NELSON Bay is one step closer to more car parking and a revamped Stockton Street after Port Stephens Council last week voted to borrow $5 million to fast-track the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan thanks to revenue from the Smart Parking scheme.

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Mayor Ryan Palmer said locals are ready for action.

“We’ve been working closely with residents and businesses over the recent weeks and they tell me they’re hungry to see the rubber hit the road.

“Delivery of the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan was a key aim of our 2018 application for a Special Rate Variation — when this got knocked back, we had to investigate another way to fund the much needed work in the Bay,” he said.

“More car parking, street trees, pathways, lighting, more car parking, corridors that connect the CBD with the foreshore — this work is vital to ensuring a future for the Nelson Bay CBD, making it a place where people want to invest and spend time with family and friends.”

At Tuesday 9 February’s ordinary meeting of Council, Councillors voted to borrow the $5 million over a maximum of 10 years to pull forward a plan of works, with repayments to the loan generated from the Nelson Bay Smart Parking revenue.

Mayor Palmer said Council will be engaging with the community to determine their priorities.

“We’ll continue to work together with businesses and residents as we map out a plan for how to spend this money.

“We’re a resourceful Council and we’re committed to delivering these actions for Nelson Bay to help recover from the effects of the pandemic and to ensure this beautiful town’s future,” Mayor Palmer said.

To learn more about the Nelson Bay Strategy, visit https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/grow/local-area-planning-strategies/nelson-bay-town-centre-and-foreshore-strategy