Completed projects for Shoal Bay Place Plan

Applications for Round 3 of the Uptown Accelerator program closed in May with 'Shoal Bay Synergy' successfully applying and being accepted into the program. The team is made up of 10 local businesses, and will join another 37 District Teams across Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, the Hunter, Greater Newcastle and Central Coast to participate in the program.

The Uptown Accelerator is an innovative, first-of-its-kind program for businesses which aims to unlock the potential of going-out districts across town centres by:

  • empowering District Teams to collaboratively develop their district identity; and
  • equipping District Teams with the skills and networks to attract partners and consumers to their District.

The Accelerator culminates with the District Showcase where teams are given the opportunity to pitch their vision to potential partners and collaborators. The Showcase will be held on the evening of 2 October 2024 in Sydney. We would like to congratulate the following businesses and look forward to hearing about their experience in the program:

  • Shoal Bay Newsagency
  • Zenith Hotels
  • Shoal Bay IGA
  • Mediterranean King Kebab
  • Covet Couture/Inguz
  • Port Stephens Paddle Sports
  • Business Port Stephens
  • Shoal Bay Country Club
  • PDA Investments Unit Trust
  • Wyndham Vacation Clubs – Ramada Resort

This project relates to Actions 14 and 18 of the Shoal Bay Place Plan.

uptown accelerator information session

We're excited to share news of a new event we're working on: the Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival, planned for Saturday 30 November 2024. This event aims to celebrate the quality of food, Port Stephens and the region, has to offer.

The Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival will attract locals and visitors to the Shoal Bay foreshore, showcasing the Bay's incredible natural beauty throughout the afternoon, sunset and into the evening. 

Port Stephens Council was successful in its grant application for funding from 'Transport for NSW Open Streets Program', which will fund this event. More information will be shared as the date approaches.

This project relates to Actions 10 and 16 of the Shoal Bay Place Plan.

sunset at shoal bay overlooking the water

Council has joined forces with the Town Teams Movement, a non-profit company that enables local communities and governments to connect, organise and act to regenerate the fabric of their neighbourhoods and create better places.

Port Stephens Council is the first Council in NSW to actively promote the Town Teams approach, and we're proud to be working with the local community to create vibrant places that support social wellbeing and enhance liveability.

A series of information sessions were held in Shoal Bay in April and May with over 100 people in attendance, keen to learn more and providing great ideas on community projects that would enhance Shoal Bay. Council has been contacted by a number of residents who would like to formalise a Town Team for Shoal Bay and we will advertise the first meeting after the team has been announced.

If you'd like more information or would like to join the Shoal Bay Town Team, please contact our Vibrant Places Team on 4988 0255 and we can put you in touch.

This project relates to Action 4 of the Shoal Bay Place Plan.

People attending Shoal Bay Food and Wine Festival