Whilst there seems to be a growing consensus on building heights of Nelson Bay CBD of ten (10) storeys, we believe that Port Stephens Council (PSC) should be simultaneously addressing the associated parking issues.

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PSC should be employing professionals to address future parking problems likely to occur in a busier CBD. However, they appear to think it’s wise to have the community come up with possible solutions.

Parking in Nelson Bay should be free, fair and convenient.

In an effort to help out, (and at the risk of confusing the easily confused) we suggest the following:

⚫️ Demolish the PSC Donald Street EAST Car Park. Use the concrete waste to form an artificial fishing reef (subject to scientific and technical advice re: potential locations). In consultation with industry professionals, PSC to produce a quality DA for a mixed Retail/Commercial (office)/Residential complex for the site. Possibly include some public, ground level parking. Sell off the site to a developer willing to build the approved development.

⚫️ Retain the PSC Donald Street WEST Car Park site and use the funds from the sale of the Donald Street East Car Park to build a multi-storey car park. This could, for example, have a basement level, with three above ground levels. This centrally located site would form the hub of the overall parking plan. Use of architects to produce an attractive ‘design excellence’ façade is important here. Allowance should be made to ‘future proof’ the site by allowing for extra levels, if required/desired.

⚫️ Depending on available funds, purchase smaller peripheral (satellite) parking sites for ground level parking around the CBD to be serviced by a free CBD bus service.

⚫️ Provide a free, continuous bus service around the CBD linking the various car parks with the most popular destinations. A possible route is provided with the attached map. The route assumes the Yacaaba Street extension is completed and has a one-way street allowing traffic flow in a Northerly direction. [Route goes from Victoria Pde-Government Rd. to Church St. into Donald St., then Magnus St. to Stockton St. then Tomaree St. up Yacaaba St. and finally back to Victoria Pde.]

The chosen route could be varied, of course, but needs to be extensive enough to cover much of the CBD, whilst short enough to produce a frequent service. Bus stops would need to be incorporated.
Also, consideration should be given to the requirement for a bus parking bay at the front of any new high-rise development, if considered feasible. The village bus could be an electric vehicle ( for quietness and environmental reasons – even possibly driverless as advocated by Cr Steve Tucker!)

We believe Nelson Bay could become another Greenwich Village. Located in Manhattan, NYC (home of the skyscraper) this area attracts many artists, artisans and actors. It’s village character is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the USA.

Paul Attard
Nelson Bay