Imagine a designated Port Macquarie health and education precinct with two new road connections, a pedestrian spine and a bus loop.
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They are among the proposed key moves in a draft Health and Education Precinct (HEP) Master Plan out for public comment until February 21.
The study area is generally bounded by John Oxley Drive to the west, Lake Road to the north, the industrial area and Lake Innes Nature Reserve to the east and the southern boundary of St Columba Anglican School.
It excludes residential properties between John Oxley Drive and Major Innes Road and features some additional areas between John Oxley Drive and the Oxley Highway and around Merrigal Road.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council started work on the master plan development in April 2018.
The draft master plan proposed a balance of facilities, services and activities and a green, healthy, vibrant identity for the precinct, the document said.
The draft plan said the aim was to transform the precinct into a centre of excellence for education, training and health.
“The HEP will help position Port Macquarie as an increasingly competitive destination for university students, health care professionals and the broader community,” the draft master plan said.
“Key to success is encouraging appropriate development that will support and foster a range of learning models and health-related services within an accessible, high amenity, attractive public realm.”
The council's group manager community place, Lucilla Marshall, said they wanted the plan to help dictate development in that area so it kept a truly innovative site of excellence for health and education.
The council is seeking community feedback about the draft plan.
People can comment through the council’s online community engagement hub.
There will be pop-up sessions in the precinct for people to have their say.
The submissions will be reviewed and a report presented to councillors at a future council meeting.
Design studio Architectus was engaged to partner with the council to manage the project.
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