DEAR News Of The Area, I AM writing regarding the Council’s proposal to sell off surplus parcels of land to fund road repairs. I agree in principle with the concept that road reserves no longer required for road purposes could be sold. But this is subject to an essential caveat. An over-riding requirement for any […]
Aussie Monopoly
Letter to the Editor: Mooring restrictions
DEAR News Of The Area, BOAT and yacht club members, mooring holders and marine industries in Port Stephens are very concerned about the recent restrictions imposed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) on acquisition, disposal and modifications to moorings. As I understand it, these restrictions and changes of policy were developed by DPI in […]
Letter to the Editor: Well done on the waterfront
DEAR News Of The Area, THE Mayor and her councillors, not forgetting staff, have done a terrific job at Shoal Bay waterfront. With the planting of trees, seating and electric BBQs residents and visitors can now enjoy our pristine waterways. Now all we need is a designated and managed parking area that will be close […]
Letter to the Editor: Cost-of-living failure
DEAR News Of The Area, UP until recently diabetics on a chronic health care plan received their five visits bulk billed to the podiatrists. Now podiatrists demand we pay a gap of about $30 per visit… on a pension this is another cost-of-living failure by the government. Why doesn’t the government arrange Medicare to pay […]
Letter to the Editor: Emissions policy offered ‘unrealistic goals’
DEAR News Of The Area, I WRITE in response to Kenneth Higgs’ recent letter regarding the suspension of the Port Stephens Council’s Emissions Reduction policy. Mr Higgs is entitled to his opinion, but his version of events deserves scrutiny. To claim that councillors who voted to suspend the policy acted on behalf of “polluting fossil […]
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
DEAR Jasminda, There has been so much hype around the gotcha moment when Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught in an embrace with his chief people officer at a Coldplay concert. Why is there so much interest? Jerry P. Dear Jerry, Coldplay songs cover the gamut of emotions. It’s one thing to drive a loved […]
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From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Leah Anderson
PORT Stephens is a community built on respect, kindness, and diversity. It’s what makes us strong, vibrant, and proud to call this place home. But lately, I’ve been concerned about what I’m seeing online, and I know many of you have noticed it too. In recent months, there’s been a rise in negative and, at […]
Letter to the Editor: Shoal Bay’s natural heritage must be retained
DEAR News Of The Area, IT WAS very disturbing to read in July’s EcoNetwork newsletter about the controversial Shoal Bay carpark proposal on crown reserve land. I am shocked by the lack of community consultation, transparency and a design that seeks the removal of beautiful, mature, iconic trees that are part of Shoal Bay’s heritage, […]