Tea Gardens set for population boom

Growth spurt: It is estimated the Parry's Cove project will result in a population boost of about 2000 over the next decade.

The Hunter Central Coast Regional Planning Panel has signed off on plans for a 559 residential-lot development, known as Parry's Cove, on the edge of the Myall River at Tea Gardens.

It is estimated the project will boost the area's population by about 2000 over the next decade.

Surrounded by 100 hectares of bushland, the Sheargold project is regarded as a short to medium term solution to the shortage of housing on the northern edge of Port Stephens.

Construction for the project, which is expected to inject more than $840 million into the local economy, is due to commence in mid-2023.

It will generate about 1,900 construction jobs over 10 years and provide a net increase of approximately 560 jobs.

The project also features over 114 hectares of biobank lands, which will be protected into perpetuity.

"There has been a significant investment of both time and resources to achieve this milestone for the Parry's Cove project. Whilst we are unfortunately not as progressed as we initially anticipated eight years ago, we look forward to commencing delivery of a high-quality community to complement the natural beauty of the area", Sheargold managing director Michael Sheargold said.

Community hub: Parry's Cove will feature multi-age fitness areas and a state-of-the-art wellness centre with an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium.

Project marketing head and Tea Gardens local Rick Wraight said the project would have a wide-ranging impact on the "North Shore of Port Stephens".

"It will be quite extraordinary when you consider how it will affect the area's social structure, commercial enterprise and facilities," he said.

"We are only 35 minutes away from Newcastle Airport and the RAAF base, which we expect will be a significant employment hub for people from Parry's Cove."

It is envisaged the entire Parry's Cove Community will deliver approximately 900 dwellings once approval is obtained for a further two stages, which are yet to be submitted to Mid Coast Council.

Tea Gardens local Gordon Grainger said he supported the project.

"From my point of view we need this development and we need younger people moving into the area," he said.

"The reality is that we are now only two hours away from Sydney and it is inevitable that more people will want to move up here."

The project is named after two of the area's early pioneers Sir William Edward Parry and his wife Lady Isabella Louisa Parry.