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What's Next?

The final chance for people to have input into the development of the Port Stephens CMP during the public exhibition period begins on 28 February 2024 for 28 days (until 28 March 2024).

The draft Port Stephens CMP builds on the previous stages which began in 2019.

Stage 1 of the CMP process identified a range of priority threats affecting the Port Stephens Coastal zones identified as the open coast; inner port; and outer port.

Stage 2 was primarily a study stage that modelled the coastal hazards across four separate planning horizons: 2020, 2040, 2070 and 2120.

Stage 3 focused on identifying management options that could be used to manage the threats identified.
The threats include:

  • Coastal Hazard threats
  • Water quality threats
  • Biodiversity threats
  • Development and Industry threats
  • Recreational activity threats

We are now in Stage 4 of the CMP and are pleased to present our draft CMP which outlines 60 actions that have been selected to address these threats over the next 10 years. Some of these actions are Council’s responsibility only but others are actions which are to be undertaken in partnership with key Government agencies.

A key part of the draft CMP is the Coastal Zone Emergency Action sub-plan (CZEAS). This document outlines the roles and responsibilities of public authorities in response to coastal emergency events that cause beach erosion or coastal inundation.

The draft CMP is a large and very technical document and we’ve tried to help simplify the document. You are welcome to read our summary document here. You are of course welcome to read the whole document here.

If you’ve got questions you can come and ask questions directly to our consultants and staff by:

  • Booking a personal meeting time:
    • You can attend either in person at the Council Administration Building, Raymond Terrace or via Zoom;
    • call Council on 4988 0255 to book your spot between 10am to 4pm on either Wednesday 13 March 2024 or Thursday 14 March 2024
  • Attending a local drop-in information session anytime between 5pm - 7pm at:
    • Wednesday, 13 March 2024 at Birubi SLSC Meeting Room, Anna Bay
    • Thursday, 14 March 2024 at Bruce Scott Pavilion, Tomaree Sports Centre, Nelson Bay.

Following this public exhibition, the comments received will be collated and responded to and the CMP is planned to be endorsed by Council in May 2024. It will then be certified by the Minister for Local Government and the CMP will be ready to be implemented during 2024.