THE Port Stephens Council meeting, held on Tuesday 12 February, was well attended by community members.

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Many were in attendance to voice their concerns regarding the proposed Bower Estate Medical Centre.

The Development Application seeks approval for a Medical Centre to be built at 103 Boundary Road, however, it has been met with great opposition from local residents and Councillors alike.

Councillor Giacomo Arnott, had a number questions for development services regarding legal liability.

Cr Arnott said, “This proposal is really just another puzzling part of Medowies expansion.”

With two proposed stages of development for the medical centre, the first would include alterations and expansion of 6.1m2 to existing dwelling.

It would also include a car park, driveway, stormwater and landscaping works.

The second stage would see a further 49.7m2 extension to the existing dwelling.

The Centre is expected to include five consult rooms, two bed nurse treatment station and a minor operations room.

In addition to the three full time general practitioners, the centre proposal anticipates the inclusion of on site pathology, psychology and podiatry services.

Councillor John Nell moved to defer the proposal until the following meeting saying, “Our LEP has been overridden by State Planning Policy and that is basically the bottom line.”

“We need to give ourselves at least a chance of defending [our decision] in the court.”

Cr Nell’s motion to defer was supported by all colleagues in attendance.

Deputy Mayor Sarah Smith said, “I support the deferral in the interest of gaining more information on both sides and reaching an outcome.”

Councillor Chris Doohan made his position clear stating, “I’m all for another medical centre, but there is commercial land available in the town centre.”

“Let’s use this two weeks to make the right choice.”

The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 March.

By Kelly MAY