The NSW Government says it is still committed to keeping the Tomaree Lodge at Port Stephens for community use, after a Worimi claim on the land was rejected yesterday in the Land and Environment Court.
The government says it will call for public consultation on the future of the former large residential disability centre for 60 days from the end of October.
The decision by Justice Rachel Pepper came after two claims - lodged in 2015 and 2019 - were rejected at ministerial level, leading the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council to turn to the Land and Environment Court in 2020.
Justice Pepper upheld the government's contention that the land was legally occupied and "needed, or likely to be needed, for an essential public service" in dismissing the Worimi claim.
The Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, said on Thursday that the government would open consultation with the community at the end of this month to help decide the "best future use of the site".
"The NSW Government recognises the importance of Tomaree Lodge to the Port Stephens community, and we are immediately looking to plan the future of the site with a focus on the needs of the local community," Mrs Maclaren-Jones, a member of the NSW Legislative Council, said.
"From the end of October we will be consulting with the community and interested parties including Port Stephens Council, Worimi Aboriginal Land Council, and local community groups about how best to re-purpose Tomaree Lodge for community use."
Tomaree Lodge was used by the military during WWII before becoming a mental hospital and then finally a home for people with disability. It was slated for closure in 2013 when the NSW government moved to shut all of the state's large residential centres - including the Stockton Centre and Kanangra at Morisset - at the same time as the NDIS was beginning.
It took until May last year to finally empty Tomaree, and Labor state member for Port Stephens Kate Washington has campaigned to ensure the site is not sold. In the leadup to the 2019 state election, the Coalition also pledged to keep the site in public ownership.
Both sides of politics had been waiting for the outcome of the Worimi claim.
Ms Washington said that "now the legal processes have concluded, our community is finally able to have its say".
"We know the Liberal Government always wanted to sell this site, but our community fought to keep it in public hands," Ms Washington said.
'I've been proud to stand alongside our community every step of the way, and I'll be ensuring their great ideas steer the future course of this very special site."
RELATED READING: Stockton Centre redevelopment
Various uses have been suggested for Tomaree, with Labor MPs joining welfare advocates in August to propose that it and the Stockton Centre be used as temporary accommodation for homeless people.
In July, a group called Tomaree Headland Heritage Group unveiled its plan to have the site used for tourism and education. Soon after the newly formed Tomaree Cultural Development Group proposed a "mutli-use community and cultural precinct".
Taylor Martin, also a Liberal upper house member, is the parliamentary secretary for the Hunter.
Mr Martin joined the minister in encouraging members of the community to have their say.
"The Port Stephens community is passionate about the future of Tomaree Lodge, a\nd I'm looking forward to hearing more from the community about how this historic and iconic site can be repurposed," Mr Martin said.
Mrs Maclaren-Jones said the government "remains committed to allowing locals to decide how Tomaree Lodge is best used for their community".
The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group welcomed the news that the government had "re-affirmed its commitment to retain the site for community use".
It said its concept plans would soon be made public.
"This site now has the potential to have community stewardship which supports recognition that the Port Stephens people have a sense of custodial responsibility," chairman Peter Clough said yesterday.
The Herald has sought comment from the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on the Newcastle Herald website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. Sign up for a subscription here.
