The Planning Forum was managed by internationally recognised Planning Consultants, Roberts Day, a company that has had considerable experience in identifying the character of many coastal communities, and adopting plans to reflect the community's aspirations.

The results of extensive community input into the Forum culminated in a presentation to over 110 local residents at the Hawks Nest Community Hall on the Friday night.

"We remain indebted to so many local residents of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest who gave up so much of their time to assist the Roberts Day Planning team come up with such a well thought out approach," said Mr Cox.

Mr Cox said his instructions to Roberts Day were simple.

"We wanted a plan for the development of the land we have been entrusted to develop on the western side of Tea Gardens that; preserves the character of our iconic town, reinforces the unique community spirit and protects and enhances the natural assets of the area.

"Feed back we have received since then convinces us that the Roberts Day team delivered us a vision that we can all be proud of," continued Mr Cox.

"Our task now, is to convince council and the Department of Planning that the 'low key' principles embodied in our vision should guide our town's expansion, rather than the much more intensive style of development proposed in Great Lakes Council's recent Housing Strategy," he added.

Over the next few weeks, the Roberts Day planning team, in conjunction with Crighton's consultants, will be refining the draft plan with a view to making a formal presentation to Great Lakes Council and the Department of Planning in March.

If things go according to plan, Crighton hopes to start the first of the new roads in the Masterplan later this year.