Council last night resolved to place the Integrated Planning and Reporting documents, as well as Fees and Charges, on public exhibition for community feedback.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says this regular review process has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus).

“These are unprecedented times in Port Stephens and for all Australians as we come to terms with the evolving threat of COVID-19,” he said.

“These documents, including the draft annual budget, fees and charges, capital works projects and more, were all prepared well before COVID-19 began to impact us all in such unpredictable ways.

“While we still need to publicly exhibit these documents under the Local Government Act, we’ll be taking on board feedback and reviewing these documents prior to a final report going to Council in June,” he added.

Mayor Palmer says the impacts of COVID-19 have been far-reaching.

“As the situation develops we will be reviewing how our Council’s services and projects are delivered and adapt these accordingly.

“In some cases, as we’re seeing already, services and projects will need to be delivered in alternate ways or postponed to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“As always, we prepare, plan and review our draft budget, works and service delivery with our community’s best interest at heart — our focus is on getting through this together and remaining resilient.

“We’ve had to close our facilities as a result of COVID-19, so I’d encourage anyone who is interested in having a say to go to our website to find out how you can make a submission.”

View the documents on public exhibition and have a say before 5pm Friday 15 May.