Your Port Summer 2025
Welcome message from the Mayor
Welcome to 2025! Last year was a busy one for Port Stephens, and I’m so proud of what we accomplished. We really focused on making our community more inclusive and vibrant. We made some awesome improvements to places like Little Beach in Nelson Bay, adding things like a Changing Places toilet, beach wheelchairs, and wider pathways to make sure everyone can enjoy our beautiful beaches. We also put a lot of effort into our Community Wellbeing Strategy and our Disability Inclusion Action Plan, showing our commitment to the wellbeing of all our residents.
We have also invested in improving our roads to enhance safety and better connect our community. Through strong advocacy with State and Federal Governments, we secured significant grant funding that expedited roadworks in each Ward. Notable projects include Tomaree Road in the East, Avenue of the Allies in Central, and Italia Road in the West. We recognise there’s still much to be done regarding our road network, and improving it remains one of the highest priorities for the elected Council.
We made significant progress in planning to tackle our housing challenges by adopting our Local Housing Strategy. We are actively collaborating with our community to support individuals experiencing
homelessness, as well as partnering with State and Federal Governments and community housing providers to increase the availability of affordable housing options.
It was fantastic to celebrate the New Year with the amazing McGrath Port Stephens New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Nelson Bay. Equally exciting is Australia Day, where we welcome our newest citizens and recognise the incredible contributions of our amazing community members at our 2024 Annual Awards presentation.
Since our election, my fellow Councillors and I have worked hard together to understand what matters most to you. We’re committed to making sure your voice is heard in our decision making and that Council services truly meet your needs.
As we move forward in 2025, our priorities remain the same. We’ll continue to invest in our roads to make them even better for everyone. We’ll keep working hard to find solutions to the housing affordability challenge and increase the variety of housing options available. And most importantly, we’ll always be open and honest with you, our community.
I’m confident that by working together, we can build an even brighter future for Port Stephens.
LAnderson
Leah Anderson, Mayor of Port Stephens
Meet your Councillors
Our Council is made up of a popularly elected Mayor and 9 Councillors, representing our 3 wards – West, Central and East. We have 5 new and 4 returning councillors for their 4 year term.
Delivering for Port Stephens
Creating more homes in Port Stephens
With ongoing investment in our region and the expansion of the Newcastle Airport, Port Stephens is becoming an even more attractive place to call home. In fact, over the next 20 years, we can expect over 20,000 people to join our community. To meet this growing demand, we’ve been working hard to ensure a diverse mix of housing options are available. Recently, we launched a new video series, ‘Demystifying Development Applications’, making it easier for our community to navigate the Development Application (DA) process and contribute to housing growth.
This initiative aligns with our broader Housing Delivery Program, funded by the Australian Government. This series is one of our first steps towards accelerating housing delivery, cutting red tape, and fostering a thriving community.
Learn more at pscouncil.info/demystifying-development-applications
Innovative Smart Parking at Anna Bay
We’ve implemented a Smart Parking system at Birubi Headland and Robinson Reserve in Anna Bay. This camerabased technology eliminates the need for disruptive in-ground sensors, protecting the delicate beach environment and respecting the Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Remember – smart parking is free for residents, ratepayers and employees of local businesses. Time based restrictions still apply. Learn more at pscouncil.info/smartparking
Record investment in road safety
Smart Parking benefits everyone. Experience fair and flexible parking with improved turnover, enhanced pedestrian and motorist safety, and enjoy the benefit of knowing that revenue generated from Smart Parking will fund public space improvements in Anna Bay.
The 2024 and 2025 budget for road repairs is the highest in our Council’s history. This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to addressing the community’s and Councillors’ top priority: safer roads for everyone. An allocation of an additional $1.4 million from the Special Rate Variation will accelerate essential road maintenance and upgrades.
Our road repair program focuses on two key types of work:
Heavy patching Resurfacing
involves removing the damaged road surface, reinforcing the base, and applying a new layer of asphalt or a spray seal. rejuvenates aging roads by applying a new layer of asphalt or a stone chip seal directly over the existing surface. This prevents water damage and further deterioration.
Stay informed on what heavy patching and resurfacing road repairs are happening near you each week at pscouncil.info/roads-maintenance
Site supervisors and
Register a Clean Up site
Step up and create a Clean Up event! Get your friends, family and local community group together to make an impact that improves your environment. You’ll be sent a free starter kit that contains bags, gloves and everything you need to create a safe, fun and effective Clean Up.
Join a Clean Up
Search for a Clean Up event near you by entering your postcode or suburb on the website.
Get involved at cleanup.org.au
Keep track of all things waste in one place, from bin days, upcoming drop off days and kerbside collection – we’ve got you covered.
for download for Android and Apple devices.
February
Peter Wilson Memorial Cup Sat 1 and Sun 2
Tomaree Sports Complex, Nelson Bay
Library Lovers Day
Fri 14, 2pm
Raymond Terrace and Tomaree Libraries
March
Shoal Bay Food & Wine Festival
Sat 1, 3 to 9pm
Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay
Clean Up Australia Day Sun 2
Seniors Week Mon 3 to Sun 16
International Women’s Day Wed 8
Find out what’s on this Summer at your Libraries
This Summer, Port Stephens Libraries have a full program of exciting activities and events to keep everyone entertained! Meet your favourite authors, join the school holiday fun and discover a range of other events.
Learn more by subscribing to our e-newsletter, following us on Facebook or visiting pscouncil.info/library-events