themselves in determining the future outcome of this magnificent site which will most certainly emerge as the jewel in the crown that we call Port Stephens.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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.
