Peter Middleton summarised the meeting held on Monday 2nd March 2026 with James Farrington NBC Director Planning & Place together with Mal McDonald, Executive Manager Strategic & Place Planning.
The meeting was attended by Gavin Butler, Glenn Moore, Peter Middleton & Selena Webber on behalf of the NRA. It was acknowledged at the Farrington meeting that the 3 workshops held last year with representatives of the precinct Landowners, the Community & Council highlighted significant points of difference.
The landholders requesting changes to floor-space ratios which would inevitably bring higher than 3-storey buildings which also leads to whether the Masterplan is adequate or needs revision. The split ownership of the Foamcrest carpark is also an issue.
The extension of the B-Line service to Newport is endorsed by landowners, retailers and some members of the community but those against are concerned the State Government may then open an opportunity for 6 or even 8 storey developments.
An extension of the 190 bus from Palm Beach was once again requested by those attending the last NRA meeting.
It was understood that James Farrington was meeting with some Landholders/potential developers following the meeting with the NRA. He indicated his series of meetings is an endeavour to crystallise the direction of his report to Council in April or May 2026. His options were that he could recommend no change to the Masterplan which may be detrimental to Newport or revise / expand the Newport Village Masterplan but focus on just the Robertson Rd precinct.
