The Port Macquarie Surfing History Association has narrowed it down to two sites in the Town Beach precinct, given its historical significance, after also weighing up Rotary Park and the Port Macquarie Maritime Museum precinct.

The surfing culture and the significant people and milestones throughout the surfing eras would be celebrated at the Port Macquarie Surfing Museum.

The surfing museum proposal was considered and referred to be included in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council draft Cultural Plan public exhibition period after the Port Macquarie Surfing History Association pitched its vision to the council.

The exhibition period attracted 57 submissions with 11 relating to the surf museum proposal.

Port Macquarie Surfing History Association president Alan Jeffrey said they noted the Cultural Plan report identified broad support for the museum and the association considered its proposal fulfilled the objectives of the council’s Cultural Plan.

“During the recent exhibition period, we noted that 11 submissions were received relating to the surf museum and supported the proposal,” he said.

“Nine were extremely supportive and commented on the economic benefits and tourism that will be generated.

“Two submissions were supportive but considered that we should consider an alternate location.

“We feel that those concerns can be addressed during the design phase, which will determine the exact location of the building and additional car parking requirements, having regards to the overall plans for the precinct and the existing facilities.”

The concept plans will be subject to final design after a site has been determined and assessed.

The surf museum proposal also has support from the Chamber of Commerce, Port Macquarie Tourism Association, businesses, sporting clubs and Surfing NSW.

Cr Rob Turner said the surf museum was a small component in the context of the overarching Cultural Plan but is was an important project to get behind.

The 2018-2021 Cultural Plan identifies the strategies, frameworks and actions to drive and support cultural development within the area.

A council report said it was intended the plan would focus council’s efforts on further creating the right environment for growth of the cultural sector, contributing to the development of a diverse, vibrant and resilient community in years to come.

Cr Turner said not only did the council have a cultural plan but it also had an action plan which drilled down to the next level of detail about what would be delivered.

Cr Geoff Hawkins said being part of the Cultural Steering Group was a stimulating and invigorating experience.

“We don’t just have the framework and the architecture but we have a detailed action plan to implement,” he said.

There are 30 key strategies and actions to be delivered over 2018-2021 period. 

The council adopted the 2018-2021 Cultural Plan with amendments based on public comment and further review by the Cultural Steering Group.

The council also thanked the people and organisations who made submissions during the exhibition period and the Cultural Steering Group members.

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