Cr Rob Turner raised the matter of the police station site at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's June meeting.

The council recognises the site, including the historic police constable's cottage and lock-up, is a community heritage asset of high significance, which contributes to the CBD's cultural, heritage and educational enhancement.

The general manager has been asked to consider requesting council's heritage consultant prepare a heritage management plan for the police station and the historic police constable's cottage during the 2019-2020 financial year.

The state government is in the planning phase for a new police station in Port Macquarie.

Cr Turner said there had been community momentum building to retain the site in community ownership, noting the police station was going to be relocated.

"I'd like for council to provide some in principle support for that and recognise the heritage of the site, which is part of Port Macquarie's history," he said.

Cr Peter Alley said there were questions which should be asked about the heritage value of the buildings.

The state government has allocated $1.1 million for planning towards a new police station and the purchase of a new site.

The council noted the strong community support to retain the police station and historic police constable's cottage in community ownership once a new police station was commissioned.

But mayor Peta Pinson opposed the move.

Cr Pinson spoke about the history of the police station on the corner of Hay Street and Sunset Parade, the history of the current detectives' offices in Hay Street and the first police station in Murray Street.

The mayor said the council may be preempting the heritage value or importance of a site owned by the state government that the council didn't have any jurisdiction over.

She wanted the council to ask for an update on the new police station commitment and the state government's plans for the current site at Hay Street.

But the amendment was lost.

The council will write to Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and Cowper MP Pat Conaghan to request their support for the retention of the police station and historic police constable's cottage in community ownership.

A spokesperson for Mrs Williams said they were yet to receive any correspondence from the council on the matter.

No final decision has been made on the location of a new police station.

Meanwhile, the council will consider applying for any potential grant funding from other levels of government to facilitate the retention of the community asset.

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