THE construction of a Highway Service Centre at Bulahdelah is one step closer after getting the nod of support at MidCoast Council’s Strategic Committee meeting held at Forster last week.

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In a unanimous decision, the Councillors in attendance voted in favour of the proposal proceeding beyond the initial planning stage, subject to further work being carried out including a review of the economic impact on the Bulahdelah community.

Cr Roberts, who declared a conflict of interest and left the meeting, and Crs Christensen and Pontin who were absent, did not vote.

In order for the land near Bulahdelah Golf Club to be rezoned for the development, Council will now complete an internal assessment of the planning proposal application and prepare a report in relation to seeking a gateway determination.

Council will also advise the Roads and Maritime Services that it will be reviewing the 2004 Great Lakes Highway Service Centre Strategy.

The decision to proceed further was met with resounding applause from local residents who packed into the public gallery for the meeting.

Project Developer Peter Kampfner and business partner Nick Politis said they were “delighted to see the gallery full of supporters from Bulahdelah”.

“The meeting was a resounding success in the quest to have a Service Centre rezoning at the bypass,” Mr Kampfner told News Of The Area.

He also said revitalising the town centre is an integral part of the project.

“We will be doing everything we can to channel people into the town, signposts and flyers for every business, and signs encouraging people to ‘stop, revive, survive’ by the river,” he said.

“We will also be landscaping the riverfront and streetscape the main road, Bulahdelah will be sparkling.”

Speaking with News Of The Area, MidCoast Deputy Mayor Katheryn Smith said, “It is a positive outcome, and while there is still a bit of work to be done, Council looks forward to the Development Application”.

The Service Centre proposal is stage one of a larger project which includes a hotel complex and 200-lot residential subdivision.