THE future of Tomaree Lodge will depend on more than deciding what happens inside its historic buildings, with a local heritage group calling for transport, parking, funding and long-term management to be addressed as planning progresses.
Tomaree Headland Heritage Group (THHG) president Peter Clough said the group broadly supported the direction of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Master Plan.
However, several practical issues remained unresolved: the site’s significance, including its State Heritage Register listing and World War II military history, should remain central to future decisions.
“The iconic Tomaree Lodge site status should be recognised for its merit,” he said.
DCJ said the Master Plan was intended as a long-term vision and had been developed following significant consultation, including through the Tomaree Lodge Community Engagement Committee (CEC), which includes a THHG representative.
A DCJ spokesperson said the Tomaree Lodge Master Plan represented a long-term vision and was the result of significant community consultation, including through the Tomaree Lodge Community Engagement Committee.
The department also meets regularly with members of the Worimi community, with Traditional Owners involved in planning for the site.
Accessibility remains among THHG’s major concerns, particularly given the popularity of Tomaree Headland and existing traffic and parking pressures.
The group supports public transport options including ferry and shuttle bus services, upgrading the Shoal Bay CBD jetty to accommodate ferry access, and improved parking and traffic management.
DCJ acknowledged transport planning would require cooperation across government agencies.
While responsibility for traffic and parking rests with Port Stephens Council, DCJ said it was collaborating with Council as part of a tri-agency working group with the local council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service on public transport planning.
Visitor numbers recorded by THHG volunteers illustrate the potential pressure future development could place on the precinct, with the group’s help desks at the Lodge entrance recording up to 600 people per hour during peak periods.
THHG supports establishing a kiosk and visitor information facility at the entrance, which Mr Clough said would improve the visitor experience while providing ongoing visitation data.
Funding and financial sustainability are another concern: the site has previously cost the State Government more than $1 million a year to secure and maintain.
“We believe the time has come to develop a business plan to address recurring costs to secure and maintain the site, as this has been a drain on the State budget,” Mr Clough said.
THHG believes preferred future uses should therefore include revenue-generating activities capable of contributing to the site’s long-term viability.
DCJ, however, said developing a business case now would be premature.
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said the government remained committed to keeping Tomaree Lodge in public ownership and opening it for community use.
She acknowledged some stakeholders wanted progress to happen faster, but said major projects should not precede the necessary planning.
The government says the current investment is supporting the foundational planning and infrastructure work needed to enable the site’s renewal to be in line with the Master Plan.
DCJ has published a draft Conservation Management Plan to guide conservation, maintenance, adaptive reuse and future decision-making, ensuring that all proposals are assessed against clearly defined heritage objectives.
THHG also wants the question of who ultimately manages the precinct addressed, with community representation alongside potential involvement from National Parks and Port Stephens Council.
The group, which represents eight member organisations, wants community involvement embedded in the management of Tomaree Lodge in perpetuity.
The NSW Government says no changes to current management arrangements are proposed.
It has been reaffirmed that Tomaree Lodge will remain in public ownership for community use, recreation, heritage and conservation, rather than private residential development.
View the Master Plan at: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/tomaree-lodge/masterplan-for-the-renewal-of-tomaree-lodge.html
Related content:
Letter to the Editor, Page ??
Have your say. Email jacie@newsofthearea.com.au
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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.
