Mayor of Port Stephens column in News Of The Area Opinion by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 6, 2019 Mayor of Port Stephens Welcome to the first of my new fortnightly update here in News Of The Area. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Each fortnight, I’ll be sharing some of what’s happening in Council and across Port Stephens. Following the Federal election earlier in May, I’m pleased to congratulate Paterson MP Meryl Swanson on returning for another term. As Council, we’re looking forward to working together with Meryl in the coming years to advocate for our local community – and deliver more for the people of Port Stephens. Part of our role as Council is to partner with Government and professional groups to promote the very best outcomes for our community to ensure our area continues to be somewhere people love to work, play, live and grow. I’m proud to see we have developed strong partnerships across State and Federal Government, the Hunter Joint Organisation, our adjoining Councils and Newcastle Airport. We use these partnerships to drive outcomes in our community – whether that be through grant funding for our projects, investment in the wider Hunter region or unlocking opportunities for growth via the airport. Along with this, Council is also working to deliver a comprehensive works program to improve Port Stephens for the better. In June we’ll be opening the new off-leash dog exercise area at Lancaster Park, Soldiers Point as well a new BBQ shelter, seating and a drink fountain at the recently opened BMX Track at Salt Ash. Plus we’re kicking off construction of new shared pathways at Boomerang Park and works to stabilise the riverbank at Riverside Park in Raymond Terrace, as well as the next stage of Nelson Bay’s Apex Park upgrade. To learn more about what we’re delivering for our community, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/projects By Ryan PALMER