PLANS to build a regional play space at a location on Laurie Street in Laurieton have been shelved following strong community opposition, with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council now looking for an alternative site.
In an email read by News Of The Area, Council Community Engagement Officer Nick Cook confirmed that the Laurie Street proposal will not proceed.
“Due to community feedback, the play space will not proceed at this location,” Mr Cook said.
“The future purpose of the Laurie Street site will be re-assessed, and community consultation will be undertaken when appropriate.”
The decision follows a public exhibition period during February and March, as part of Council’s broader Places to Play strategy aimed at delivering enhanced recreational infrastructure across the region.
While the Laurie Street location was originally flagged as an ideal central spot to cater to families in Camden Haven and beyond, locals raised a number of concerns about the site’s suitability.
According to the Council’s community engagement report, some of the issues raised included the site’s Aboriginal and European heritage significance, the potential loss of green space, limited amenities, and already-strained parking facilities due to the neighbouring swimming pool, boat ramp and regular events.
Others criticised the consultation process itself, arguing that it was skewed toward families with young children and did not adequately consider input from older residents, heritage groups or local businesses.
The site also features historical landmarks such as a heritage-listed punt ramp, remnants of a government wharf, and an Avenue of Honour commemorating World War I soldiers, all of which would have required archaeological and heritage assessments.
In light of the feedback, Council is now investigating the potential of an alternative site opposite the Vince Inmon Sporting Complex for the new play space.
“We’d love your thoughts on this proposal and invite you to reply to this email,” Mr Cook said.
The new location is closer to existing playing fields and could be a more suitable fit for the kind of infrastructure expected of a regional play space, including accessible toilets, parking, seating, and shelters.
While some community members remain sceptical, many have welcomed the decision to halt the Laurie Street proposal.
The Council has committed to further engagement if the Vince Inmon site is nominated.
The full engagement report can be viewed on Council’s Have Your Say website under the title “New regional play space for Laurie Street, Laurieton”.
By Luke HADFIELD
