Investing in our future — it’s something we all do on some level each and every day. Whether it’s saving up to buy a home, studying to get a dream job or reducing waste to protect the environment, we all take actions to make the future a better place. Port Stephens Council is also looking to the future, to what our community will need to thrive as it continues to grow.

As the Mayor and a lifetime resident of this beautiful part of the world, I’ve had many conversations with our community. Whether it’s at an event, a sports game, in a cafe or at the shops, the message I continue to receive is that our people want Port Stephens to grow and prosper.

Our community want better roads, paths and cycleways, more places to play, rejuvenated town centres, more jobs and improved conditions for business. They want a vibrant and prosperous Port Stephens with people-friendly places, strong local economies and quality facilities for all to enjoy.  In order to deliver these important projects for our community, this council has proposed to increase rates through a Special Rate Variation (SRV). 

While some detractors have made unfounded claims that this level of investment will adversely affect our community and hurt businesses, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Rather, an independent report released today has found that one of our major projects under a proposed rate rise — the investment of $43 million in revitalising town centres — will have an estimated economic benefit of $109 million. That’s just in the construction phase alone.

Wherever you are in Port Stephens the positive flow-on effects of this investment will be felt for many years to come, to the tune of $65 million over the next two decades. Increased tourism, more access to shops and services, increased spending at local businesses, uplift in property values, improved road safety, as well as positive social and community outcomes are just some of the benefits we can expect. 

But make no mistake, this isn’t just about the visitors who come to Port Stephens once a year. It’s for our locals who live and work in town centres — our investment will directly benefit them. This report makes it absolutely clear that by revitalising our town centres across Port Stephens, we will stimulate the local economy, create more opportunities for business growth, provide more local jobs, fill empty streets and enhance our region for the benefit of all.

Without the additional funds from a special rate variation, we simply won’t be able to undertake the kind of transformational works that we’re proposing, to deliver long-term social and cultural benefits for our communities. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our communities so that they have the quality facilities and services they need to enjoy a great lifestyle in this treasured environment.

That’s why I’m proud that this council has proven to have the courage of its convictions. It’s a council that is prepared to look to the future, set bold a vision and follow through with the right decisions — even when they are the tough ones to make.

While it’s tempting to only think about ourselves and our current needs, it’s crucial that we look to the future and plan ahead now for a vibrant, prosperous Port Stephens. This investment is for the next generation — so that our children will have somewhere to live, work, play and grow.

We’re now faced with a unique opportunity to shape the future of Port Stephens. All projects proposed under a rate increase are included in Council’s draft Integrated Planning and Reporting documents, which are currently on public exhibition.

Now is the time for residents to have their say on the kind of future they want for Port Stephens.

Ryan