Residents living in the Williamtown Management Area will benefit from rate relief after Councillors last night voted in favour of reducing rates for those properties affected by PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). Mayor Ryan Palmer says whilst the policy will need to be placed on exhibition, the move is expected to save residents living in the Management Area hundreds of dollars. “We’re looking at any way we can help the people living in the Williamtown Management Area, and a rate reduction is certainly something that will come as a relief for residents affected by PFAS,” Mayor Palmer said.
It's a wonderful reflection on our community that so many people are willing to roll up their sleeves and give their time to make Port Stephens a better place to live, work and play.
Port Stephens Council is fortunate to have more than 700 volunteers who work across our libraries and Visitor Information Centre; our parks, reserves and cemeteries; our halls and community centres; and our heritage and cultural groups to help us deliver better facilities and services.
This National Volunteer Week, I want to express my gratitude to all our volunteers who make our community a better place. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and is certainly not underestimated.
To mark the end of this special week, Port Stephens Council is proud to be partnering with the Nelson Bay Civic Pride Group to deliver on a key Nelson Bay Next project – a working bee to refresh the Nelson Bay Town Centre.
A hundred volunteers and Council staff will be getting their hands dirty cleaning, painting and gardening to beautify Nelson Bay – myself included.
It’s fantastic to see so many people willing to show their pride for Nelson Bay by getting involved, pitching in and making a difference. It’s this pride that makes Port Stephens such a wonderful community to be a part of.
For more information on how you can become a volunteer in Port Stephens, contact Council on 4980 0255 or email volunteers@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
Wayne.
Decision on sale of 109 Foreshore Drive deferred
A strong majority of Port Stephens Councillors last night voted to defer a decision on the sale of a cleared parcel of land at 109 Foreshore Drive, Salamander Bay, to give Councillors time to visit the block of land and seek further community feedback. Mayor Ryan Palmer says it is a positive outcome. “This decision will enable Councillors to visit the site and see for themselves that access to the foreshore for both the community and our local koala population will still be maintained if they decide to proceed," he said.
National Volunteer Week runs from 21-27 May and is an opportunity to acknowledge the generous contribution of our local volunteers. With over 700 in number, Port Stephens Council’s volunteers dedicate their time and effort for the benefit of their community, culture, economy and environment. Port Stephens. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them for the work they do. Just by giving a little of their time, volunteers make the world of difference to the whole community of Port Stephens," he said.
Councillors last night unanimously refused a Development Application for a single-storey dwelling at 182 Port Stephens Drive, Salamander Bay. Councillors thanked the community for their interest, which resulted in a large amount of submissions made in relation to the DA. For further information on the reasons for refusal, visit Council's website to read the meeting minutes.
Picture: Kathy Brown
Rate Council in Community Satisfaction Survey
If you live in Port Stephens, you're encouraged to have your say on how Council is performing by participating in the 2018 Community Satisfaction Survey. The annual survey is an opportunity to give valuable feedback on Council’s performance across a range of areas, including maintenance, facilities, waste, consultation, communication and much more.
BLUE takes us on a provocative journey into the ocean realm, witnessing a critical moment in time when the marine world is on a precipice. Support OCCI - Ocean & Coastal Care Initiatives on Friday 8 June 2018 at Nelson Bay Cinema where there will be presentations, live music, raffle prizes, and more from 6pm.
As a result of community consultation, the intersection of Success Street and Lemon Tree Passage Road in Tanilba Bay will be permanently closed to traffic following the construction of a new roundabout. Motorists will still be able to access Success Street via President Wilson Walk.
The decision to close the road was made after consultation with residents on the design of the new roundabout at the intersection of Lemon Tree Passage Road and Avenue of the Allies.
Council meeting - Tuesday 22 May The following is a brief overview of last night's Council meeting.
For full details, you can view the agenda and minutes on Council's website.
Council refused DA 16-2017-936-1 for the construction of a dwelling at 182 Port Stephens Drive, Salamander Bay.
Council endorsed rate relief for the Williamtown Management Area as part of the amended Statement of Revenue Policy placed it on public exhibition.
Council endorsed the following policies and placed them on public exhibition:
Revised Integrated Risk Management Policy
Pecuniary Interest Returns – Lodgment Policy
Revised Access to Information Policy
Revised Internal Reporting Policy
Council approved $2,500 financial assistance for the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens for the purchase of a 'Gator' tractor.
Council deferred Mayor Palmer's Notice of Motion to sell the parcel of land at 109 Foreshore Drive, Salamander Bay to allow a site inspection and public consultation.
Council supported Cr Le Mottee's Notice of Motion to publicly recognise the outstanding achievements of the Port Stephens Cricket Club.
