Changes to facilities and services
Last updated: 24 Jul 2020 10:15am
Recent events in Port Stephens and across NSW have highlighted the importance of keeping our community, customers and staff COVID-Safe.
We all need to continue to work together to follow the NSW Government's public health order and do all we can to protect our community. This means we all need to:
- maintain physical distancing of 1.5m
- practise hand hygiene
- limit public gatherings to 20 people
- get tested and stay home when sick — view the locations of COVID-19 testing clinics.
At Council, we're continuing to deliver services valued by our community while doing our bit to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We have COVID-Safe plans in place for each of our facilities to ensure community safety.
Administration Building
Our Administration Building hours are 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. We can serve a maximum of 10 people in the foyer at any time.
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 but visitors must observe physical distancing. Funerals can now have 1 person per 4 square metres.
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
Council meetings are being held in the Council chambers again. Under the current public health order, a limited number of community members may attend. You can also watch our webcast 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
Weddings on Council owned or managed land will need to abide by the public health order.
Non-food markets can now operate with the following restrictions:
- capacity must not exceed 1 customer per 4 square metres
- operators must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan
- physical distancing of 1.5m and good hand hygiene should be followed at all times.
Holiday Parks
Our Holiday Parks have reopened with COVID-Safe plans in place. Find out more.
Libraries
All Port Stephens Library branches are now open. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, all are operating with reduced hours and limited services. The Mobile Library has reopened with an interim timetable. Find out more.
Recreation facilities
| Status | Facility | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic and leisure centres | Lakeside Aquatic Centre and Tilligerry Aquatic Centre have reopened with COVID-Safe plans in place. Find out 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 | Lifeguard services have been 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 the public health order and physical distancing rules. |
| Boat ramps | Port Stephens boat ramps are open to all users. Please practice physical distancing and abide by the public health order. |
| Community centres and halls | Our community centres and halls have reopened with COVID-Safe plans in place, including restrictions on gatherings and use. Each hall and community centre has its own venue page that you can check for more details. |
| Fenced dog parks | Maintain physical distancing and follow the public health order. |
| 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 the public health order. For National Park information, check the NSW NPWS webpage for updates. Hunter Water has reopened Finnan Park at Grahamstown Dam. Chichester Dam picnic area remains closed. |
| 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 the public health order. |
| Sporting venues | Open for informal exercise and community sport — users must maintain physical distancing and follow the public health order. Clubs are advised to arrive, train and leave, as change rooms will remain closed but toilets may be used. 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
Our Visitor Information Centre is open 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 the 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 have been reinstated with physical distancing in place.
- Waste Transfer Station — card payments only. If you are unwell, stay home to protect our staff and community. If you do visit, please follow staff directions around physical distancing and be patient as this may cause some delays during peak times.
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