Calls grow for long-term transport solution as Tomaree shuttle trial deemed a success

A SHUTTLE bus trial in the Tomaree Headland precinct has sparked renewed calls for a broader, long-term transport strategy across Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay, as pressure from tourism and development continues to mount.

At its meeting on 24 March, Port Stephens Council resolved to review the findings of the Tomaree Headland shuttle bus trial and convene a councillor workshop by July to explore future options.

The workshop is expected to examine a range of service delivery models, including user-pays systems, partnerships and potential external funding, before a further report is brought back to Council outlining recommendations for another trial phase.

While the shuttle service was widely embraced by both locals and visitors, community stakeholders say it represents just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group has welcomed the trial’s success but warned it has also highlighted deeper, long-standing issues around traffic congestion, parking shortages and infrastructure limitations in the area.
“As our peninsula continues to grow in popularity, we need smart, community-led transport solutions that keep people moving safely while protecting the places we love,” the group said in a statement.

With increasing visitation driven by the popularity of the Tomaree Coastal Walk, the summit track, and ongoing development in Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay, concerns are growing about the region’s ability to cope during peak periods.

The group is advocating for a more strategic approach, including improved public transport options and consideration of a ferry service into Shoal Bay, potentially requiring an extension of the existing jetty.

There are also renewed calls for an additional access road into Shoal Bay, an idea previously identified in planning documents but not progressed.

Residents argue this has become critical not only for traffic flow, but for safety, particularly during extreme weather events and bushfires.

Shoal Bay Road has already shown vulnerability in recent years, raising concerns about evacuation routes and emergency access, especially for retirement villages and aged care facilities in the area.

As Council prepares to review the shuttle trial outcomes, community voices are urging decision-makers to think beyond short-term fixes.

Without coordinated planning, stakeholders warn the region risks becoming a victim of its own popularity, placing strain on both infrastructure and the natural environment that draws visitors in the first place.

By Jacie WHITFIELD