AN urgency motion calling on the NSW Government to review new restrictions on councillors has been passed by Port Stephens Council, with elected representatives arguing the changes are making it harder to make informed decisions. The motion centres on the NSW Government’s updated Model Code of Meeting Practice, which governs how councils conduct their business. […]
PORT Stephens is no stranger to dangerous bike riders threatening community safety and Council has vowed to handle the matter by requesting that the NSW Government expand police power and review current legislation. There have been several recent reports from Port Stephens locals regarding electricity- and fuel-powered bikes being used to trespass and damage land, […]
A RECENT three‑vehicle crash on Nelson Bay Road has renewed concerns about safety along one of Port Stephens’ busiest and most heavily used corridors. Emergency services were called to the road after reports that a tabletop truck, a car and a ute had collided. Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked to free the 26‑year‑old truck […]
HOW schools share children’s photographs online is attracting growing attention from Port Stephens parents, with one local independent school now reviewing its approach. Port Stephens parent Kate Preston has raised concerns about identifiable images of children being published on publicly accessible school social media accounts. Ms Preston, who is also the co-founder and CEO of […]
ATWEA College has confirmed it will phase out all accredited training programs by 30 June, 2026, following a strategic review of its operations. While Alesco Secondary College will continue to expand, including exploration of new campus opportunities, the closure of ATWEA’s training arm will affect students undertaking vocational qualifications across NSW. The news shocked students […]
MANUFACTURING heavyweight 3M is vowing to fight a multibillion-dollar lawsuit over widespread use of “forever chemicals” at Australian defence sites – including the RAAF base at Williamtown. The federal government is suing 3M for more than $2 billion to recover costs from the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam that contaminated 28 defence […]
TWO men have been rescued following a multi-agency operation at Fingal Island. About 7.30pm on Wednesday 22 April, emergency services were called to Fingal Island following a Mayday call by a sailing crew. Port Stephens Water Police and Marine Rescue NSW crews responded to the area and located a 10-metre sailing vessel stranded on submerged […]
THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals. A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition. Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning […]
THE NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved the 400 megawatt-hour Steel River East Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Proposed by Ausgrid, the BESS will be located within an existing 132 kV electricity substation in Mayfield West. Set within the Hunter and Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, the BESS is intended to provide network stability and […]
LOCAL organisations doing important work across the Hunter and Northern Rivers regions are being encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in the latest round of Port Authority of NSW’s Community Grants Program. Funding is available to support eligible projects that strengthen community connections, promote sustainability, or enhance the wellbeing of people living and working […]
