An exhibition of the Hawks Nest Town Centre Review was presented by Great Lakes Council at Hawks Nest Community Centre last week.

With an aim of informing residents of the proposal to revitalise the Hawks Nest business area, Great Lakes Manager for Strategic Planning Roger Busby along with Tracey Farrant and Rebecca Underwood, outlined the plan to community members.

The proposed development for the business area has come about as a result of the Progress Association’s push over the last few years for Council to develop a plan to revive the area.

Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Progress Association President Trevor Jennings said the area for the proposed development is not currently being utilised to its potential.

“We’re all sick of seeing vacant shops and having to put up with poor commercial facilities in Hawks Nest,” he said.

“Council’s plan proposes the rezoning of some undeveloped commercial land to residential to increase full time resident numbers and the possibility of introducing some mixed use zoning close to Bennett’s Beach.”

Mr Jennings told News of the Area the community have shown support towards the redevelopment proposal with many people discussing further ideas with Council staff at the exhibition.

“Early indications show residents favour the redevelopment of the surf club for mixed commercial use rather than introducing commercial development amongst the existing residential area near the beach,” Mr Jennings said.

A full copy of the planning proposal and supporting information can be viewed at the Council Offices in Tea Gardens and Forster as well as on Great Lakes Council website.

Mr Jennings encourages everyone to “have a look at the council website and have a say about the future of Hawks Nest.”

Residents are able to submit feedback on the proposal until Friday 22 April.

By Daniel Sahyoun