Future use of Tomaree Lodge Site

In 2023, the NSW Government completed a community consultation program on the potential future uses of the Tomaree Lodge site. A copy of the final report can be found below.

Tomaree Lodge Site Potential Future Uses Report (PDF, 6.1 MB)

Consultation for Tomaree Lodge closed on Friday 6 January 2023. We received more than 500 survey responses and submissions.

The NSW Government acknowledges the strong interest in the future of this important site and reaffirms its commitment to retaining Tomaree Lodge for public and recreational use, in ways that celebrate its heritage significance, cultural importance and protect its unspoilt beauty and environmental value.

A Community Engagement Committee will be established in the coming weeks, with an EOI for members of the public to join the group and provide a community voice.

Background information

Tomaree Lodge was a former Large Residential Centre (LRC) for people with disabilities. The decision to redevelop all LRCs was made by the NSW Government in 1998, predating the NDIS, and has had bipartisan support. The NSW Government closed the last of the large residential centres as they did not provide residents a quality of life, inclusion or opportunities for social participation available to other citizens.

The site was later subject to a land claim by the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council. In October 2022, the Land and Environment Court of NSW handed down its decision, dismissing the claim and determined the NSW Government will retain the site.

DCJ is working collaboratively with the Department of Planning and Environment, Create NSW, Port Stephens Council and a range of internal and external stakeholders, including Shoal Bay residents, to ensure the success of the consultation process and future planning for this important site.