PORT Stephens Council is in stage four of its Coastal Management Program, which is the final opportunity for the community to provide feedback and have their say.

The draft Port Stephens Coastal Management Program (CMP) outlines 60 management actions aimed at mitigating the impacts of coastal inundation, tidal inundation, coastal erosion and dune transgression over the next ten years.

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The draft Port Stephens CMP, which commenced in 2019, has been prepared over four stages to determine the risks, vulnerabilities, opportunities and management options available to protect and enhance the Port Stephens coastline.

Mayor Ryan Palmer said the coast is one of our greatest assets and it plays a key role in the lifestyle of many Port Stephens residents and visitors.

“It’s important that Council hears from local people about the identified actions for managing our coastal zone, and that we discuss how we can work together to maintain and improve our coastal zone,” Mayor Palmer said.

“We want to understand what the community values about our coastline and make sure we’re on the right track with the priority actions to plan for future coastal hazards.

Strategy and Environment Section Manager Brock Lamont said Council is making it as easy as possible for the community to understand the document and have their say.

“The draft Port Stephens CMP is a very large and technical piece of work, so we’ve developed a summary document that provides an easy-to-read overview of the identified management actions, including some examples of how to read the more complex actions in the plan,” Mr Lamont said.

“During the public exhibition period, residents also have the opportunity to book in for a personal meeting or attend a drop in to learn more and ask any questions they have about the document,” Mr Lamont added.

The draft Port Stephens CMP is on public exhibition from 28 February 2024 until 27 March 2024.

To book a personal meeting, community members are encouraged to call Council on 4988 0255 and book a spot between 10am to 4pm on either Wednesday 13 March or Thursday 14 March 2024. These meetings can be attended in person at the Council Administration Building or online via Zoom.

Additional drop-in sessions will be held on:
● Wednesday 13 March 2024, anytime between 5pm and 7pm at Birubi SLSC Meeting Room, Anna Bay
● Thursday 14 March 2024, anytime between 5pm and 7pm at Bruce Scott Pavilion, Tomaree Sports Complex, Nelson Bay

Following the public exhibition period, feedback will be collated, with each submission addressed and responded to in a Council report.

The draft Port Stephens CMP is scheduled for endorsement by Council in May 2024. It will then be submitted to the State Government for certification, with the aim to be ready for implementation in late 2024.