The Port Stephens Council 2023 to 2024 Annual Report, titled "Looking Ahead" was endorsed by councillors at its 26 November meeting.
Looking ahead, Council remains committed to fostering accessibility, promoting community well-being, investing in infrastructure improvements, safeguarding our environment, and revitalising our town centres.
Mayor Leah Anderson said she's filled with a sense of pride and optimism for the future of Port Stephens.
"Port Stephens Council has achieved so much over the past year, including spending $36 million on upgrading our roads, holding over 700 library programs, adopting a local housing strategy, and processing 592 Development Applications," Mayor Anderson said.
"We've also made significant progress in revitalising our town centres. The Lemon Tree Passage Foreshore revitalisation and the ongoing transformation of Raymond Terrace are testament to our commitment to creating vibrant hubs that support economic growth and enhance the quality of life for our residents," she added.
General Manager Tim Crosdale said that after laying a solid groundwork in recent years, Council is dedicated to envisioning a future where the community thrives.
"Our region faces a growing housing shortage, made worse by limited development opportunities and increasing demand," Mr Crosdale said.
"To address these challenges, Council endorsed the Port Stephens Local Housing Strategy and Housing Supply Plan this year, outlining actions to increase housing diversity, affordability and supply.
"We were also successful in securing funding for major events – Karuah By Night, Illuminate Raymond Terrace and Night at the Beach – to bring people together and provide an opportunity to celebrate our place.
"Roads also remained a high priority for us and thanks to a range of external funding, almost $36 million was spent on roads, footpaths, car parks and drainage, making our road networks and shared spaces safer for all.
"We're also proud to say that 39% of the $58 million used on our capital works program came from grants and contributions," Mr Crosdale added.
In Volume 3 of this year's Annual Report, "Our Port Stephens 2021 to 2024," Council detailed progress across the key directions of its Community Strategic Plan: Our Community, Our Place, Our Environment, and Our Council.
General Manager Tim Crosdale highlighted the report's dual purpose: showcasing key achievements and addressing challenges faced during the 2021 to 2024 term. It also outlines future opportunities and success metrics.
"There were many challenges we could plan for, like financial sustainability, housing affordability, climate change, coastal impacts, resilience, community engagement, sustainable development, inclusivity, and accessibility," Mr. Crosdale explained.
"But I'm proud of how we met the unforeseen challenges head on – like COVID-19 lockdowns, extreme weather, labour shortages, inflation, and hybrid work arrangements.
"We've worked hard with our community and Councillors to position ourselves to create a strong and positive future for the region," Mr. Crosdale added.
Mayor Anderson said she's excited to see what Council and the community will achieve in the next few years.
"I'd like to recognise the efforts of the former Mayor and the Councillors who served last year for their contributions to our achievements.
"Looking ahead, it's important to me that the Councillors and I continue to work closely with our community, focusing on their priorities to build on the success of this year's achievements," she concluded.
To read the 2023 to 2024 Annual Report and supporting documents visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/annual-report
