PORT Stephens Council is calling on residents to have their say on the draft Integrated Planning and Reporting documents following endorsement from Council at its Ordinary Meeting held on April 11.

Port Stephens Council resolved to place the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents on public exhibition for community feedback.

Port Stephens Acting Mayor Giacomo Arnott said it’s important the community has its say on the suite of documents that guide our annual program of works.

“The Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Resourcing Strategy are the nuts and bolts of what we do.

“They outline the services we provide, how we provide them and the budget required to achieve it all,” Acting Mayor Arnott said.

“These plans are the link between our Community Strategic Plan and the work our teams do on the ground each day.

Key priorities for the next year include reducing our carbon footprint, developing coastal management programs, implementing our garden organics waste service and repairing our roads,” he said.

Councils across NSW are required to review their Integrated Planning and Reporting documents on an annual basis.

These plans continue to include the Enhanced Services Focus Areas identified by the community in 2022 and the revised Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy, which align directly with our recent application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) that’s currently with IPART.

Council’s General Manager Tim Crosdale said we’re committed to delivering for our community in the best possible way.

“To help balance the budget, we’ve been focused on our productivity, streamlining services, containing our costs and increasing revenue,” Mr Crosdale said.

“If successful with our application for an SRV, the Enhanced Services Focus Area Reserve outlines how funds will be allocated for roads, our natural environment, public spaces, foreshores and waterways.

“We also know that some people will find the impact of any increase in costs challenging. Our revised Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy outlines the ways Council can support residents who are doing it tough,” he added.

Acting Mayor Giacomo Arnott said Council’s 2023/24 plans have been based on feedback received from the community throughout the last year.

“This public exhibition period is one last chance for our community to have their say and let us know if what we have planned is right,” Acting Mayor Arnott said.

The documents are on public exhibition until 5pm Friday 12 May 2023 and include the:
● Draft Delivery Program 2022 to 2026 and Operational Plan 2023 to 2024
● Draft Resourcing Strategy 2023 to 2033 (incorporating the Workforce Management Strategy 2022 to 2026, Long Term Financial Plan 2023 to 2033, and Strategic Asset Management Plan 2023 to 2033)
● Draft Fees and Charges 2023 to 2024
● Revised Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy

View the documents online at portstephens.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions and lodge your submission by 5pm Friday 12 May 2023.