Port Macquarie-Hastings Council accelerated investigations into alternative options to provide regional sports fields after receiving 18 months’ notice to vacate leased sports fields at Tuffins Lane.

A report on alternative sporting fields options will go before the October 19 council meeting.

The report includes information about the Tuffins Lane constraints, long-term sports facility planning, Port Macquarie-Hastings Recreation Plan and a review of alternate sites.

Tuffins Lane, considered a key community facility, supports a local sporting calendar and hosts major regional and state sporting events.

The council report said the Tuffins Lane sporting precinct was not considered the long-term option for large open space sporting fields due to the growing constraints of the airport and environmental challenges.

There was significant population growth in the local government area requiring further exploration of suitable alternative sites, the report said.

The report said a site on the corner of the Oxley Highway and Stoney Creek Road at Wauchope had been identified as the preferred location to progress to broad concept planning.

The council bought the 20 hectare site in 2001 for future development of sporting facilities.

Council staff developed a draft concept plan for the site, which aimed to provide a range of sporting and recreational opportunity for the community and visitors to the area, the report said.

A two-part recommendation, if approved, would involve the council noting the concept plans for the development of a multiple use sports and recreational precinct on the Wauchope land.

It is also recommended to request the general manager to establish an internal advisory group to progress planning for that precinct as the preferred alternative site to Tuffins Lane. 

It comes after the council a fortnight ago resolved to investigate alternative sporting field options and noted an offer from Tuffins Lane land owner Chase Parklands for the council to buy their Tuffins Lane land.

Uncertainty surrounding the Tuffins Lane site has sparked concern among sports groups.

The October 19 council meeting begins at 5.30pm at the Laurieton School of Arts Hall on the corner Bold and Laurie streets.