Hawks Nest: beach, koalas and vibrant business
Published on 22 December 2017
The way forward for revitalising the Hawks Nest business area is now open, with the NSW Government gazetting planning rules developed by MidCoast Council and the local community.
"This is a great step forward in planning for future business growth of Hawks Nest" says Council's Manager Strategic Planning, Roger Busby. "We've been working closely with the Hawks Nest community, and with the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association since 2014 to identify and develop a plan that will meet the needs of business and the community into the future."
Following extensive community consultation from 2014 until 2016, a unique planning proposal was developed that provided for two separate business zones in Hawks Nest, and also provided protection for the beloved koala colony that calls the Hawks Nest village home.
Two areas of land in Hawks Nest have been rezoned, which will allow more land for housing in the town centre and create greater flexibility for business opportunities near Bennetts Beach.
The rezoning of certain areas in the town centre to environmental protection will assist in protecting the endangered Hawks Nest / Tea Gardens Koala population, providing koala habitat right alongside the existing business zone - a beautiful drawcard for visitors and locals alike.
There's more land close the business and habitat hub now available for residential development as well.
The opportunity is now available for small-scale businesses, retail and food outlets to locate close to Bennetts Beach. Trevor Jennings, of the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association said "we're pleased that Council listened to the community and took on their ideas and those of the Association, to create a vibrant coastal feel for this area, alongside the beach which will enhance the scenic and leisure opportunities available in this location and create a space for local people and visitors to enjoy together".
The vision for this area is to attract specific leisure and recreational businesses close to beautiful Bennetts Beach, quite different from the more functional service businesses of the village in the existing Hawks Nest business area.
"The two rezoned areas are designed to complement each other and provide for the quite separate and specific commercial opportunities that the community has identified as crucial for the village's future" added Roger Busby.
"The community has told us they want to revitalise the business area of Hawks Nest, and they are also looking to breathe new life into the village, to create a new, exciting buzz to their beautiful and unique part of the world that helps it stand apart from other north coast destinations."