Presentation to Parliament on the Tomaree Headland Project
Week ending 7th June 2019
The Hon. TAYLOR MARTIN (15:13):I bring to the attention of the House the Friends of Tomaree Headland, a community‑led organisation that is based in Port Stephens. The Friends of Tomaree Headland includes as participating groups Tomaree Business Chamber, Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch, Destination Port Stephens, Port Stephens Historical Society, Shoal Bay Community Association, EcoNetwork, Marine Parks Authority and Tomaree Ratepayers & Residents Association.
Earlier this year the Friends of Tomaree Headland outlined their community vision, which will leverage the location’s outstanding natural and heritage assets to create a significant visitor attraction for Port Stephens. Tomaree headland is a beautiful place. The $6.7 million announced last year, which the New South Wales Government has committed to invest in upgrades to the 23 kilometre Tomaree coastal walk, is an important part of the vision outlined by the Friends of Tomaree Headland. The funding will go towards enhanced visitor experiences for the iconic Tomaree headland including improved access, walking tracks and visitor amenity. Selected sites of the World War II fortifications—the gun emplacements, the command post and the radar site—on Tomaree headland will be interpreted for visitors to the park. The Friends of Tomaree Headland see further opportunities including a military museum; a visitor centre showcasing the Worimi people, military, marine and European history; an upgrade of the Tomaree Lodge site; reinstating the jetty and the baths; a picnic area; and nature‑based tourism. It also envisages new amenities, parking and additional access. The Friends of Tomaree Headland convener Peter Clough is already making progress on the group’s vision. I look forward to working with Mr Clough and the Friends of Tomaree Headland to see their vision become a reality.
