Community consultation to begin on Tomaree Lodge after court ruling

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government says it's committed to using the Tomaree Lodge for a community purpose, after the Land and Environment Court ruled the Minister must retain the site.

Community consultation is set to begin at the end of October to decide on the site's future.

The State Government is set to consult with Port Stephens Council, the Worimi Aboriginal Land Council, and community groups and residents.

There have also been calls from the community and local MPs to repurpose the site for temporary accommodation in the region's housing and homelessness crisis.

Rally to use Tomaree Lodge to house the homeless

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens residents are invited to take part in a rally this weekend, to turn the former Tomaree Lodge into temporary housing for the homeless. 

In response to rapidly rising homelessness rates, participants are calling on the Department of Communities and Justice to consider using the Lodge, as well as the former Stockton Centre, as a temporary solution to the problem. 

The number of homeless residents in the LGA has tripled since 2020, and Port Stephens Family Neighborhood Services has already assisted over 900 people experiencing homelessness this year. 

United Services Union Organiser and Anna Bay resident Melissa Pond, said it's disheartening to see long-term residents of Port Stephens suffer. 

"We know there's people who are families, there's elderly, there's people who are sick, people with disabilities, and they're being forced out onto the street." 

Ms Pond said dramatic spikes in rental prices were a major contributor to the problem. 

"We're seeing people putting properties on the market more, and people are moving up here from Sydney now that they're able to work flexibly; they're getting out of Sydney and looking for a sea change, and that has pushed up prices for people, pricing them out of the rental market in Port Stephens."

She also expressed concern for vulnerable groups in the region. 

"There's a real spike in domestic violence-related incidents and we're seeing that people are staying in those situations which is really unhealthy," she said. 

We understand there are other interests for that site but I really believe that this supersedes them. There really is nowhere for people to go."

It's hoped the demonstration will ease pressure on support services which are already stretched to their limit. 

The rally will be held at 10am on Saturday at the car park near Tomaree Lodge. 

Image credit: https://trra.com.au/

Community Calls To Use Tomaree Lodge As Emergency Housing

BY DAKOTA TAIT

There's a new push to use the now vacant Tomaree Lodge as crisis accommodation for local families in need of a home.

The former disability care centre has been empty since the last residents left last month. 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington says she'd like to see Tomaree Lodge put to good use while the Government sorts out the future of the site.

"The people that are really struggling are those that are vulnerable, there are people sleeping rough, there are families sleeping in tents," Ms Washington said. 

"This is my proposal for the Government that we utilise the vacant homes sitting at the Tomaree Lodge site just as a short-term solution to help us through."

The Yacaaba Centre and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service has backed the idea, while the Shoal Bay Community Association says they'll support the proposal if logistical issues are ironed out.

It's understood there's also concern about the Government's plans ahead of community consultation. 

"Going forward, we need to ensure that the future of the site is determined by community with the support of Government," Ms Washington. 

"So far, Government has not advised any of us of its plans for the site, and the community's very concerned about the future and the security of the site."

Ms Washington says the proposal would be a great outcome for the heritage site.

"It seems like a sensible solution to offer emergency housing for families that are struggling at Tomaree Lodge to assist in this crisis," Ms Washington said. 

"We want the Government to come on board with community to ensure that decisions are being made with us to get the best outcome for that really special site."

Image credit: https://trra.com.au/