Port Stephens residents are being encouraged to have their say on the final stage of the council’s Coastal Management Program.
Almost five years in the making, the four-phase plan hopes to address the LGA’s vulnerable coastline from erosion.
This month will be the last chance the community can offer its feedback on its happenings.
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 10 years.
Mayor Ryan Palmer said the coast was one of Port Stephens’ greatest assets and it played a key role in the lifestyle of many 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,” he explained.
“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 was making it as easy as possible for the community to understand the document and have its 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,” he added.
“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.”
The draft Port Stephens CMP is on public exhibition from now until 27 March.
To book a personal meeting, community members are encouraged to phone council on 4988 0255 and book a spot between 10am to 4pm on either Wednesday 13 or Thursday 14 March.
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, anytime between 5pm and 7pm at Birubi SLSC Meeting Room, Anna Bay; Thursday 14 March, 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.
It will then be submitted to the NSW Government for certification, with the aim to be ready for implementation in late 2024.
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