REDUCING vandalism and creating a positive place for residents is key to a North Side Progress Association plan for a two kilometre stretch of riverfront land.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The association on Saturday spoke with residents about their plans for the area from the so-called kangaroo park through to the car park at the beach as part of a wider community information session.
Association president Kingsley Searle said he was pleased with the outcome of the day.
"The day was about learning from the residents what they thought of the area and what they want to see in the area," he said.
"It was a good chance to get community input into the proposal.
"We are trying to design this area with the north shore residents in mind. The association has ideas but we wanted to gauge what the residents might also want to see in this space.
"If we can come up with more proposals from the residents then it is more likely that the residents will want to use it," he said.
A fire pit, a shelter, walkways, seating, community garden and landscaping were likely components earmarked for the space.
Mr Searle said by creating a well-used space, it would become a positive strategy to overcome any instances of vandalism.
Once the association has a solid base of information and suggestions, the next stage will be to negotiate and plan out their ideas with council.
Funding would be another cog in the process, according to Mr Searle.
"Council could still sell off the kangaroo park land - the area directly opposite the ferry landing at Settlement Point - but it is up to us to convince council that this land will be better utilised as a gathering place.
"Historically this is the space where we have held our community events, including Christmas, Halloween and Spring Carnival.
"It is a central area. We are trying to create a positive space for the community.
"We've been at this for a couple of years and we will keep going until we get it through."
Mr Searle said Saturday's information session also provided residents with the chance to learn more about the new flood strategy from members of the Port Macquarie SES and North Shore Rural Fire Brigade while the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's place making team received feedback via a survey.
"It was a very successful day," he said.
"There was a steady flow of people throughout the morning."
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council acting general manager Rebecca Olsen said the area referred to by North Shore residents as Kangaroo Park is comprised of nine lots that are owned by council. "The future status or possible use of this land has not been determined," she said.
