AFTER two disastrous events hit Shoal Bay in 2024, Port Stephens Council (PSC) was again urged by concerned locals to provide an alternate access road to Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay.
Following a series of meetings with local groups, the Council released its Delivery Program (2025-2029) and Operational Plan (2025-2026).
In response, the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group (THHG) prepared a formal letter on behalf of other local organisations, including the Fingal Bay Community Association, Business Port Stephens, and the Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association.
The response was focused on safety and included further recommendations.
The main one was “to give priority to urgently commence the planning for an additional access road into Shoal Bay to potentially be located behind the Harbourside Haven in Shoal Bay connecting Shoal Bay Road and Government Road”.
The recommendation reflects safety concerns that there is only one way in and out of Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay, home to 3500 residents and substantially more in holiday periods.
An extreme weather event occurred on 1 August 2024, placing Shoal Bay Road at high risk.
It not only created significant erosion on Shoal Bay Beach but took subsidence to within three metres of Shoal Bay Road.
According to the Port Stephens Coastal Management Plan, this should trigger the introduction of preventive measures, including sand bagging.
A significant fire in the Tomaree National Park adjacent to Wreck Beach in Shoal Bay then occurred on 2 September, where multiple emergency services required access via Shoal Bay Road.
President of the THHG Peter Clough said, “There are also many other reasons for introducing an additional access and egress road into Shoal Bay.
“Some examples include the appeal of the Tomaree Headland, which attracts well in excess of 300,000 people each year; the recent introduction of the Tomaree Coastal walk; the increased appeal of the Shoal Bay CBD foreshore, which has had a recent upgrade; the impending repurposing of the Tomaree Lodge; and the strong recent growth in ‘Infill’ development, which is occurring [alongside] the uplift in allowable building heights closer to the foreshore.”
PSC has been approached for comment.
By Simon EKINS
