Q. Can I get a copy of the plan?
Unfortunately we can't give away printed copies however CD copies are available on request by calling 4980 0303.
Printed copies of the plan can be viewed at:
• Port Stephens Council, 116 Adelaide St Raymond Terrace.
• Raymond Terrace Library, 74 Port Stephens Street Raymond Terrace.
• Tomaree Library, Town Centre Circuit, Salamander Bay.
• Mobile Library.
• Visitors Information Centre, Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay.
A full electronic version can be viewed at
www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/environment under the Coasts, Catchments and Creeks section
Q. How do I give input into the plan?
You can debate issues and raise questions in this Bang the Table forum, these will be taken into consideration.
You can also write a letter to:
Environmental Services Manager
Port Stephens Council
PO Box 42
Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
Or you can send an email to:
foreshoreplan@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
Q. What happens with the plan once the exhibition period is over?
The submissions will be considered and if relevant, incorporated into the plan. People who made a submission will be sent a summary of all the submissions and what councils response is to each issue.
Once the plan is amended it will go back to Council for final approval.
Work will then commence on implementation. Works will be prioritised depending on available finances, public safety risks, and value to the community. Some additional work may need to be carried out to determine the best way to address issues identified in the plan.
Q. How does this plan benefit the community?
The plan provides the means for Council, and other responsible government agencies, to address issues in the areas of:
• Equity of Access
• Improved Safety
• Environmental Sustainability
• Improved Facilities
• Restoration Works
Q. Why do we need this plan?
There is increasing pressure on the foreshore through population growth and an increase in tourism. Much of this development and recreational activities are located along sensitive areas of the foreshore where public access has long been customary.
The plan provides for a co-ordinated approach for more than 250km of foreshore, which is located across two Local Government areas with separate planning controls and is also an area of responsibility and interest for a number of government agencies and organisations.
The State and Federal Governments will also only allocate funding towards large environmental management projects if there has been adequate investigation, consultation and reporting.
Q. Who owns the Foreshore?
The area addressed by the Plan is defined as the area extending from 100m landward of the tidal high water mark, to 20m seaward of the tidal low water mark. This area is owned and managed by a range of government agencies including some private companies and individuals. Government agencies manage the land on behalf of the public of NSW.
Q. Does the plan recommend the acquisition of private land?
It should be noted that only land ownded by corporations has been identified by the consultant for potential aquisition in the Port Stephens Council Local Government Area. The plan does not recommend the aquisition of any individually owned private land.