Council endorses 20-year vision for Medowie Town Centre

newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council has unanimously endorsed the Medowie Town Centre Masterplan, setting a 20-year direction for a greener, better-connected town centre as the suburb continues to grow.

The endorsement this week moves the project from planning into delivery, with the masterplan outlining how land in the centre of Medowie can be developed to support a population expected to exceed 20,000 residents by 2041. The plan was prepared by Council in partnership with Moir Landscape Architecture.

The final version was shaped by extensive public feedback, including 242 community survey responses received during an 80-day public exhibition period. Council said the process showed broad support for more shops, a permanent library and inclusive recreation spaces.

In response to community concerns about traffic, skate park noise and housing density, Council approved a series of design changes rather than altering the overall vision. Those revisions include upgrades to the loop road and pathway network to improve traffic safety, additional mixed-use shopping buildings, and a relocated playground designed to improve usability.

The masterplan sets out five distinct hubs across the town centre, including a renewed community zone, a mixed-use shopping precinct, a village green, and dedicated residential and parkland areas.

Deputy Mayor Chris Doohan said the endorsement delivered on a long-term commitment to Medowie residents.

“This Masterplan is a critical action straight out of our Medowie Place Plan and provides a roadmap for the future of Medowie,” Deputy Mayor Doohan said.

“Medowie is our fastest-growing suburb and is home to our youngest demographic. This blueprint will guide exactly how this land can be developed to better serve our growing population,” Deputy Mayor Doohan added.

Central Ward Councillor Jason Wells said the plan gave certainty to families and young people about key community facilities.

“Our community wanted to know if highly anticipated projects like a new library and skate park were locked in, and this endorsement confirms they are,” Councillor Wells said.

“Planning for a permanent library service is a core feature of this hub, offering books, digital tools, and study areas for all ages. We’re also officially bringing a new town centre skate park to life. The Kids Active Zone, including the skate park, will be designed through further consultation with the community to ensure it responds to local needs and aspirations,” Councillor Wells added.

Central Ward Councillor Ben Niland said the endorsed masterplan would help Council seek major regional infrastructure funding and guide future development.

“We cannot build a modern town centre without a staged plan, which is why endorsing this masterplan is so important,” Councillor Ben Niland said.

“It sets up a clear framework to secure state and federal grants for big civil projects, road safety upgrades, and improved pedestrian links connecting neighbourhoods straight into the heart of town.”

“The initial stages will prioritise these essential upgrades using a mix of external grant funding and development contributions. This groundwork is a major step forward as Council actively focuses on the momentum needed to commence actual work on the ground,” Councillor Niland added.

The village green will also include a war memorial, intended to provide a permanent place for major commemorative services including ANZAC Day.

“As a proud veteran, it is deeply meaningful to be able to establish a war memorial within the village green that will host major services like ANZAC Day,” Deputy Mayor Doohan said.

“This space will serve as a lasting place for reflection and commemoration, ensuring our community can always come together to show their respects,” Deputy Mayor Doohan concluded.

The endorsed masterplan can be viewed at pscouncil.info/medowie-town-centre-masterplan.