Nelson Bay Pushes to Introduce Vibrant Town Program Nelson Bay (Tomaree Peninsula areas) Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 11, 2018 Paul De Szell of Taree Council with Leah Anderson of the Tomaree Business Chamber who are behind the push for the Bay to be managed under a program similar to Taree’s Vibrant Town. THERE’S a push for Nelson Bay to become a vibrant town. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Taree has undergone a huge transformation with Council supporting a no rules consultative approach to activities and use of footpaths in the township. Volunteers in Taree “cleaned and greened” the streets and then retailers started to get creative on how to improve the look, feel and vibrancy of the township, Nelson Bay Businesses heard at a recent presentation. Nelson Bay has already created a Civic Pride Committee which will work with Council and the community to create positive outcomes for an improved atmosphere and vibrancy in the township. Paul De Szell of Taree Council said, “The program focuses on Council facilitating not regulating and creating outcomes.” Paul believes that every space is different so what has worked in Taree cannot be picked up and duplicated even in nearby townships. He also credits much of the success of the program to people working together and the stopping of council fees for retailers in the streets and allowing them to create better spaces. He credits the new vibrancy in the town centre with bringing people back into the main streets and out of shopping centres. “Businesses experienced a 74% increase in sales over the three year trial period in Taree,” he said. Stephen Crowe of Port Stephens Council told News Of The Area, “It is a conversation that we need to have, it’s a great starting point to have a precedent, like Taree, making it easier to see the risks and returns.” Leah Anderson President of the Tomaree Business Chamber said, “We need to attract people into Nelson Bay and vibrancy at street level will make the township more attractive.” You can find out more about the Civic Pride Committee or sign up to be a part of it at the Tomaree Business Chamber website. By Marian SAMPSON
