FOUR independent Port Stephens councillors have released a statement seeking to clarify their position on a proposed ban on “powered vessels” in local waterways. In February the four councillors backed a unanimously supported motion requesting that Transport for NSW complete an “urgent review into jet ski usage, including speed limits for all personal watercraft and […]
Port Stephens Council reviewing ‘Our Incredible Place Strategy’
PORT Stephens residents can now have their say on a review of Council’s “Our Incredible Place Strategy”, with a survey now live. “First adopted in 2021, the strategy provides Council, local businesses and the community with a blueprint on how to work together to grow and celebrate Port Stephens’ unique identity,” Council said in a […]
NSW Women over 50invited to join free program for active living
WOMEN across NSW are being invited to take part in a major government-funded health initiative designed to support active, independent ageing. The program, Active Women over 50, is led by Professor Anne Tiedemann from the University of Sydney and supported by the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund. It will provide free, tailored support to […]
Community groups oppose potential development of Mambo Wetlands
COMMUNITY groups are voicing strong opposition to potential development within sections of the Mambo Wetlands, under Port Stephens Council’s Salamander Bay Place Plan. Maps included in the plan show that sections of the wetlands will be used for medical and commercial activity, parking and mixed-use housing. The proposal has sparked concern from the Mambo Wanda […]
Hunter builders rank among nation’s largest
THREE leading builders based in the Hunter region have been ranked among the largest residential builders in the nation, according to the HIA-COLORBOND® steel Housing 100 Report for 2024/25. The annual report ranks Australia’s top 100 builders by the number of homes commenced. Leading the way with a total of 2,898 starts in 2024/25, NEX […]
Hunter union welcomes government’s 2035 emissions target
TO help drive the transition to net zero, the Australian Government has set a target to reduce emissions to 62-70 percent below 2005 levels by 2035. It is a step up on Australia’s 2030 target – to reduce emissions to 43 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The government says it represents a “credible contribution […]
Raymond Terrace emerges as housing hub for first home buyers
REVENUE NSW has revealed that from July 2023 to August 2025, Raymond Terrace was among the top 10 suburbs in the Hunter for first homebuyers. Data shows that 220 homes were purchased through the Australian Government’s First Home Guarantee Scheme. “This is the best first home buyer scheme in the country, and just one part […]
Government release 20,000 Home Care Packages
THE Federal Government has announced it will deliver 20,000 Home Care Packages in the next eight weeks. A further 20,000 packages are set to be released between November and the end of the year, with the remainder of the promised 43,000 to be delivered by mid-2026. The Australian Government subsidises organisations to provide home care […]
$20k available through Council’s Environmental Projects Grants program
SCHOOLS and community groups across Port Stephens are being encouraged to put their green ideas into action, with $20,000 in funding now available through Council’s Environmental Projects Grants program. Mayor Leah Anderson said the program is all about supporting grassroots projects that make a real difference to the local environment. “We know our community is […]
Aboriginal business roundtable returns to Murrook
INDIGENOUS business owners are urged to get their registrations in to attend the NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable. With a focus on “Walking Together to Create Cultural Tourism Experiences”, the event will be held on Thursday, 9 October at Murrook Cultural Centre on Worimi Country in partnership with Destination NSW. The free event is specifically designed […]