The question is again being asked following a proposal for a new regional play space on the street, with some arguing the area holds significant historical and cultural value at risk of being lost.

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Laurie Street is home to a number of historically important sites, including the remnants of the original Government Wharf and ferry crossing, as well as several heritage listed buildings.

These include the original Laurieton Post Office, the Holy Trinity Anglican Church at Longworth Park and the Laurieton School of Arts Hall.

Beyond its European history, Laurie Street also holds deep cultural significance for the local Aboriginal community.

From the edges of the Camden Haven Inlet at the proposed play space site, to the foot of Dooragan National Park, the area contains rich Indigenous history.

Camden Haven Historical Society President Barbara Hollebon told News Of The Area, “With the number of relevant sites, both with and without heritage listings, it would be a crying shame not to preserve the area as a heritage precinct.

“We have at least eleven sites of significance just between Bold Street and the river.”

Heritage sites in NSW are assessed based on a set of criteria established by the State Government, which examine the historical, social, and aesthetic significance of a site.

Assessors look for features that demonstrate the evolution of a place, its association with significant events or people, and its ability to contribute to an understanding of the region’s heritage.

They also consider the site’s condition, integrity, and potential for research.

Advocates are calling on the appropriate government agencies to assess the site, hoping they will support the establishment of a heritage precinct.

The Beach to Beach Shared Pathway Committee has thrown its support behind the push, as they work on installing interpretive signage at historically significant locations such as the old Government Wharf and ferry crossing.

The current discussion is not without precedent.

In previous years, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has considered heritage management as part of the Urban Growth Management Strategy update.

Supporters of the Laurie Street heritage precinct argue that it is time for Council to revisit, review, and formally acknowledge the area’s historical and cultural significance.

In 2019, as part of a university degree, local resident Diane Solomon Westerhuis completed an 85-page heritage study on the area, detailing the historical elements of the precinct.

“With a heritage precinct, we could appreciate our history from one end of the street to the other – the wharf, midden, and post office, along its length, including some of the remaining heritage trees, to the foot of Dooragan (North Brother), which is recognised as a significant Indigenous site,” Diane said.

“So from beginning to end, the street’s history would be protected.”

An important consideration in heritage listing is curtilage – the land surrounding a heritage site that contributes to its historical context.

If Laurie Street were to receive heritage status, curtilage would play a role in determining how the sites are protected while maintaining their integrity.

Historical Society member and museum volunteer Mike Dodkin PSM has meticulously collated historical evidence of the Laurie Street precinct over the years.

In the past he conducted highly popular tours highlighting the remains of old Laurieton.

“The Camden Haven Historical Society reignited a ‘heritage walk’ for Laurie Street back in 2016 in liaison with Council staff,” Mr Dodkin said.

“The walk has always been included in the calendar for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s annual Heritage Week events.

“It proved very popular with both locals and visitors – some of the newly arrived locals were inspired to hear about the history of the area they had chosen as their new home.

“As walks were cancelled during the COVID years, the Historical Society developed, with Council’s assistance, a self-guided Heritage Walk brochure, available at the museum.”

The Historical Society and other interested parties do not oppose the development of a play space but believe that its current proposed location is inappropriate given Laurie Street’s historical and cultural significance.

They encourage further consultation to find a more suitable site that balances heritage preservation with community needs.

By Luke HADFIELD