The state government announced on Tuesday the foreshore plan of management had been formally adopted.

The plan of management covers Crown coastal foreshore land between Settlement Point and Town Beach, excluding Westport Park, and also takes in part of the riverbed.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said she thought everyone in the community would be pleased there was now some finality with a plan of management in place.

“I think there is the opportunity now for all stakeholders, including Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, to move forward in progressing foreshore improvements,” she said.

Mrs Williams said the adopted plan of management provided opportunities to access funding and parameters to work within.

For example, funding opportunities could include a state government fund which gives financial support for the development, maintenance and improvement of public reserves.

The final stamp of approval came nine months after the state government reversed its decision not to adopt the plan.

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce president Hadyn Oriti said the foreshore was a great asset and now there was a state government adopted framework for its development.

“For my part, I would be encouraging people to think about how we can best exploit the beautiful outdoors we have here,” he said. “I think we are under-served in terms of outdoor eating and dining, and we don’t as a community take enough advantage of what’s on offer.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Foreshore Protection Association president Brian Buckett welcomed the plan of management’s adoption.

He said elements of the plan now needed further investigation. Meanwhile, the expression of interest process for the Plaza car park remains on the state government’s agenda.

Mrs Williams will update the community on the expression of interest timeline and pending sale of the car park in the weeks ahead.

Mayor Peter Besseling said it was good to see the plan of management finally in place, particularly given the decision last year to abandon the process.

“The finalisation of the plan of management will now allow for the NSW government to move ahead and call for expressions of interest over the Plaza car park site, which is of great significance to the Port Macquarie CBD and foreshore,” he said.

Natural Resources, Lands and Water Minister Kevin Humphries said the foreshore was an important community asset and the plan sets out a vision that would enhance its recreational values as well as catering for the various demands placed on it by the local community and visitors to the area.

A copy of the final plan of management is available from www.crownland.nsw.gov.au

lisa.tisdell@fairfaxmedia.com.au