Port receives $700,000 to activate shared spaces during COVID-19

Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay are the lucky recipients of $700,000 as part of the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program for temporary activation projects that support the community during COVID-19.

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William Street Raymond Terrace and the Nelson Bay town centre will receive a combined $631,000 to trial temporary improvements to retail and café areas to create vibrant streets and additional safe spaces to support local businesses.

Improvements will include the creation of temporary parklets, more public seating and public art. A further $99,000 will go towards a shared path between Nelson Bay and Little Beach.

The temporary path will create a safer route between the town centre and beach to help the community exercise in a safe way and support wellbeing.

The program run by the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment aims to test ideas for more permanent improvements to local streets, paths and public spaces during COVID-19 and help build the case for permanent change.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer recognised the importance of the grants for the Port Stephens community at this time.

“Our local business community has been hit hard by the effects of COVID-19. I’m thrilled that this funding will contribute to restarting our local economy by creating attractive and safe public spaces,” Mayor Palmer said.

“The grants will ensure we can maintain the safety of our community while supporting our local business and tourism industry.

“This funding will help us attract people back into our public spaces and encourage safe social connection when it’s appropriate to do so.

“I want to thank the NSW Government for continuing to support Port Stephens,” he said.

The funding also supports the community engagement undertaken by Council to form the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan, Port Stephens Pathways Plan and the emerging Raymond Terrace Public Domain Plan to create better spaces and places for the Port Stephens community.

In accordance with the grant guidelines, the shared path will be completed within 3 months and activating Port Stephens streets within the next 12 months. For more information, visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/streets/grants-for-councils

Pictured Above: Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer with local business owner Simon Law of Tsunami Surfer in Nelson Bay.