CLEAN-UP efforts continue following severe flooding in the Port Stephens area. Lake Macquarie City Council offered its support in clearing flood-affected waste in Raymond Terrace this week. Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson was grateful for the help. “It is greatly appreciated by our community and Port Stephens Council,” she said. Minister for Emergency Management Kristy […]
Council approves plan to accelerate road improvements
PORT Stephens Council has approved a motion that will see up to $9 million made available for the improvement of roads across the local government area (LGA). The motion was introduced at the most recent council meeting on Tuesday 10 June by Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson. Reading from a prepared report on the matter, […]
Council to investigate shuttle bus proposal for Tomaree Headland
PORT Stephens councillor Mark Watson successfully moved a motion on 10 June requesting that Council investigate trialling a Shuttle Bus Service at the Tomaree Headland and Shoal Bay, in order to address traffic and parking issues at peak times. The Tomaree Headland Heritage Group (THHG) strongly supports the proposal, as the issues were identified during […]
Weed removal and replanting to be undertaken at Fingal Bay
Alison uncovered a young banksia when she cut away an overshadowing bitou bush. Rob and Rob removing ground asparagus. While Bitou bush has a pretty yellow flower, the plant can smother native vegetation. THE Friends of Tomaree National Park have been working since March to protect the natural beauty of the National Park around Fingal […]
Qantas launches direct flights between Newcastle and Perth
QANTAS has announced it will be the first airline to offer direct flights from Newcastle to Perth. The new route will launch on 8 September and flights will operate on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. “These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when […]
Off-duty cop charged after refusing to leave premises in Shoal Bay
AN off-duty police officer has been charged after allegedly refusing to leave a licenced premise. About 12.55am on Saturday 28 December 2024, police were called to a licenced premises in Shoal Bay, following reports a group were refusing to leave. Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived and were told three people were physically […]
Dave Owens appointed Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator
FORMER NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens has been appointed as the Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid-North Coast in the wake of devastating floods. Mr Owens commenced the role last week and will be based out of Taree. “Dave Owens has a lot of experience helping communities after natural disasters, so I am […]
Community responds to Council’s alternate Shoal Bay Road proposal
AFTER two disastrous events hit Shoal Bay in 2024, Port Stephens Council (PSC) was again urged by concerned locals to provide an alternate access road to Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay. Following a series of meetings with local groups, the Council released its Delivery Program (2025-2029) and Operational Plan (2025-2026). In response, the Tomaree Headland […]
Coordinated clean-up support for flood affected communities
PORT Stephens Council has launched a coordinated waste management response to support residents impacted by the recent natural disaster. Council teams have been working closely with emergency services and impacted communities to assess damage, and help residents safely manage waste from flood-affected properties. Mayor Leah Anderson said the recovery effort is focused on making it […]
Stinker’s Fishin’: Give the Leatherjacket a go
OF all the fishing articles I have written over the past 40 years, very few have featured leatherjacket. Appropriately named, this weird looking fish has sandpaper skin and no scales with a spike protruding from the head. They have a mean set of dentures which they are keen to use if you get too close, […]