Port Stephens Council has the lowest rates in the Lower Hunter and has proven that it is financially fit for the future. But in order to deliver what our community has told us they want, we need to explore other funding options, including a Special Rate Variation.

Full details on the proposed projects will be available at the start of the public consultation period, which runs from Monday 23 July to Friday 24 August. Information will be available on our public exhibition page here on our website, at our Administration Building in Raymond Terrace and at our libraries.

There are plenty of opportunities to have your say on the proposal. As well as our online engagement hub, almost 20 community meetings will be held across Port Stephens where staff and Councillors will be available to answer your questions. See the Special Rate Variation Proposal listing dates and locations (PDF 181KB). Please note that not all Councillors will be at every session.

The community will have a major say in any application made to the State Government, so you are encouraged to attend one of the community meetings to find out more about this important proposal.