Camden Haven Community in Collaboration With

Home , Bonny Hills, Camden Haven, Dunbogan, Kattang Nature Reserve, Taree

Camden Haven Community in collaboration with

Camden Haven

COMMUNITY PLAN November 2020 1. FOREWORD The crab is the Birpai totem for the Camden Haven area. Credit: Marion Hampton. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

The Camden Haven Community-Council Action Team acknowledges the Birpai people as the traditional custodians of the lands within its local boundaries. We acknowledge Elders both past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We also acknowledge that the area is represented by the Bunyah and Purfleet/Taree Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

FROM THE MAYOR, PETA PINSON

I am delighted to present the Camden Haven Community Plan, which sets out the vision, goals and priorities for improving the quality of life for the residents of Camden Haven area for the next five to ten years. This Community Plan reflects the community’s aspirations to create a vibrant and positive community which offers opportunities for everyone to prosper. The Camden Haven area is widely known for its stunning natural environment and beautiful coastal character that encourages a healthy and active lifestyle for both residents and visitors. The community celebrates its local stories and values its unique identity that is so important to the character and aesthetic of the area and inspires the community to be the best it can be.

FROM THE CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY-COUNCIL ACTION TEAM

The Camden Haven Community-Council Action Team appreciates the opportunity to represent our local area through this new process of consultation, to highlight and inform the Council of our vision/ concerns for the future of the Camden Haven. This Community Plan provides strategic direction for Council and the community to deliver outcomes, which will preserve our environment and heritage; enhance connectivity (via our shared pathway network and rich social connections) and ensure a sustainable economy that will serve our community into the future.

2 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 1. FOREWORD...... 2

2. COMMUNITY PLANNING FOR THE CAMDEN HAVEN...... 6

3. COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS...... 8

4. INTRODUCING THE CAMDEN HAVEN...... 10

5. HISTORY...... 14

6. COMMUNITY PROFILE...... 16

BOUNDARIES...... 18

7. OUR COMMUNITY...... 20

ZONING...... 22

8. FUTURE FOCUS...... 24

9. CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY...... 26

SHARED PATHWAYS...... 28

10. OUR OBJECTIVES AND GOALS...... 30

11. COMMUNITY IDEAS AND DESIRED OUTCOMES...... 32

12. THE FUTURE OF THE CAMDEN HAVEN...... 36

APPENDIX A: THE LAURIETON FLAG REPRESENTING THE CAMDEN HAVEN...... 37

APPENDIX B: COUNCIL’S STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND PROJECTS...... 38

Laurieton Flag representing the Camden Haven - developed by Carmel Dowse Refer Appendix A for further details.

Cover page images: Top right: Bob Hope making a phone call in 1944 at Laurieton Post Office after his emergency landing in the Camden Haven inlet. Middle right - Joseph Laurie (1832-1904) - appointed first Postmaster in 1875 and after whom Laurieton is named. CONTENTS

3 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN OUR VISION

TO MAINTAIN THE CHARM AND BEAUTY OF THE CAMDEN HAVEN IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE MANNER, WHILST GROWING A VIBRANT, EQUITABLE, CONNECTED COMMUNITY AND A GROWING ECONOMY.

4 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL OUR VISION

5 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 2. COMMUNITY PLANNING FOR THE CAMDEN HAVEN

The Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area (LGA) is home to a number of vibrant towns, villages and communities, each with its own unique history, character, urban amenity and vision for their future. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) is working with communities across the LGA to develop Community Plans. These plans are a community-led blueprint which reflect the aspirations, strengths and what is special or unique about a community; the character, lifestyle, social image, economy and environment. The Plans also outline a ‘vision’ that each community has for its future and ‘actions’ that the community would like to see delivered to help achieve this vision. The Community Plan is an important document that will inform and guide PMHC, NSW Government and other stakeholders in: a) understanding the issues and future priorities for the Camden Haven; b) supporting the vision and objectives determined by our community; c) having a deeper understanding of our community values; d) creating clear opportunities for working together effectively; e) catering for population demographics, especially building a future for our youth. At the heart of Community Planning is a dynamic, participatory and consultative process that allows communities to have their voice heard and enables them to identify priorities and actions to achieve their vision - the responsibility of which is to be shared between the community and Council. Community-Council Action Teams (CCATs) are being established in each community to help develop the Community Plan and then to work together with Council to prioritise, scope and deliver the identified actions. Council is looking to establish up to 18 such CCATS throughout the LGA. The CCAT is a genuine partnership between the Community and Council. The responsibility for the delivery of the actions detailed in this Community Plan are project dependent. Implementation will rest either with the Council or jointly with the Council and the Community. Consultation between the Council and the CCATs on local issues is imperative for the future operation and existence of the CCAT partnership with Council.

6 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL

The Camden Haven CCAT is made up of local people representing various groups and ages from our community who have been meeting regularly to develop the Community Plan. We would like to extend our thanks to the members of the Community-Council Action Team: Anna Battersby, April Saunders, Blair Maxwell, Cicely Snow, Greg Armstrong, Greg Mitchell, Hayley Proudfoot, Mike Dodkin, Neil Hosick, Pam Vine, Penny Small, Peter Nash, Peter West, Phillip Bowman, Janet Cohen, Shane Globits and Stuart Bate as well as Council staff Sandra Wallace and Felicity Staedter

7 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 3. COMMUNITY PLANNING PROCESS

Community-Council Action Team and Development of Draft Postcard Survey Community Plan and Action Plan In September 2018, Council delivered A Community-Council Action Team (CCAT) was then over 3,500 survey postcards to all formed. Community members were asked to apply in Camden Haven residents to solicit the writing to be part of this volunteer team for a 2-year communities’ feedback on what they term. The Camden Haven CCAT is made up of local love about their community and what people representing various groups and ages from they would like to see in the future for our community. They have been meeting regularly the Camden Haven. Over 110 survey to use the information from the THINK TANKS and submissions were received. This feedback further consultations to create this Community Plan formed the basis for the Think Tanks. for the Camden Haven.

Community Think Tank

Two THINK TANK forums were held by Council staff in October 2018 at the Laurieton School of Arts. These forums were open to all Camden Haven residents and were used to discuss and record, then prioritise values, issues and opportunities for planning the future of this area. Attendance at these forums was mixed with over 35 members of the public taking part.

8 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL Community Plan and Action Plan Endorsement by Council

This is the final step in making your Community Plan official by having it reported though to Council.

Community Consultation Delivery of the Action

This was the opportunity for the broader Plan community to provide feedback on this The Community Council Action Community Plan with the accompanied Action Team will continue to work on the Plan developed by the Community-Council delivery on the actions identified and Action Team. The Camden Haven Community prioritised by the community. Plan was on public exhibition for a period of 6 weeks in late 2019.

9 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 4. INTRODUCING THE CAMDEN HAVEN

The Camden Haven, with its coastal and semi-rural character, is a vibrant and connected community that celebrates local stories and values its natural environment and tranquil lifestyle. The area is attractive and unique due to a high proportion of protected land - bounded in all four points of the compass by natural environment retained in national parks and various reserves. The area’s natural attributes include expansive native forests, heathlands and waterways, which are overshadowed by the prominent Dooragan (North Brother) Mountain, one of the more dramatic landform features on the North Coast of NSW. It is this spectacular natural environment that draws many people to live here and will continue to provide a major draw card for tourism to the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area (LGA).

Today the Camden Haven CCAT area comprises six villages, namely North Haven, Laurieton, Dunbogan, Camden Head, West Haven and Lakewood. Our CCAT boundary meets both the Bonny Hills and Kew-Kendall-Lorne CCAT areas to the north and west, and extends south to the LGA boundary at Diamond Head.

In the east, the coastal villages of North Haven, Camden Head and Dunbogan sit on either side of the Camden Haven Inlet. Laurieton too, has a strong association with the river and sits at the base of North Brother Mountain. Further west, the villages of West Haven and Lakewood sit alongside Queens Lake and the forested areas around the base of North Brother Mountain.

10 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 11 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN Based on the 2016 CENSUS data, currently our area has almost double the national average of people over the age of 60, and three times the over eighties (80’s) population, compared to the national average. Most youth age brackets are significantly lower than the national average, particularly the under ten (10) year olds which are half, and the twenty to twenty-four (20-24) year olds, which are a third. This variance in population can be seen to gradually decrease until the age of fifty (50), at which point it is seen to reverse.

POPULATION AND AGE BASED DEMOGRAPHIC PER AREA Source: 2016 Census, Australian Bureau of Statistics

Deauville 25 ages 0 to 14 years ages 15 to 29 years Lakewood 995 ages 30 to 44 years ages 45 to 59 years West Haven 1128 ages 60 years and over

North Haven 1187

Laurieton 1646

Dunbogan 1993

0 500 1000 1500 2000

12 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL Economic development in the Camden Haven is based on supporting the local needs of the residents, as well as the strong visitor economy due to the temperate coastal climate, natural scenery and national parks. The area is supported by three main business centres (Laurieton, North Haven and Lakewood). Retail and industrial development is concentrated in Laurieton, but will increasingly be focused to the west of the Camden Haven (Kew/Kendall Community Planning area) where the greatest concentration of new development is proposed.

Residents are currently employed either locally, or in nearby local centres (within a 30-40 minute drive) such as Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Taree. The recent introduction of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in the Camden Haven has also facilitated a greater ability for more people to work remotely in emerging industries.

13 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 5. HISTORY

250 million years ago Australia was part of a larger landmass called Gondwana. Around this time the Camden Haven Valley (also called the Lorne Basin), was formed by a meteor impact and then, 14 million years ago, volcanic eruptions created the Three Brothers Mountains, recognised in Aboriginal mythology.

Long before Europeans arrived it was the home of the Birpai Aboriginal people who seasonally gathered food and other resources while hunting and fishing along the riverbanks and around the lakes. Culturally significant sites, and existing middens (Aboriginal occupation sites), confirm the presence of the original land-owners of the Camden Haven prior to European settlement.

Photos* from the Thomas Dick Collection (early 1900s) depicting Aboriginal life around the lakes and estuaries of the Camden Haven and Hastings areas prior to European settlement. The photos show Birpai men hunting on a headland with a view south to Perpendicular Point (now part of Kattang Nature Reserve). Others include fishing activities, bark canoes, collecting oysters at low tide and the cutting of a small dish or carrying vessel, ‘coolaman’, from a Grey Mangrove tree. * Photos from the Thomas Dick CollectonW are used with the approval of the Family Stackholder Group and the Birpai Land Council for the express purpose of inclusion in the Camden Haven Community Plan.

14 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL European acknowledgement of the area first occurred in 1770 when Lieutenant James Cook sighted and co-incidentally named “The Three Brothers” Mountains from his ship HMS Endeavour. It wasn’t until 1818 that the explorer and Surveyor General, John Oxley, traversed this area on his journey south from the Hasting River and now town of Port Macquarie (established in 1821).

European occupation of the Camden Haven occurred around 1822-3 when a guard post was established near where the Laurieton War Memorial Baths are located today. Convicts started work nearby collecting shell material from Aboriginal middens. The shell was transported to Port Macquarie to make lime for construction work in the new prison settlement and also shipped to Sydney. The Camden Haven became a thriving community by the late 1880’s based on the rapid development of its fishing and timber resources.

Photos of the Camden Haven following European settlement in the mid 1820s. Overview image is from North Brother Mountain (c.1908) pri- or to the construction of breakwalls and bridges. Others include Laurie Street where the steamship Comboyne is unloading at Government Wharf, the old punt/ferry (c.1890-1900) crossing the river to Laurie Street, pedestrians about to disembark at Dunbogan on the original punt, and children of early Laurieton with a view across of the Concord timber mill, Dunbogan. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: CAMDEN HAVEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, LAURIETON MUSEUM, BOLD STREET LAURIETON.

15 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 6. COMMUNITY PROFILE

Change 2011 -2036 POPULATION GROWTH +13%

6,553

6,066 6,045 5,806

2011 2016 2019 2036

FORECAST CHANGE IN AGE BASED DEMOGRAPHICS 2016 2019 2036 +7%

3500

3000

2500

2000 -5% 1500 +76% +33% -9% 1000

500

0 Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages 0 - 14 years 15-29 years 30-44 years 45-59 years 60 years and over

ABORIGINAL / TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER

Source: .id community – demographic resource centre based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Note: Statistics relate to Camden Haven East. Lakewood is not included as forecasted figures were unavailable.

16 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL Change 2011 -2036 RESIDENTIAL GROWTH (DWELLINGS) +11%

3,690

3,486 3,389 3,329

2011 2016 2019 2036

FORECAST CHANGE IN HOUSEHOLD TYPES 2019 2036 1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0 Couples Lone person Couple One parent Group Other families without households families with family households dependents dependents

TRAVEL TO WORK

100% Car as driver 80%

60%

40%

20% at home Work Walk Car as passenger Truck Bicycle Public transport

17 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN BONNY HILLS

BOBS HERONS CREEK BLACK CREEK LOGANS CREEK CROSSING QUEENS LAKE GRANTS BEACH

UPSALLS KENDALL CREEK NORTH WEST KEW HAVEN LAKEWOOD HAVEN CAMDEN BUNYAH HEAD LAND COUNCIL

LAURIETON

NORTH BROTHER LORNE (DOORAGAN) MOUNTAIN

BATAR DUNBOGAN CREEK ROSSGLEN

DEAUVILLE

PURFLEET/TAREE LAND COUNCIL MIDDLE BROTHER MOUNTAIN

WATSON TAYOR LAKE

CROWDY BAY NATIONAL PARK

STEWARTS RIVER JOHNS DIAMOND RIVER HEAD BOUNDARIES

MOORLAND

18 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL DISCLAIMER This map was produced by the Geographic Information Services section Camden Haven Community-Council Action Team Boundary of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council using information available to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Department of Lands, Bathurst. The data was captured at a scale of 1:25000 for rural areas and 1:4000 for urban areas. The positional accuracy of plots becomes less reliable when viewed at scales greater than the capture scale. and Aboriginal Land Council Boundary Port Macquarie-Hastings Council accepts no responsibility either in contract or tort (and particularly in negligence) for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies I whatsoever contained within or arising from this map. 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 NOTE: Cadastral information outside the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA not updated. Complied by S. Welch GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Kilometres Unless otherwise stated Imagery Source: LPI - NSW Department of Finance and Date: 22/08/2019 Scale at A3: 1:60,000 Services 2009, 2010, 2012 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst 2795 www.lpi..nsw.gov.au

Path: R:\Gisdata\CommunityServ\MXD\Camden Haven C_CAT\Camden Haven C_CAT with adjoining C_Cats.mxd BONNY HILLS

BOBS HERONS CREEK BLACK CREEK LOGANS CREEK CROSSING QUEENS LAKE GRANTS BEACH

UPSALLS KENDALL CREEK NORTH WEST KEW HAVEN LAKEWOOD HAVEN CAMDEN BUNYAH HEAD LAND COUNCIL

LAURIETON

NORTH BROTHER LORNE (DOORAGAN) MOUNTAIN

BATAR DUNBOGAN CREEK ROSSGLEN

DEAUVILLE

LEGEND PURFLEET/TAREE LAND COUNCIL Bonny Hills CCAT MIDDLE area BROTHER MOUNTAIN

WATSON Camden Haven CCAT TAYOR area LAKE

Kew, Kendall, Herons CROWDY BAY Creek & Lorne CCAT NATIONAL PARK area

Aboriginal Land STEWARTS RIVER Council boundaries JOHNS DIAMOND RIVER HEAD

MOORLAND BOUNDARIES

19 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN DISCLAIMER This map was produced by the Geographic Information Services section Camden Haven Community-Council Action Team Boundary of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council using information available to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Department of Lands, Bathurst. The data was captured at a scale of 1:25000 for rural areas and 1:4000 for urban areas. The positional accuracy of plots becomes less reliable when viewed at scales greater than the capture scale. and Aboriginal Land Council Boundary Port Macquarie-Hastings Council accepts no responsibility either in contract or tort (and particularly in negligence) for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies I whatsoever contained within or arising from this map. 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 NOTE: Cadastral information outside the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA not updated. Complied by S. Welch GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Kilometres Unless otherwise stated Imagery Source: LPI - NSW Department of Finance and Date: 22/08/2019 Scale at A3: 1:60,000 Services 2009, 2010, 2012 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst 2795 www.lpi..nsw.gov.au

Path: R:\Gisdata\CommunityServ\MXD\Camden Haven C_CAT\Camden Haven C_CAT with adjoining C_Cats.mxd 7. OUR COMMUNITY

The Camden Haven comprises a diverse community that engages in a wide range of sporting, social, cultural and environmental activities. Residents of the Camden Haven have access to most sporting activities available in Australia, within a short walk or drive from residential areas - people from early life to school age, working adults and through to the many seniors active in the pursuits of voluntary opportunities and healthy lifestyles.

The various groups, clubs and events receive support and sponsorship from the community, as well as many of our local businesses. This support is recognised via our local media (radio/television/ internet), word of mouth, local newspaper (Camden Haven Courier), as well as the many sources of social media available today.

Although the local youth population is lower than the national average, the area supports family needs with three well-attended primary schools that feed into one local high school, as well as high schools in Port Macquarie. In addition, technical/community colleges and university facilities are accessible in Laurieton, Wauchope and Port Macquarie.

Prominent organisations include the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, many registered clubs (e.g. Laurieton United Services Club & Club North Haven), the Camden Haven Historical Society and the Shared Pathways groups - Beach to Beach (B2B), Creek to Creek (Ck2Ck) and School to School (S2S), who are represented on our CCAT.

20 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 7. OUR COMMUNITY

Important to the community are also the varied voluntary groups and charities that operate which include Emergency Services, Neighbourhood Watch, Meals on Wheels, Bushcare and Landcare groups, our local CH Community Band, Op-Shops and Camden Haven Surf Lifesaving. The area is also represented by Lions, Rotary and Probus groups who also contribute to local events and infrastructure (picnic/seating facilities).

21 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN BLACK CREEK LOGANS BOBS CROSSING CREEK

GRANTS BEACH HERONS NE CREEK LOR R UPSALLS D CREEK

K END A KENDALL L L OCEAN DR WEST HAVEN RD NORTH HAVEN

KEW LAKEWOOD

CAMDEN LAURIETON HEAD CAMDEN HAVEN INLET

NORTH BROTHER (DOORAGAN) MOUNTAIN DUNBOGAN Legend

BATAR CREEK ROSSGLEN Major Roads Council Owned/Managed Land @ @@ DEAUVILLE @ @ @ @ @@ @ NPWS Reserve @ @ @ @ @@@ @ @ @ @ State Forest Commercial Centre

MIDDLE BROTHER Environmental Industrial Residential DIAMOND HEAD Public Recreation Spaces Primary Production

W Y FICH Special Activities CI ZONING PA

JOHNS RIVER

© Department of Finance, Services & Innovation 2018 22 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL ZONING DISCLAIMER This map was produced by the Geographic Information Services section of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council using information available to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Department of Lands, Bathurst. Camden Haven Community-Council Action Team Land Use The data was captured at a scale of 1:25000 for rural areas and 1:4000 for urban areas. The positional accuracy of plots becomes less reliable when viewed at scales greater than the capture scale. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council accepts no responsibility either in contract or tort (and particularly in negligence) for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies I 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 whatsoever contained within or arising from this map. Kilometres NOTE: Cadastral information outside the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA not updated. Complied by S. Welch GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Unless otherwise stated Imagery Source: LPI - NSW Department of Finance and Date: 26/05/2020 Scale at A3:1:50,000 Services 2009, 2010, 2012 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst 2795 www.lpi..nsw.gov.au

Path: R:\Gisdata\CommunityServ\Community Plans - Maps\Camden Haven\Camden Haven C_CAT Land Use 19-05-20.mxd BLACK CREEK LOGANS BOBS CROSSING CREEK

GRANTS BEACH HERONS NE CREEK LOR R UPSALLS D CREEK

BLACK K END KENDALLCREEK A LOGANS L BOBS L OCEAN DR WEST HAVEN CROSSING RD CREEK

GRANTSNORTH BEACH HAVEN HERONS NE KEW CREEK LOR R D LAKEWOOD UPSALLS CREEK

K END A KENDALL L L OCEAN DR WEST HAVEN RD CAMDEN LAURIETONNORTH HAVEN HEAD CAMDEN HAVEN KEW LAKEWOOD INLET

CAMDEN LAURIETON HEAD CAMDEN HAVEN INLET NORTH BROTHER (DOORAGAN) MOUNTAIN DUNBOGAN Legend NORTH BROTHER (DOORAGAN) BATAR CREEK MOUNTAIN DUNBOGAN ROSSGLEN Legend Major Roads

BATAR CREEK ROSSGLEN Major Roads Council Owned/Managed Land @ @@ DEAUVILLE @ @ @ @ Council@ @Owned/Managed@ NPWS Reserve Land @ @ @@ @ @@@ DEAUVILLE @ @ @@ @ @ @ @@ @ NPWS Reserve@ @ @ @ @ @@@ @ @ @ State Forest @ @ State Forest @ @ Commercial Centre Commercial Centre MIDDLE BROTHER MIDDLE Environmental BROTHER Environmental Industrial Industrial Residential DIAMOND HEAD Residential DIAMOND HEAD Public Recreation Spaces Public Recreation Spaces Primary Production

Y Primary Production W FICH Special Activities CI PA W Y JOHNS RIVERFICH Special Activities CI PA

JOHNS RIVER © Department of Finance, Services & Innovation 2018

DISCLAIMER This map was produced by the Geographic Information Services section of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council using information available© Department to of Finance, Services & Innovation 2018 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Department of Lands, Bathurst. Camden Haven Community-Council23 Action TeamCAMDEN Land HAVEN Use COMMUNITYThe data wasPLAN captured at a scale of 1:25000 for rural areas and 1:4000 for urban areas. The positional accuracy of plots becomes less reliable when viewed at scales greater than the capture scale. DISCLAIMER Port Macquarie-Hastings Council accepts no responsibilityThis map either was in produced contract by the Geographic Information Services section or tort (and particularly in negligence) for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council using information available to I 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 whatsoever contained within or arising from this map. Kilometres NOTE: Cadastral information outside the Port Macquarie-HastingsPort Macquarie-Hastings LGA not updated. Council and the Department of Lands, Bathurst. Complied by S. Welch GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Camden Haven Community-Council Action Team Land UseUnless otherwise stated Imagery Source: LPI - NSWThe Department data was of captured Finance and at a scale of 1:25000 for rural areas and 1:4000 Date: 26/05/2020 Scale at A3:1:50,000 Services 2009, 2010, 2012 Panorama Avenue, Bathurstfor urban 2795 areas. www.lpi..nsw.gov.au The positional accuracy of plots becomes less reliable when viewed at scales greater than the capture scale. Path: R:\Gisdata\CommunityServ\Community Plans - Maps\Camden Haven\Camden Haven C_CAT Land Use 19-05-20.mxd Port Macquarie-Hastings Council accepts no responsibility either in contract or tort (and particularly in negligence) for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies I 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 whatsoever contained within or arising from this map. Kilometres NOTE: Cadastral information outside the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA not updated. Complied by S. Welch GDA 1994 MGA Zone 56 Unless otherwise stated Imagery Source: LPI - NSW Department of Finance and Date: 26/05/2020 Scale at A3:1:50,000 Services 2009, 2010, 2012 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst 2795 www.lpi..nsw.gov.au

Path: R:\Gisdata\CommunityServ\Community Plans - Maps\Camden Haven\Camden Haven C_CAT Land Use 19-05-20.mxd 8. FUTURE FOCUS

(a) Invigorating our vibrant local economy (b) Supporting the ongoing health of our waterways (c) Being a well-connected community with safe roads and pathways (d) Retaining the well-being of our community (e) Encouraging a sustainable and well-planned community (f) Maintaining our village character (g) Developing a sustainable visitor economy (h) Preserving and interpreting our history (i) Enhancing community places where all ages can meet (j) Protecting our natural environment and biodiversity

24 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 25 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 9. CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

The Camden Haven C-CAT have agreed with the overwhelming community feedback that our greatest, and most urgent priority, is to create opportunities for the Camden Haven to be a more connected community (both physically and socially). A key contribution to achieving this is by completing the planning and construction of the three projects known as: Beach to Beach, Creek to Creek and Schools to Schools shared pathways as well as identifying/constructing key pathways across the community to ensure connectivity between key public spaces, beaches, waterways, reserves, national parks and recreational parks.

The completed pathways and associated linkages will provide people with a tangible network for inclusive access to homes, schools, shops and services - the hub of a vibrant and active Camden Haven community. They are also essential in ensuring equity of access and safety for people with disability, pedestrians, prams, cyclists and mobility scooters.

26 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 9. CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

Additionally, there is significant growth predicted in nature-based and cultural tourism for the North Coast of NSW. A Strategic Pathways Plan and completion of these pathways and linkages will provide an infrastructure to support a myriad of future cultural, heritage and natural outdoor experiences, in one of the most picturesque coastal environments in Australia, contributing to improved economic outcomes not only for our community but also the wider Local Government Area.

27 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN QUEENS LAKE PATHWAYSNATIONAL PARK Queens

Lake

Kew

! ! ! !

North Haven

Lakewood ! ! ! ! Kendall ! ! ! !

West Haven !

! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

er ! KATTANG

iv ! !

R ! NATIONAL !

! ! PARK ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! n ! ! ! Laurieton ! !

e! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! v! !

! !

! a

Dunbogan !

! ! !

! !

!! ! !

! !

DOORAGAN ! !

NATIONAL !

PARK !

! n

! !

e ! !

! !

d !

! !

m ! !

! !

a !

SHARED

! !

C !

! Creek to Creek Beach to Beach School to School Bicycle Path Other Paths !

!!!!! !!!!! Proposed extensions SHAREDProposed PATHWAYS Path MIDDLEProposed Path Alternate Path CROWDY BAY Existing Path BROTHERExisting Path Proposed Path CouncilWatson NATIONAL NATIONAL PARK PARK Existing Path National Parks

28 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL DISCLAIMER This map was produced by the Geographic Information Services section Locality Map of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council using information available to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Department of Lands, Bathurst. The data was captured at a scale of 1:25000 for rural areas and 1:4000 for urban areas. The positional accuracy of plots becomes less reliable when viewed at scales greater than the capture scale. Port Macquarie-Hastings Nearmap Photography 28th December 2019 Council accepts no responsibility either in contract or tort (and particularly in negligence) for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies whatsoever 1:20,000 contained within or arising from this map. NOTE: Cadastral information outside the Port Macquarie-Hastings Date: 4/08/2020 LGA not updated. I 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 Compiled by S. Welch Kilometres Unless otherwise stated Imagery Source: LPI - NSW Department of Finance and Services 2009, 2010, 2012 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst 2795 © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA Updated by S. Boulton www.lpi..nsw.gov.au

Document Path: R:\Gisdata\CommunityServ\Community Plans - Maps\Camden Haven - Beach to Beach etc\A1 L Pathways existing and proposed Kendall to North Haven 18-06-20.mxd QUEENS LAKE PATHWAYSNATIONAL PARK Queens

Lake

Kew

! ! ! !

North Haven

Lakewood ! ! ! ! Kendall ! ! ! !

West Haven !

! ! ! ! ! !

! !

! ! !

er ! KATTANG

iv ! !

R ! NATIONAL !

! ! PARK ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! n ! ! ! Laurieton ! !

e! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! v! !

! !

! a

Dunbogan !

! ! !

! !

!! ! !

! !

DOORAGAN ! !

NATIONAL !

PARK !

! n

! !

e ! !

! !

d !

! !

m ! !

! !

a !

! !

C !

! Creek to Creek Beach to Beach School to School Bicycle Path Other Paths !

!!!!! !!!!! Proposed extensions Proposed Path MIDDLEProposed Path Alternate Path CROWDY BAY Existing Path BROTHERExisting Path Proposed Path CouncilWatson NATIONAL NATIONAL PARK PARK Existing Path National Parks

29 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN DISCLAIMER This map was produced by the Geographic Information Services section Locality Map of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council using information available to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Department of Lands, Bathurst. The data was captured at a scale of 1:25000 for rural areas and 1:4000 for urban areas. The positional accuracy of plots becomes less reliable when viewed at scales greater than the capture scale. Port Macquarie-Hastings Nearmap Photography 28th December 2019 Council accepts no responsibility either in contract or tort (and particularly in negligence) for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies whatsoever 1:20,000 contained within or arising from this map. NOTE: Cadastral information outside the Port Macquarie-Hastings Date: 4/08/2020 LGA not updated. I 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 Compiled by S. Welch Kilometres Unless otherwise stated Imagery Source: LPI - NSW Department of Finance and Services 2009, 2010, 2012 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst 2795 © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SA Updated by S. Boulton www.lpi..nsw.gov.au

Document Path: R:\Gisdata\CommunityServ\Community Plans - Maps\Camden Haven - Beach to Beach etc\A1 L Pathways existing and proposed Kendall to North Haven 18-06-20.mxd 10. OUR OBJECTIVES AND GOALS

The Camden Haven CCATs mission is to encourage, maintain and further develop the Camden Haven as a vibrant community connected through our heritage, natural environment and quality coastal lifestyle. Our Objectives/Goals’ as directed from the two Council organised community ‘Think Tanks’ in 2018 are as follows:

1) maintain our separate village character while promoting the installation and use of an interconnected “Shared Pathway” access - this involves the connection of housing, parks, waterways, sporting facilities, schools, age care centres, commercial areas, national parks and beaches, enabling safe non-vehicular access to everything the area has to offer;

2) support the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce to develop a more diverse and vibrant local economy and to invigorate main commercial areas;

3) improve sustainable visitor experiences through social, natural and cultural/heritage events and activities;

4) improve physical and emotional wellbeing and encourage healthy lifestyle choices by promoting participation in a range of sporting, recreational, social and cultural pursuits and community events;

30 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 5) preserve our natural environment and heritage, for future generations;

6) support the ongoing health of the Camden Haven waterways for primary industry, tourism and recreational activities;

7) advocate for well-planned, environmentally-sensitive development;

8) support existing and emerging opportunities to engage the community in protecting our biodiversity

9) encourage sustainability for not only the natural physical environment, but also for our economy, society and culture.

31 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 11. COMMUNITY IDEAS AND DESIRED OUTCOMES

At the two Think Tanks held as part of the community planning process, community members were asked to contribute ideas that they would like to see implemented in the Camden Haven. Participants then indicated their top priorities from the ideas presented. This informal “voting” process assisted with developing the themes which are presented in this Plan and also indicated that the top priorities for the community were as follows: • Connectivity and Recreation - 29 Votes or 41 % • Economic growth, Tourism and Vibrant community - 14 Votes or 20% • Natural Environment and Development - 14 Votes or 20% • Thriving Laurieton Main Street - 11 Votes or 16%

• Other - 5 Votes or 1%

The desired outcomes outlined below are a consolidation of these ideas contributed by the community and subsequent discussion by CCAT members.

These outcomes will form the basis of a detailed Action Plan to be developed by the CCAT, which will outline the specific actions to be taken by Council and the community to achieve the Vision for the Camden Haven area.

There is still time to be a part of the Community-Council Action Team. If you would like to shape the future direction of the Camden Haven please email [email protected].

32 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 1. WELL-CONNECTED COMMUNITY

1.1. Establish a network of shared pathways that connects the community, enabling equitable access (particularly for those living with disability) to bushiness, the natural environment and amenities throughout the Camden Haven.

1.2. Advocate for additional public transport services that allow more regular connections, with direct options for locals and tourists.

1.3. Review and rationalise signage in the Camden Haven to maximise interpretation opportunities in a clear and consistent way.

1.4. Establish a safe cycleway network to provide cyclists access to Port Macquarie thereby reducing isolation and increasing equitable access to opportunities in the region.

2. INCREASED AND IMPROVED RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

2.1. Ensure a public infrastructure that is available all year round enabling equitable access to swimming, walking, outdoor recreation and playspaces and access to the waterways and beach. Ensure that the amenities are purpose-built, well-maintained, age-appropriate, sustainable, incorporate universal design, have the capacity to be expanded as demand increases and generate local business opportunities.

2.2. Ensure walking trails are linked, well signed and provide equitable access to key environmental areas (e.g. Queens Lake, North Brother, Kattang Nature Reserve), the beaches, and waterways.

2.3. Investigate the opportunity to establish a public space on Ocean Drive as an entry to the Camden Haven with view of Queens Lake (potentially as part of the Ck2Ck shared pathway).

33 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 3. POSITIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH

3.1. Develop and promote a calendar of existing events, and identify opportunities to develop new events that capture the history, spirit and “vibe” of the community, combined with continuation of regular markets.

3.2. Encourage a diverse, boutique retail mix that allows people to work in the area and provides incentives for businesses to be consumers’ first choice and have flexible opening hours.

3.3. Develop a long-term plan that enables the Camden Haven area to become a smart town e.g. with energy-generating private and public infrastructure (roads, building footpaths) and facilities for next generation vehicles including driverless cars, electric cars, drones.

4. PROSPEROUS TOURIST & VISITOR DESTINATION

4.1. Support a themed approach to tourism along with attracting events that can benefit from our area’s characteristics that will extend our tourist season.

4.2. Develop visitor services and experiences which maximise the opportunities provided by the Camden Haven river Inlet and facilities.

5. VIBRANT COMMUNITY

5.1. Ensure connections to the whole of Camden Haven capture geographic and social diversity.

5.2. Ensure key decision makers and stakeholders of the community interact and consult with the community.

5.3. Create a social and culturally inclusive environment for all demographics (including age, gender, Aboriginality, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic).

5.4. Activate spaces and foster community activities and events that cultivate community engagement.

34 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL 6. WELL-PROTECTED NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

6.1. Ensure our coast and waterways are protected and are pristine, vibrant and healthy by managing water culture, infrastructure (e.g. pathways), land development and the subsequent pressures of an increase in population.

6.2. Ensure that development (residential and commercial) respects the proximity to existing natural environments to protect and maintain the resilience of existing native vegetation and wildlife corridors.

6.3. Manage and control the impacts of an increasing population on our environment, including waste, introduced fauna and flora, to ensure our environmental values are maintained and that our natural environment remains a positive reason to move to the area.

6.4. Ensure that plantings, weed management and infrastructure uses species that are endemic to the area and that public infrastructure is an environmental asset, not a liability.

6.5. Support and encourage community groups such as Landcare, Bushcare and Dunecare in the Camden Haven.

7. THRIVING LAURIETON MAIN STREET

7.1. Develop a Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan with an evolvable theme that capitalises on the connection to waterways, North Brother (Dooragan) Mountain and Laurieton’s heritage and provides opportunities for community events and entertainment. The Plan should embrace smart technologies and maximise our environmental values. The area needs to be sustainably funded and maintained and must be able to optimise traffic management and parking.

7.2. Upgrade identified traffic infrastructure (footpaths; pedestrian crossings and refuges; roads and cycleways) to ensure the safety of all users and to support the development of a vibrant community.

7.3. Work collaboratively with Council to improve the existing retail and business infrastructure (e.g. facelift for shops, Food Van Policy).

Sculpture by Rick Reynolds

35 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN 12. THE FUTURE OF THE CAMDEN HAVEN

The Camden Haven was built on the logging and fishing industries which have been drastically reduced in the last 40 years. The Camden Haven, like most smaller regional areas, has had to reinvent its core industries for the 21st century.

However, the future of the Camden Haven appears resilient with the growth of the visitor economy and the retirement industry in the area. An increasing number of people are choosing to visit from the cities and/or retire to the area. Families are also moving here for employment - stimulating the local economy, whilst young families are motivated by the affordability of housing compared to the national profile.

The quality of life and high levels of personal and collective well-being are of prime concern to all residents, young and old. Future public infrastructure should enhance the area’s natural attributes and add to the quality of life by fostering outdoor activities and meeting places. Accessibility and availability of infrastructure and development needs to be based on an inclusive and universal design, regardless of ability or mental health. Our aim is to be an inclusive community that embraces differences and all levels of physical and social ability.

Whether these people move into purpose-built retirement villages, purchase one of many villa complexes, purchase a free standing home or visit holiday accommodation, they create many employment opportunities. There is a growing demand for non-vehicular access around the area through shared pedestrian and cycleways, as well as access for mobility scooters.

Our area is anticipated to grow from what was about 6,045 residents in 2016 to just over 6,550 residents by 2036. However the majority of new residential development in the Camden Haven is taking place at the Laurieton Residential Resort and in Kew/Kendal.

The growing demographic of the area is supported by the “Camden Haven CCAT Community Plan” and is in alignment with the needs of our future industry, economy and population growth.

Our Community Plan is a working document that will evolve as the concerns and priorities of the community change.

36 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL APPENDIX A: THE LAURIETON FLAG REPRESENTING THE CAMDEN HAVEN

The ‘Laurieton Flag’ does a wonderful job if representing the Camden Haven area with the colours representing the geographical and social features of the community.

The flag was created in 1988 as part of a federally-funded Bicentennial Project. A local women’s group (the CWA) co-ordinated a competition to create a flag that represented the local area. Flags were also created for Bonny Hills and Kendall. The resulting flag was not one specific entry, but an accumulation of ideas submitted and was designed by Carmel Dowse..

Elements of the Flag: • On the hoist, in pride of place - Dooragan Mountain - named North Brother Mountain by Captain Cook in 1770 and shown in green to represent both the beauty and natural environment as well as the pioneer timber industry of years gone by; • The fish in the centre of the flag represents both the fishing industry and recreational fishing. It also symbolises the unity of the villages surrounding the estuary (North Haven, Camden Head, Dunbogan, Deauville, Laurieton, West Haven, and Lakewood). The fish leaping is also a symbol of ‘Growth and Energy’; • The mid-blue at the bottom of the flag represents the river, lakes and streams which surround the mountain; the dark (or royal blue) is the ocean and the light blue at the top is the sky. Each blue is important to our way of life and survival. • The yellow is the sand of our beaches, coastline and recreation; • The white is a sign of hope.

Thank you to Pam Vine and Carmel Dowse.

37 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN APPENDIX B: COUNCIL’S STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND PROJECTS ENGAGEMENT & PLANNING CYCLE PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL DOCUMENTS ENGAGEMENT & PLANNING CYCLE

Natural Community Leadership & Business & & Built Life Governance Industry Environment

• Pedestrian • Cultural Plan • Community • Economic Access and (2018 - 2021) Engagement Development COMMUNITY Mobility • Art in Public Policy and Strategy (2017- STRATEGIC PLAN Management Places Policy Strategy1 2021) 1 What the community wants Plan (2015 & (2002) • Commercial • Greater Port 2017) • Community Business Units Macquarie • Integrated Inclusion Plan Plans Destination Water Cycle (2020 - 2021)2 Management COMMUNITY PLANNING • Local Strategic Management • Disability Plan Planning (IWCM) Strategy Inclusion Action Statement2 (2020)2 Plan (2017 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT • Urban Growth 2021) Management Strategy (2017 - 2036) • Recreation RESOURCING DELIVERY OPERATIONAL QUARTERLY Action Plan STRATEGY PROGRAM PLAN & ANNUAL (2017 - 2025) 10 YEAR PLAN 4 YEAR PLAN 1 YEAR PLAN REPORTS • Local Environmental Plan (2011) How to deliver what What we will commit Individual actions to How we are • Biodiversity the community wants to deliver be undertaken performing Strategy (2017- 2030) Per iew • Development petua & rev l monitoring Control Plan (2013) • Draft Coastal Koala Plan of Management (2018) • Koala Recovery

State Policies and Plans Strategy (2018) 1 - Updated Plan under development • Bike Plan (2015) 2 - Under development • NSW State Environmental Planning Policies (2017) • North Coast Regional Plan (2036)

38 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL A number of Council’s strategic and planning documents are intrinsically linked to the development of Community Planning in the region. Some of these key documents are shown below.

ENGAGEMENT & PLANNING CYCLE PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL DOCUMENTS PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL DOCUMENTS

Natural Community Leadership & Business & & Built Life Governance Industry Environment

• Pedestrian • Cultural Plan • Community • Economic Access and (2018 - 2021) Engagement Development COMMUNITY Mobility • Art in Public Policy and Strategy (2017- STRATEGIC PLAN Management Places Policy Strategy1 2021) 1 What the community wants Plan (2015 & (2002) • Commercial • Greater Port 2017) • Community Business Units Macquarie • Integrated Inclusion Plan Plans Destination Water Cycle (2020 - 2021)2 Management COMMUNITY PLANNING • Local Strategic Management • Disability Plan Planning (IWCM) Strategy Inclusion Action Statement2 (2020)2 Plan (2017 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT • Urban Growth 2021) Management Strategy (2017 - 2036) • Recreation RESOURCING DELIVERY OPERATIONAL QUARTERLY Action Plan STRATEGY PROGRAM PLAN & ANNUAL (2017 - 2025) 10 YEAR PLAN 4 YEAR PLAN 1 YEAR PLAN REPORTS • Local Environmental Plan (2011) How to deliver what What we will commit Individual actions to How we are • Biodiversity the community wants to deliver be undertaken performing Strategy (2017- 2030) Per iew • Development petua & rev l monitoring Control Plan Other documents relevant to the Camden Haven: (2013) • Camden Haven Estuary Management Plan (2001) • Draft Coastal • Camden Haven Bicycle Network (2015) Koala Plan of • Camden Haven S2S Strategic Alignment Study (2015) Management (2018) • Koala Recovery

39 CAMDEN HAVEN COMMUNITY PLAN PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL

PO Box 84 Port Macquarie NSW Australia 2444 DX 7415

[email protected] pmhc.nsw.gov.au

ABN 11 236 901 601

PORT MACQUARIE OFFICE 17 Burrawan Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Telephone (02) 6581 8111 Facsimile (02) 6581 8123

WAUCHOPE OFFICE 49 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 Telephone (02) 6589 6500

LAURIETON OFFICE 9 Laurie Street, Laurieton NSW 2443 Telephone (02) 6559 9958 pmhc.nsw.gov.au

40 PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL