June 23, 2025
Flood clean-up efforts continue in Port Stephens
Community, Government

Flood clean-up efforts continue in Port Stephens

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 […]

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Council approves plan to accelerate road improvements
Community, Government

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, […]

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Council to investigate shuttle bus proposal for Tomaree Headland Shoal Bay Jetty with the Tomaree Headland in the background.
Community, Government

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 […]

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Weed removal and replanting to be undertaken at Fingal Bay Alison uncovered a young banksia when she cut away an overshadowing bitou bush.
Community

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 […]

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Qantas launches direct flights between Newcastle and Perth
Community

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 […]

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Dave Owens appointed Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens.
Community

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 […]

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Community responds to Council’s alternate Shoal Bay Road proposal Repairs to Shoal Bay Beach, August 2024.
Community

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 […]

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Coordinated clean-up support for flood affected communities Dedicated waste crews have been deployed across the region.
Community

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 […]

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Stinker’s Fishin’: Give the Leatherjacket a go The brilliantly-coloured sixspine leatherjacket is common over the shallow reefs.
Community

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, […]

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