Million dollar makeover for Lemon Tree Passage foreshore Port Stephens Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 7, 2023 In the beginning: Port Stephens Councillor Steve Tucker discussing plans with Council staff. WHEN Port Stephens Council found out they were eligible for a state government grant to improve foreshore facilities, they jumped at the chance. “We grabbed it with both hands,” said longstanding Central Ward councillor Steve Tucker. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “We submitted plans and got around $1.3 million for improving the Lemon Tree Passage waterfront in Henderson Park. “Indeed, this was the second big grant, the first being for the construction of the tidal pool, the public wharf and the boat ramp,” he said. Work on the foreshore upgrade is now nearing completion, with all kerbing and guttering, pathways and landscaping now finished. On top of this, the concrete serpentine walkway along Rudd Reserve has crossed the new bridge over the tidal inlet and is headed towards the far end. In the near future, the old amenities block will be given over to Marine Rescue and a new facility will be constructed. “It’s win, win, win all round,” said Cr Tucker. “Businesses will prosper from the increased traffic and the piazza will become the focal point of the development. “This section will be completed in the next few weeks and be open for the peak summer season,” he stated. Tilligerry has become a very popular destination for locals and visitors alike with the upgrading of both the Tanilba foreshore and Caswell Reserve at Mallabula. Indeed, with the new pathway, the option of circling the peninsular is now a reality. “From the end of the new walkway there are many options for trekkers,” Cr Tucker said. “They can follow the rough bush track to Tom’s Beach, Mallabula or they can find their way to the Marine Base station at the top of Whitbread Drive. “There are fire trails to the Bureau of Meteorology weather dome and across the ridgeline to the main road. “Alternatively, the unmade section of Tanilba Road will lead them to the boardwalks in Tanilba and up to historic Tanilba House,” he said. “I can envisage a council sign being erected to show the options available,” he concluded. Henderson Park was named after the legendary fire captain Bernie Henderson, who built the old marina. Rudd Reserve keeps alive the memory of nursing sister Jenny Rudd, who died tragically young, while Caswell Reserve is named after Lt. William Caswell, who constructed Tanilba House in the 1830s. By Geoff WALKER Work in progress. The last concrete pour. All done and dusted.
Oh my god, what have you done? We come to Lemon Tree Passage for years and always enjoyed the green foreshore at Henderson Park. It was so special and unusual to have this little charming “town centre” right at the water’s edge! When we arrived this year we could not believe our eyes, we almost cried… Green areas were replaced by hundreds of sqm harsh useless concrete without shade and without any trees, just a few benches that are mostly too hot to use. The footpath along the street is all concrete too at full width, not the slightest little green patch. What should be the use of this gigantic sterile concrete area? How can you think that permanently sealing large areas with concrete is a feature or an “upgrade” at times when people more and more enjoy green areas? You would at least expect a few plants and trees to break up the harsh concrete area and to create some shade. There are lots of examples around the world how to do this. Who designed this? How could something like this even get the support of local businesses and Port Stephens Council? Wouldn’t it be wise to consult a professional landscape architect who has some experience with sensitive foreshore areas before spending big money on concrete to spoil the former charming Lemon Tree Passage foreshore? This is super frustrating and we scratch our heads how this could happen. Reply
