Tomaree Headland master plan a ‘dog’s breakfast’

DEAR News Of The Area,

I WISH to express my opposition as a concerned Port Stephens ratepayer to the Master Plan for Tomaree Headland.

I believe this is a dog’s breakfast of confected, artificial concepts, which is trying to be all things to all people and masquerading as a decision in order to avoid the discomfort of making a real decision.

At the same time there is wide consensus in Port Stephens local government and the community that we are in dire need of a cultural centre.

We are unable to bring modern touring shows to our area, and our young people do not have the benefit of ready access to live, quality entertainment.

Council last week unanimously passed a motion endorsing the need for a performing arts centre, but when? Five, 10, 20 years hence?  Apparently there is no money.

In the meantime we have a magnificent site, gifted to the community in 2021, calling out for a solution of equal grandeur. You wouldn’t think it would be that difficult to join the dots.

What we are being offered with the Master Plan is akin to the 1950s politicians agreeing to merely renovate the tramsheds at Bennelong Point instead of creating one of the wonders of the world in the Sydney Opera House.

The tramsheds probably had some heritage value as well, but they were utilitarian buildings like the hospital buildings at Tomaree Head, paling in significance to what replaced them for the greater future good.

Certainly there are issues around parking and access to a cultural centre at Tomaree Head.

But it’s not that easy to park next to the Opera House either, and it doesn’t stop large numbers of people accessing it via ferries and public transport, a solution that could readily apply to Port Stephens.

I believe the Master Plan is a second-rate solution and should be dumped.

If we’re thinking Opera House, why not follow the innovative example of our erstwhile politicians and run a lottery, which was so successful in the 1950s, and made everyone who bought a ticket feel that they had a share in something wonderful for the future?

 

Regards,

Jennifer Indsto,

Anna Bay.