Tomaree Headland deserves a visionary plan

DEAR News Of The Area,

I WRITE in reply to Jennifer Indsto’s letter (‘Tomaree Headland master plan a ‘dog’s breakfast’’, NOTA, 7/8/26) where Ms Indsto labelled the Department of Communities and Justice Master Plan for the future of the Tomaree Lodge as a “dog’s breakfast of confected, artificial concepts, which is trying to be all things to all people”.

When making her comments she also drew an analogy between the Tomaree Headland master plan and Bennelong Point in Sydney, where the Opera House now stands.

Initially, politicians planned to just renovate the tram sheds on Bennelong Point – until a visionary came along, creating one of the wonders of the world.

Ms Indsto obviously feels that the iconic nature of the Tomaree Lodge has similarities to Bennelong Point, while recognising that the Tomaree Headland has traffic and parking issues, not dissimilar to the Opera House, which were overcome through access to public transport.

The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group Inc [THHG] strongly supports introduction of public transport at the site, which includes ferry and shuttle bus services.

We have put forward the upgrade of the Shoal Bay CBD jetty to allow access by a ferry operator.

While it is acknowledged that Ms Indsto’s comments have a degree of merit – although an Opera House is not envisaged – the iconic Tomaree Lodge site status should be recognised.

At the same time, it is important for the master plan to reflect the strong history of the Tomaree Lodge site, bearing in mind it is listed on the State Heritage register, particularly for its military history during WWII.

Nevertheless, the Department of Communities and Justice will need to address the future accessibility and management of the site, as it does have iconic status and international recognition, and also the Tomaree Headland is the most-visited attraction in Port Stephens.

The other important consideration will be funding, which has not been addressed in the master plan.

Some years ago, THHG encouraged the State Government to address the future of the site, as the buildings were decaying. It was costing the State Government in excess of $1m each year to secure and maintain the Tomaree Lodge site.

Pleasingly, in 2024 the decision was taken to commence the future planning and a master plan has now been developed.

The State Government also recognised that the site required upgrading, particularly for safety reasons, and subsequently made a Budget allocation. Work is currently under way.

THHG also strongly supports the need for the identification of preferred uses and development of a Business Plan in the short-term to ensure that the State Government does not continue to incur a $1m annual cost to manage the site. This will require gathering of data, including that relating to current visitation to the Headland and the Tomaree Peninsula.

In fact, the gathering of data from the THHG help desks at the entry to Tomaree Lodge during the past three years would be a valuable source.

Up to 600 people per hour have been recorded at peak times, which confirms the appeal of the Tomaree Headland.

Appropriately, the creation of a kiosk and information facility at the entry will enhance visitor experience and the sense of arrival, and provide a valuable data source all year round.

The lodge site needs to become environmentally and financially sustainable, ensuring long-term viability that is supported by the Department of Communities and Justice.

For this to be achieved, many of the preferred uses will need to contribute revenue.

It is also important to determine the long-term management of the site, which should, of course, include community input in perpetuity.

This is supported by our eight member organisations, as the site will no longer be used for its existing purpose of housing for people with disability.

Other stakeholders, such as National Parks and Council, should potentially be involved with the future management.

Therefore, we believe there are some important matters still to be addressed in the short term, including increased parking and improved traffic management.

Regards,

Peter Clough, President,

The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group Inc.