PORT Stephens Council has committed to tapping into a range of grant funding programs to progress Raymond Terrace town centre improvements as part of the Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said while small improvements have been made recently and over the years, Raymond Terrace was ready for big solutions.

“There are many residents and businesses who’ve invested in Raymond Terrace and it’s time for us to now start investing in this great town,” Mayor Palmer said.

“People have been waiting a long time for these improvements but we need the dollars.

“Unlike Nelson Bay we don’t have a funding source like smart parking to put back into the CBD,” he said.

Council voted unanimously to apply for $1 million grant funding under the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program and $350,000 from the NSW Government’s Your High Street Program.

It also committed to using $200,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and community Infrastructure Program, and acknowledged the $700,000 already committed from the Port Stephens 2020 program to upgrades to the Raymond Terrace CBD.

Mayor Palmer says it is time for action.

“This Council doesn’t sit on our strategies — we need to keep advocating for Raymond Terrace and applying for grants to make these changes happen.

“I’m committed to the community of Raymond Terrace and I’m excited for the future of this great town,” he said.

Find out more about the Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae strategy at portstephens.nsw.gov.au/grow/local-area-planning-strategies/raymond-terrace-and-heatherbrae-strategy-2015-2031.