Independent MP Peter Besseling says the foreshore is as important to the people of Port Macquarie as the harbour is to Sydneysiders, and yet the Hastings Regional Crown Reserve still has no management plan that reflects the views of the community.

Four months after the closing date for public comment on a controversial draft plan of management for the reserve, the Member for Port Macquarie told Parliament yesterday that it was time the Lands and Property Management Authority made a decision that was in line with community sentiment.

“Questions have been asked about the future of Port Macquarie’s foreshore since 2006 when Lands called for expressions of interest to redevelop a section of Westport Park,” Mr Besseling said.

“Since then, redevelopment plans have been released and rejected, working groups have started and folded, summits have been held, 16,000 people have signed a petition, our council has adopted a foreshore masterplan and Lands has released its draft plan of management.

“The draft management plan referred to 29 reports – 18 prepared by our council and five from other state departments, some dating back to 1987.

“Despite the dollars spent on consultants and reports, and despite the efforts of the local community to protect and enhance the value of the foreshore, no one document has been produced that defines the future of Port Macquarie’s greatest asset.

“It is now time for the Lands and Property Management Authority to provide clear direction on this issue and to respect the obvious wishes of the people. There has been ample opportunity to gather information and opinion, and the entire exercise is now at risk of stalling due to paralysis by analysis.

“I look forward to a final plan of management that is both comprehensive in its approach to protecting the future public use of the area and reflective of the wishes of the people of Port Macquarie.”