Council is constructing a new play space for the Camden Haven thanks to a $302,250 grant from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Grant Program.

Laurie Street, Laurieton was initially identified as a potential location, however, the site is inappropriate for a play space due to its Aboriginal and European historical significance.

Purpose

Our goal is to deliver an inclusive recreational hub for locals and visitors alike, however, this public exhibition is focussed on allowing people to have their say on the best location.

While a number of factors must be considered before making a decision, certain parcels of land within Bruce Porter Reserve, which meet essential criteria have been identified.

We'd love to know your preference via the survey and map below.

The map below shows potential play space sites (yellow areas), with shaded areas indicating areas which have already been assessed as inappropriate.

Important considerations

  • Appropriate land zoning (RE1 - Public Recreation)
  • Amount of available space
  • Existing vegetation and landforms
  • Proximity to other facilities
  • Flood risk and mitigation
  • Accessibility
  • Safety
  • Potential environmental impacts (a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is underway)
  • Impact on existing neighbourhood and community activities
  • Must be a new, 'destination' play space, for the betterment of the Camden Haven's growing community, to meet NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation Grant funding requirements
  • In line with sentiments from previous community engagements
  • Follows Council's Places to Play Plan and the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play Guidelines.

Play Space design

The design cannot be completed until the final location is confirmed, however, it will feature similar nature themes and play equipment which received positive feedback during Laurie Street Play Space community consultation. This includes elements such as a double flying fox, trampoline, double slide, double bay swing and nest seat, animal rocker, xylophone, balance and climbing obstacles and picnic tables.

This artist's impression is indicative of play elements. The final design will be based on feedback and further investigations.

History

Community engagement regarding a regional play space for the Camden Haven dates back to December 2020, when Council, in partnership with the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, undertook an Enquiry by Design process with the aim of informing a Draft Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan. This process included the introduction of a regional play space in Laurieton. Further consultation on the draft master plan was conducted from November 2021 to March 2022.

The need for a new play space was also identified in Council’s Places to Play Plan (Play Spaces), which was on public exhibition in 2024, and adopted at the July 2025 Ordinary Council meeting.

A new play space was originally proposed for Laurie Street, Laurieton and placed on public exhibition in early 2025. Due to feedback regarding historical significance of the site Council decided it would not be constructed at that location. The full Engagement Report can be found under Documents.

How to get involved

You can have your say on the most appropriate location for the new play space in the following ways:

  • Share your thoughts via the survey below
  • Drop a pin on the map below
  • Email council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
  • Write to
    CEO Port Macquarie Hastings Council
    PO Box 84
    Port Macquarie NSW 2444

All submissions must be received by 5pm on 12 September 2025.

Next steps

Once the public exhibition has closed, all feedback will be carefully reviewed, and a decision on the preferred site will be communicated via this page. As we move forward with the project, we'll keep you updated on timelines.

Thank you for interest in this important community project.

Place a pin on map

Survey