Residents only have only days lodge a submission on the draft Plan of Management for the Port Macquarie Foreshore which close this Friday, March 22.
The draft Plan of Management (PoM) seeks to realise the potential of the foreshore as a sustainable social, environmental and economic hub that will cater for the current and future economic, employment, commercial and recreation needs of the permanent and tourist population of Port Macquarie.
Some of the issues included the relocation of the boat charter operators to Kooloonbung Creek Harbour, loss of parking, location of the swing moorings, dredging concerns, funding issues and not wanting to lose open space.
Relative submissions from the 2010 draft PoM exhibition will be revisited in review of the 2013 draft PoM.
The draft PoM was put on public exhibition for eight weeks.
Despite inquiries, this will not be extended any further.
“We want to get on with the job,” Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said.
“There are concerns with the draft Plan of Management which is why it is on public exhibition so we can get feedback.
“We will then go through all of the submissions and develop a Plan of Management that takes those concerns into account and present that to the Minister responsible for Crown Lands, Andrew Stoner for adoption.
“I have met with a number of user groups, particularly the Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club. I also attended the AGM of the Port Macquarie Foreshore Protection Association (FPA) where further issues were discussed and agreement was reached that this group would put in a submission.
“Previously the FPA didn’t even have a seat at the Foreshore Land Advisory Group (FLAG) table. It was through my insistence that I asked the Minister responsible for Crown Lands to expand the Terms of Reference to allow a member on FLAG.
“While I acknowledge that this draft Plan will not please everyone in its current form, it is draft Plan, not the final version.
“I encourage everyone in the Port Macquarie community to go to the Crown Lands website at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/crown_lands_/crown_reserves/management, the Crown Lands office in Taree or go to the Council office and look at the draft Plan of Management currently on exhibition and make a submission by close of business next Friday, March 22.
