Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is now inviting feedback on its proposal, which it says is based on the draft Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan.

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The Camden Haven Historical Society objected to this plan in 2022, arguing that it “does little to ensure that our local heritage and history is both protected and integrated into the landscape.”

The document is yet to be put to councillors for final approval, but has been the basis for other Council works, including in Seymour Street.

Phil Bowman, who is a former society president and a current member of the Camden Haven Community-Council Action Team, wrote to Council in December after the play space appeared on the agenda for the year’s final meeting.

“We had no idea that council staff were aiming to use the Laurie Street Reserve for a Regional Park in our area,” his letter read.

“A Regional Foreshore Destination, which includes a Regional Play Space at Tunis Street, along the Camden Haven inlet from Castle Street heading south to the Historic Precinct in Laurie Street… has always been our preference.”

Historical Society member and Laurieton Museum volunteer Mike Dodkin PSM, agreed that the issue is not the play space, but the proposed location.

He is “perplexed by the lack of engagement”.

“We truly believe the heritage aspect of Laurie Street needs to be a feature of that location,” he told the News Of The Area.

“[Regarding the park] there is a better alternative at the end of Seymour Street, facing the river.

“It aligns with the markets, has direct access to parklands, melaleucas for shade, more parking, and it links with the Beach to Beach pathway.”

Laurie Street has been the focus of heritage walks conducted by the Laurieton Museum, which it was planning to resume.

It was the first declared war memorial avenue in NSW and is home to an Aboriginal shell midden, the School of Arts, the first Post Office, pioneer and soldiers’ cottages, the Plaza Theatre, the pylons from the old government wharf and more.

President of the Beach to Beach pathway project Penny Small is encouraging residents to “take a good look” at the council proposal, which can be found on its website at haveyoursay.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/laurie-street-play-space.

Chamber of Commerce President Luke Hadfield is also encouraging feedback to “ensure the space reflects the community’s needs”.

“The investment into this play space is significant and I believe it is important for community stakeholders to provide their feedback and submissions to ensure the future footprint of our town aligns with community expectations,” he said.

CCAT members were expected to raise the riverwalk as a preferred location during a meeting yesterday with Mayor Adam Roberts.

In response to concerns, a spokesperson for Council said the play space was, “considered in the Places to Play plan that Council adopted last year [and which] was also engaged on (sic) broadly, including with key stakeholders.

“Laurieton does not have a regional scale play space facility, and this is the perfect location for such a facility in terms of its proximity to the CBD, the local pool and the river, as well as the access to the B2B pathway.”

Most consultation has been via a focus group representing schools, students and the Bunyah Land Council.

Council staff will also meet the Laurieton Pool Manager today at 2pm and will be at Laurieton Library on Tuesday to talk to parents during “Storytime”.

The play space is being funded by a $302,250 grant from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Grant Program.

By Sue STEPHENSON