Port Stephens Council has adopted its Six Month Progress Report for January to June 2025, highlighting significant achievements and progress across the region.
Mayor Leah Anderson said that despite ongoing wet weather posing significant challenges, growth and development, environmental protection and maintaining community connections have remained key priorities.
"From January to June 2025, we faced two natural disasters and severe wet weather events, challenging both Council and the community. Our efforts have focused on recovery, rebuilding, and advocating for financial assistance," Mayor Anderson said.
"Our roads also took a big hit. With road improvements continuing to be a top priority for our community, we committed $20 million as part of the Roads Acceleration Program (RAP) combining Council's current road funding as well as $7.1 million from the Special Rate Variation and $10 million of State and Federal grant funding.
"In June, we committed an additional $9 million to fast-track crucial road upgrades as part of the RAP funded by the Council's natural disaster reserves and surplus land sales over a 3 year period.
"As well as focusing on road improvements, we've achieved so much by working together, and I'm incredibly proud of how our team has delivered essential services and facilities for the community," Mayor Anderson added.
Community engagement has also been a focus for Council over the first half of 2025.
"We know that involving the community in our decisions is crucial," Mayor Anderson said.
"Over the past 6 months, we've continued our efforts to connect with residents and gather their feedback on key projects, including the Salamander Town Centre Place Plan and the Tilligerry Place Plan.
"This has allowed us to better understand the community's priorities and ensure their voices are heard as we shape the future of these important places."
Mayor Anderson said these achievements only touch the surface of the initiatives and accomplishments of Council over the past 6 months.
"I encourage everyone to review the full document to see exactly how we're delivering on our promises to the community," Mayor Anderson concluded.
Report highlights:
- 23 events held (supported by grant funding)
- Over 52,990 plus childcare places filled
- Commenced important koala habitat mapping
- 287 library programs delivered
- Completed the construction of a shared pathway along Marine Drive, Fingal Bay
- $17.8 million in transport infrastructure repairs
- Fastest DA approval timeframe for Lower Hunter Councils
- 110.95 hectares of bushland regenerated
- Welcomed 117 new citizens from 36 countries
- Over 2,200 survey responses to community engagement projects
To read the full report visit pscouncil.info/6-month-report
