Community advocacy priorities
An important part of Council is to act as a voice for our region and its people and to make sure we are prepared to meet the needs of our community in the future. As such, Port Stephens Council is seeking commitment from the NSW Government to provide funding and support for the delivery of projects across the community, from health and housing to roads, public transport and education.
The 2023 Community advocacy priorities document below lists the key projects for Port Stephens in the years ahead and aims to ensure our community is at the forefront of the NSW Government's future planning and advocacy program. High on the list this year is:
- $20+ million to co-fund a rolling program of road works across Port Stephens.
- $25 million for suburb level stormwater system upgrades to unlock higher density housing options.
- $55 million for traffic, parking and public transport upgrades in targeted locations to enable higher density housing options.
- $2+ million to facilitate investment in a Raymond Terrace Health Precinct.
- $1.5+ million to fund specialised and appropriate youth wellbeing and mental health services.
- $500,000 to commence a Place Strategy for the Salt Ash community to deliver place based infrastructure to minimise the potential impacts of the proposed Nelson Bay Road Upgrade.
- $2.3 million for planning and concept design for Medowie Town Centre and District Playground.
- $15+ million to deliver package of works for the Raymond Terrace Public Domain Plan.
- $5 million to deliver package of works for the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan.
- $2.5 million for connecting pathways between Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay to enable mobility between aged care facilities and the town centre.
- $2 million for improving cyclist and pedestrian connectivity between Medowie and the Raymond Terrace CBD.
- $3 million for an active transport connection between Williamtown RAAF Base to Medowie.
- $9 million for high priority pathways as part of the Tomaree Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan ensuring safety and accessibility for pedestrians.
- $13 million to design and construct a new active transport connection between the Williamtown Special Activation Precinct and the rapidly growing community of Fullerton Cove.
- $5 million to adapt Council fleet services, incentivise the procurement of recyclable construction materials and co-fund investment in renewable energies.
- $1.5 million to establish a Renewable Energy Innovation Precinct in Tomago to support regional investment in Green Hydrogen, Solar and the development of the Williamtown Special Activation precinct.
- $600,000 to co-fund minor stabilisation works at Shoal Bay and Corlette to reduce significant coastal erosion.
- $150,000+ for the development of a Council Waste Minimisation Plan.
- $50,000 for the creation of a Masterplan for the Port Stephens Waste Transfer Station.
- $100,000 to trial Smart Waste and Recycling Hubs.
- $20,000 to implement the Circular Economy Procurement Project Action Plan and Roadmap.
- $250,000 to fund a full review of the Port Stephens Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (CkPOM) to ensure koala habitat is correctly mapped, protected and enhanced.
- $1+ million of operational funding to support the ongoing work of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
- $1.5 million to deliver further stages of mitigation measures to reduce koala road strikes on Port Stephens Drive.
- $11 million to fund Stage 1 of the King Park Masterplan.
- $50,000 to fund a feasibility and business case for the Raymond Terrace Indoor Sports and Multipurpose Centre.
- $2.1 million to fund Stage 2 of the Tomaree Sports Complex expansion.
- $250,000 to fund a business case and concept design for the Nelson Bay commercial tour operator wharf, visitors centre and foreshore upgrade.
- $1.6 million of co-funding to support construction of a new Marine Rescue Facility at Lemon Tree Passage.
- $1+ million to provide financial support to ensure the long term sustainability of the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.