THE Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association (TRRA) meeting held this week was attended by more than 90 locals all interested to hear about current issues and what new mayor of Port Stephens, Ryan Palmer, had to say.

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Mayor Palmer reiterated his rhetoric from his election campaign promising to improve Port Stephens CBD’s economic growth, community engagement and consultation, improving roads and pathways to meet the needs of both young and old and providing support to the most vulnerable of our communities.

Transparency and accountability for Council were both on the Mayor’s agenda and that of the TRRA with the mayor committing to transparency and accountability in the operations of the Council.

President of TRRA Geoff Washington told News Of The Area, “The mayor indicated a willingness to engage with the community and that he is committed to being accessible to community groups like TRRA and to individual residents who needed to discuss issues, which we see as a positive commitment.”

Geoff believes that the five critical issues which will be on the agenda for the association in the coming year are: the release by Council of the revised Nelson Bay Town Centre and Foreshore Strategy; the Community Strategic Plan; traffic and parking in our urban areas and on arterial roads; protection of natural habitat especially for our koala population; and the future use of the Tomaree Lodge site.

“I am very pleased to be able to welcome four new committee members to TRRA as I believe that they will bring much-needed expertise to TRRA and would help in developing positive ideas for the future of the Tomaree region,” he said.

Mayor Ryan Palmer said, “It is always great to catch up with community groups and members of the community to discuss concerns and ideas that are affecting residents.”

“I enjoyed fielding the many questions from the TRRA members and look forward to working on positive solutions over the coming months,” he said.

TRRA will continue to advocate for better outcomes for the Tomaree Peninsula.

By Marian SAMPSON