Tomaree Lodge out of limbo after court ruling, ideas for site's future use flowing from Port Stephens community

But now some of those ideas could, potentially, become a reality after the Land and Environment Court rejected a Worimi land claim on the Shoal Bay site and the NSW Government said it would retain it for community use.

A number of Port Stephens community groups told the Examiner that they would be making a submission when the NSW Government opened consultation for ideas on repurposing the "historic and iconic site".

"The Tomaree Headland is one of the most iconic sites on the eastern seaboard of Australia, and the most visited attraction in Port Stephens. It therefore deserves special attention when determining its future," Tomaree Headland Heritage Group president Peter Clough said.

"We should be aiming for something world class which will inspire people by attracting their interest and attention."

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Mr Clough said the nine-hectare waterfront site on the Tomaree Headland has "boundless opportunities", but the group's vision is to transform it into an education and tourism precinct.

The group wants the site to house a marine research centre, museum and interpretive centre showcasing the area's rich WWII military history, visitor information centre and perhaps a restaurant or cafe with oyster-tasting tours on the side.

Meanwhile, the newly formed Tomaree Cultural Development Group has a vision to transform the lodge into an arts and cultural hub with theatre, performance and exhibition spaces, artists studios and meeting rooms.

"Nothing comes to Port Stephens. No theatre, no touring exhibitions - Taree receives The Archibald Prize - no... ballet, music, art groups. They don't have anywhere to hold functions," the development group's chairwoman, Kathie Barnes, said.

"The headland presents the opportunity of a lifetime and if developed with style would be the envy of the east coast. No other site apart from the Opera House site could rival Tomaree."

Shoal Bay Community Association has also welcomed the NSW Government's commitment to retain Tomaree Lodge site for community use.

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The association is working with Port Stephens Council to have the toilets at the entrance to Tomaree Lodge reopened in time for the summer visitor influx, action that was in limbo while the land claim was before the court.

"The future of this land now rests with the community, including the Worimi land council. With proper consultation a great plan can be put in place to enhance this iconic site," association chairman Chris Bastic said.

"SBCA will be preparing a submission to the state government for the adaptive re-use of the site and encourage as many residents as possible to have their say.

"Ideally the management of the site should be undertaken by the community via a Community Trust model once a full plan of management has been agreed for the site."

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington has advocated for the lodge facilities to be reopened to temporarily house the area's increasing homeless population.

"There are many local homeless families who desperately need a place to stay," she said.

"The purpose-built units at Tomaree Lodge should be used for crisis accommodation on a temporary basis, until we decide as a community how to use the site in future."

Ideas for the future of the site would need to embrace the existing structures as they are heritage listed and "can't be knocked down" said long-time Nelson Bay resident and Destination Port Stephens board member Frank Future.

"Army gunners manning the wartime armaments at Fort Tomaree lived in the waterfront villas. You can't knock those down," Mr Future said.

"I think the site lends itself to research, marine studies and accommodation, particularly for groups of children visiting the area."

According to the NSW State Heritage Register, Tomaree Lodge is a state significant heritage site due to its historical significance - it was was used an Army Garrison Camp during WWII - high archaeological research value, representative value and for being a landmark at the entrance to Port Stephens.

An idea floated for Tomaree Lodge in 2012 was to turn it into a tourist development complete with casino, a five star, multi-storey resort and helicopter pad.

Tomaree Headland Heritage Group vision for the site:

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