After an extensive Expression of Interest process, 14 community members have been selected to play an active role in driving progress in Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae, Medowie and Nelson Bay. Three Implementation Panels have been created to drive progress in each town centre, with residents and local business members representing the community.
As we near the end of another year, it’s a great time to look back at what we’ve been able to achieve for our community over the past twelve months. From providing valued services to securing grant funding for major projects, Council has certainly worked hard to meet our Delivery Program objectives every day.
We’ve delivered more than $28 million worth of major projects, including building the Fern Bay Community Centre, Yacaaba Street Extension and Fingal Bay Rural Fire Station, to name a few. We’ve also upgraded key roads, pathways, amenities and boat ramps across Port Stephens, although there’s plenty more to come.
More than $165,000 has been awarded to community members and organisations to carry out their important work in enhancing our culture, heritage, environment and wellbeing across Port Stephens.
We signed the historic Road to Tomorrow Agreement, or Yabang-Gu-Butunga, with representatives from the Worimi and Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Councils — and we’re working to implement the actions set out for the next three years.
We’ve secured more than $11 million in grant funding from the NSW Government for a number of transformational projects. We’ll now be able to revitalise Apex Park and Robinson Reserve, build a Koala Sanctuary at One Mile and the Birubi Point Tourism Interchange, as well as spend provide much-needed upgrades to sport and recreation facilities across Port Stephens.
I’d encourage you to read more about our performance and our highlights for 2017-2018 in our Annual Report at portstephens.nsw.gov.au/annualreport.
It’s an exciting time to be in Port Stephens and I’m looking forward to achieving even more for our community in 2019.
Wayne
Thank you for keeping Port Stephens safe
We want to say a big thank you to the Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue, National Parks & Wildlife, Emergency Services, welfare agencies and all of the volunteers, community members and Council staff for your efforts during the Campvale/Salt Ash fire last week. Unfortunately, bushfires have become a common part of living in Port Stephens but without the hard work of many dedicated people, it could have been much worse. If you don't have a bushfire survival plan, now is the time to make one.
Our accessible beach day at Fingal Bay was a huge success, with our new floating wheelchairs making the beach a friendlier place for everyone. These chairs will be rolled out across Port Stephens to make sure everyone can enjoy our beautiful beaches. Big thanks to Ability Links, Accessible Beaches Australia and Surf Life Saving NSW for helping to make our beaches more accessible.
Time is running out to nominate someone who makes Port Stephens a great place to live, work or play for our Port Stephens Annual Awards. Nominations close Friday 30 November — get your application in now and show someone you value their contribution to our community!
Find out what's on this Christmas in Port Stephens and submit your event! We've put together this handy list with all you need to know about celebrating Christmas in Port Stephens.
Council meeting - Tuesday 27 November The following is a brief overview this week's Council meeting.
For full details, you can view the agenda and minutes on Council's website.
Council endorsed the implementation panels for the Nelson Bay Town Centre and Foreshore Strategy, the Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy and the Medowie Planning Strategy. The panels include residents and business representatives.
Council endorsed changes to the Strategy and Environment Section and the Facilities and Services Group Manager's service packages to deliver the required level of service in order to meet the organisation’s future needs.
Council adopted the Annual Report 2017-2018 which outlines the activities and operations of Council for the financial year and the audited financial statements of Council to 30 June 2018.
Council accepted the tender submitted from Graph Builders Pty Ltd for the construction of the Medowie Sports and Community Facility. The contract will include an expected construction period of ten months.
Council endorsed the revised Public Access to Records after 30 Years policy and placed it on public exhibition.
Council received and noted the annual reporting of Code of Conduct complaint statistics involving Mayor, Councillors and General Manager for the period 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018.
Council approved financial assistance:
$250 to Medowie Public School for end of year presentations
$250 to Sailability NSW for Inclusions Week celebrations
$1,500 to Caring for our Port Stephens Youth for room rent at Salamander Bay Library
