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Changes to facilities and services

Changes to facilities and services

Last updated: 14 Jan 2021 8:32am

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
get tested and stay home when sick — view the locations of COVID-19 testing clinics.

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. Please follow the current public health order for funerals.

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. 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.

Please follow current public health order for hospitality venues, events and musical activities.

Holiday Parks

Our Holiday Parks all have COVID Safe plans in place. Find out more.

Libraries

All Port Stephens Library branches are now open however 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, Tomaree 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 are currently operating at Birubi, Fingal and One Mile beaches. Please follow 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 — please maintain physical distancing and follow the public health order around public gatherings. For National Park information, check the NSW NPWS webpage for updates.
	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. Sporting clubs must receive approval from Council’s Community and Recreation team. Clubs must provide: a completed Sporting Facility User Agreement (PDF 227KB) with updated details and declarations relevant to COVID-19 a letter of acknowledgement from the relevant State or Local Sporting Organisation in relation to the sporting clubs return to training. 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 have resumed under the public health order.

Waste services

Drop off days — green waste drop off days are back and bookings are no longer needed. 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.