The Northside Progress Association expects "three or four core issues" from its own survey to be strongly considered as part of the proposed Port Macquarie North Shore community plan.
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will meet the vibrant North Shore community to begin the process of formulating a community plan on Thursday September 27.
The meeting is at the RFS brigade shed. It starts at 5.30pm.
Director Jeffery Sharp said council is excited to be embarking on this community planning process, engaging with communities and building great relationships.
“We believe through this process we can change how local government works in our region, bring council closer to the community and capture the priorities each community has identified as important for a strong and sustainable future,” Mr Sharp said.
“Having a plan is also important in identifying the role community’s play in defining existing character and shaping a desired future character for their local area.”
Association president Carla McKern said she was confident the core issues would be implemented in a finalised plan.
"The feedback from our survey results were centred on ferry services, roads and related safety issues, boat ramps and maintenance and improvements to the approaches at the Hibbard Ferry," she said.
"There is a genuine push (in the survey) for the reintroduction of free ferry services, along with the capability for electronic transactions to purchase ferry tickets.
There is a genuine push (in the survey) for the reintroduction of free ferry services.
- Carla McKern
"The condition and safety of the road network was also a major consideration, particularly on Riverside Drive, Shoreline Drive and Maria River Road.
"Riverside residents have continually made mention of the poor state of access to the Hibbard Ferry - and we certainly agree with them - along with the need for improved operating hours."
Mrs McKern said residents were also urging council to consider constructing a boat ramp.
Association secretary Narelle Milligan also said residents were adamant they wanted to retain the village atmosphere on the North Shore.
"We can accept that there could be residential expansion down the track, but it must be environmentally and ecologically sound and fit in with the community-feel now very evident in our communities," she said.
"There is also a clear need for designated play areas too. It is also accepted that Coal Wharf, Kangaroo Park and North Wall should be connected with walkways and cycleways.
"Separate from the community plan, the association is also continually urging council to look closely at the signage at all ferry landing spots.
"The existing signage blocks the view to the ferry, is outdated, aged, ugly and too big."
The Association executive members said they are looking forward to the opportunity to work with council on formulating a plan for the future of the North Shore.
The community plan meeting is at the North Shore RFS shed on Thursday September 27, 5.30pm.
