Community invited to help shape Raymond Terrace’s future

newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council is calling on residents to help shape the future of Raymond Terrace as it prepares a new Place Plan for the town.

The plan will replace the Raymond Terrace–Heatherbrae Strategy, which has guided the direction of Raymond Terrace since 2015 and aims to strengthen the town as a major regional centre and a place to live, work and play.

Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said Raymond Terrace was growing and it was time to work with the community on a new plan for its future.

“Our Local Housing Strategy shows that Raymond Terrace has the potential to support 2,500 new homes and it’s vital that these are the right kind of homes,” Mayor Anderson said.

“The new Place Plan will help ensure the town remains affordable and accessible for all generations.

“We want our young people to be able to afford to live here, and our seniors to have the option to downsize without needing to leave their friends and family.

“By planning for a variety of housing types, like townhouses and smaller units, we can help every generation stay connected to Raymond Terrace,” Mayor Anderson added.

Council said the Place Plan would set out the community’s vision for Raymond Terrace and identify practical actions to achieve it, while celebrating the town’s character and guiding investment in housing and public spaces.

Mayor Anderson said previous community feedback had already highlighted key concerns.

“We know from your feedback already that safety, the upkeep of our parks, better walking, cycling, and transport connections are major concerns,” Mayor Anderson said.

“We’re looking at real fixes with your input to make sure this plan reflects what matters most.

“This is an important opportunity for residents to have a say in this new plan and how their town grows,” Mayor Anderson added.

“We have a community workshop scheduled this week for the community to share their thoughts, and an online option for people to have their say at a time that is convenient to them.”

Residents are invited to attend a community workshop from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, 26 March, at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, 2 Jacaranda Avenue. Feedback can also be provided through the Have Your Say Port Stephens website until 7 April 2026.