Councillors deferred consideration of the draft concept plans for the Gaol Point/Lions lookout area pending further briefings with councillors.

The business paper before Wednesday night's Port Macquarie-Hastings Council meeting contained a recommendation to place the draft concept plans on exhibition but councillors deferred the item instead.

Cr Lisa Intemann asked what impact a deferral would have.

Council's infrastructure and asset management director Jeffery Sharp said the Lions Club was seeking to make a start on work.

"That would be the only impact," he said.

"They [Lions members] want to get underway with some community projects on the site that bears their name."

Cr Rob Turner said some consistency was needed about the way plans were exhibited.

"I think councillors need to understand a bit better about the processes that have been undertaken to get to this point," Cr Turner said. Key elements of the draft plans include improved pedestrian links, seats, picnic tables, interpretive signs, improved landscaping and a shelter.

The council has no money allocated for improvements at the site.

Cr Intemann said the council should just go ahead and exhibit the plans.

Cr Trevor Sargeant and Cr Intemann voted against deferring the item.