Changes to facilities and services
Last updated: 04 Jun 2020 1:32pm
We're continuing to deliver services valued by our community while doing our bit to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
From Monday 1 June, we are reopening a number of facilities in line with the NSW Government's revised public health order.
COVID-Safe plans are in place for each of our facilities to ensure community safety. We ask that users follow the public health order — maintain physical distancing, practise hand hygiene, limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people and stay home when sick.
Administration Building
Our Administration Building will reopen to the public from Monday 1 June with a COVID-Safe plan in place. Our hours are 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We can serve a maximum of 10 people in the foyer at any time. Signs will be in place to inform staff and our community.
You can still access our services over the phone on 02 4988 0255 or email council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au. This will save you time, as well as keeping yourself and our staff safe.
Cemeteries
Cemeteries remain open. Visitors must observe physical distancing and avoid public gatherings. Outdoor funerals can now have up to 50 mourners attend.
Childcare — Thrive Kids
Thrive Kids is still operating with an increased focus on health and hygiene. Please ensure you notify your childcare provider of any concerns you may have or if you or a family member are diagnosed or come into contact with someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. As always, we ask that children who are unwell stay at home to recover and reduce the risk to others.
Council meetings
From 1 June, Council meetings will be held in the Council chambers. The public will not be able to attend in accordance with the public health order but a webcast is available for our community to watch live. Find out more about Council meetings.
DA Advice — Duty Counter
You can still contact us for DA advice over the phone on 02 4988 0255.
Events
In line with the easing of restrictions, weddings are permitted with up to 20 guests plus the celebrant, the couple, a photographer and a videographer. Any applications for weddings on Council owned or managed land will need to meet these criteria.
Holiday Parks
From 1 June, our Holiday Parks will reopen in line with the easing of travel restrictions. Find out more.
Libraries
From Monday 1 June, Raymond Terrace and Tomaree Library will reopen with reduced opening hours and services. Tilligerry Community Library will reopen on Tuesday 9 June. The Mobile Library will remain closed until further notice. Find out more.
Recreation facilities
| Status | Facility | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic and leisure centres | Tilligerry Aquatic Centre will reopen from Monday 8 June with reduced hours and restrictions. Read more. |
 | BBQ facilities | Maintain physical distancing, wash hands before and after use. Standard cleaning measures remain in place. If there are any concerns, users may clean down the public facility prior to use. |
 | Beaches | From Monday 1 June, lifeguard services will be reinstated at One Mile Beach only operating 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week until September. Lifeguard services have officially ended for the season at Birubi Beach and Fingal Beach. All water activities are undertaken at the person's own risk and in accordance with public health orders and physical distancing rules. |
| Boat ramps | From Monday 1 June, Port Stephens boat ramps will open to all users in line with the easing of travel restrictions. Users are reminded to practice physical distancing and abide by the public health order. |
| Community centres and halls | All community halls remain closed. Tomaree Community Centre is open to businesses but no bookings will be taken. |
| Fenced dog parks | Maintain physical distancing and follow public health orders. |
| Outdoor fitness equipment | Use with caution. Wash your hands before and after use. Assume the person who used the equipment before you has the virus. |
| Parks and reserves | Parks and reserves are open — users must maintain physical distancing and follow public health orders. Many national parks are opening from 1 June — check the NSW NPWS webpage for updates. Hunter Water has closed Finnan Park at Grahamstown Dam and Chichester Dam picnic areas. |
| Playgrounds and play equipment | Use with caution. Wash your hands before and after use. Assume the person who used the equipment before you has the virus. |
| Skate and BMX parks | Maintain physical distancing and follow public health orders. |
| Sporting venues | Open for informal exercise and community sport — users must maintain physical distancing and follow public health orders. Clubs are advised to arrive, train and leave, as change rooms will remain closed but toilets may be used. Before training can commence, sporting clubs must receive approval from Council’s Community and Recreation team. Clubs must provide:
Contact Lauren Hawes on 4988 0210 for more information. |
Street stalls
All Casual Street Stall approvals have been revoked and no further applications will be approved at this time.
Visitor Information Centre
From Monday 1 June, our Visitor Information Centre will reopen from 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Our friendly staff are also available to help visitors seeking information about Port Stephens on 1800 808 900.
Volunteers
Council volunteer activities are being resumed subject to public health order.
Waste services
- Drop off days — green waste drop off days are back but bookings are essential. Find out more.
- Drop off days — problem waste drop off days will be reinstated from 1 June with physical distancing in place.
- Waste Transfer Station — card payments only. Before visiting, please consider if your trip is essential under public health orders. If you are unwell, stay home to protect our staff and community. If you do visit, please follow staff directions around public distancing and be patient as this may cause some delays during peak times.
Follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information regarding cancellations and closures.