Council Adopts Fern Bay and North Stockton Vision, Includes New Ferry Terminal and Coastal Walk

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A planning strategy adopted by Newcastle and Port Stephens Councils will see a new town centre and ferry terminal built in North Stockton and a coastal walk installed from Stockton to the Tomaree Headland. 

The  Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy  is a 20-year blueprint for the rapidly growing area between the Hunter River and Stockton Beach and was guided by early engagement with the Fern Bay community and a workshop with Councillors from both Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the strategy will see Newcastle and Port Stephens work together to develop diverse housing opportunities, public spaces and community amenities.

“Developed by both Newcastle and Port Stephens councils, the joint strategy is a fantastic outcome after a great deal of work and forms a strategic planning basis to follow along with landowners and the broader Stockton community,” Cr Nelmes said.

In addition to the overarching changes, the strategy will see the development of a new supermarket, new accommodation services, and the revitalization of roads, paths, and bus stops, including a duplication of Nelson Bay Road with traffic lights at the intersection of Vardon Road. 

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said the collaboration between the two councils and their consultation with local residents would result in a "great outcome for these communities".

“The creation of more housing, access to better facilities and more transport options will ensure this town truly thrives," said Mayor Palmer.

“It’s been a wonderfully successful collaboration between our Port Stephens Council and City of Newcastle teams, and we’ll continue to work together on the best outcomes for the Fern Bay North Stockton communities into the future.” 

Port Stephens company fined $18,000

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A Port Stephens building company has been hit with an $18,000 fine for multiple water pollution offences in Fern Bay.

The matter was heard at Newcastle Local Court last week where the company was found guilty for not having adequate sediment controls in place which allowed sand and soils to enter into storm water pits on multiple sites at Seaside Estate.

The company has been ordered to pay council's legal costs.

Council's Acting Coordinator for Environmental Health and Compliance Nicholas Jones says it's a good result and acts as a warning to other companies and their responsibility to protect the environment.

"Council takes environmental breaches like this extremely seriously. If builders are unsure about their responsibilities under the environmental legislation, they can contact us here at council," said Nicholas.

Have your say with Port Stephens West Ward candidates tonight

BY JARROD MELMETH and JESSICA ROUSE

Port Stephens West Ward residents are getting the opportunity to raise concerns their council candidates at a public forum tonight at Stockton RSL Bowling Club.

In recent weeks council has been involved in political infighting with councillors filing defamation cases against one another. The forum will give residents the opportunity to ensure they are making an informed choice at the upcoming Local Council elections in September.

Fern Bay Fullerton Cove Progress Association Chair Sally Johnston says the forum kicks off at 7:30pm with at least six West Ward and Mayoral candidates getting around five minutes each to tell the crowd why they're standing and what they hope to achieve in the area should they be elected.

"Previously we've been down the far end of the council area and been somewhat forgotten - that's been changing a bit in the last year but there's a lot of small issues that are relevant for our residents, even simple things like bus stops, being able to cross the road safely, we're hoping though, that residents will get a feel for what candidates are going to best represent their interests," said Sally Johnston.

Residents just want a council willing to work together.

"I think broadly speaking we want a council that is actually going to work together and that's going to listen to the community particularly for Fern Bay and Fullerton Cove," said Sally Johnston.

Where is our phone tower? Labor call out Turnbull government over election promises not kept

BY JARROD MELMETH

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Stephen Jones and Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson were in Fern Bay today meeting with local residents who are affected by mobile phone black spots in the area.

In the lead up to the Federal election, the Turnbull government promised a mobile phone tower would be built in Fullerton Cove if re-elected.

Stephen Jones has accused the coalition of pork-barrelling after the audit commission found over 80% of the mobile towers in round one of funding went to coalition electorates.

"What we are saying to Malcolm Turnbull, what we are saying to the government is this is your opportunity to make good on the program." Mr. Jones said.

"Here you have a community that is crying out to have their mobile phone black spots fixed, a clear and present need. Lets get it done. Lets follow through on the commitment and lets ensure that these residents get their issues dealt with."

Fullerton Cove has missed out on funding in round 1 and 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Program, with no indication of whether they will receive funding in round 3.

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Stephen Jones.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.

New Medowie Community Centre Sparks Concerns

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Concerns within the Fern Bay community haven't stopped Port Stephens councils approval of a new community facility in Medowie.

Council is planning to borrow from Fern Bays section 94 funds, which has prompted Fern Bay Fullerton Cove Progress Association to launch a petition to stop the construction.

Councillor Steve Tucker says the clubhouse will be a positive addition for the people of Medowie, as the funds would not have been readily available for the Fern Bay area anyway.

"Section 94 is a legal, complicated mechanism the government has set up. It has to be done within the framework and it is really difficult to spend that money," says Councillor Tucker.

"We have managed to at least help the people from Medowie."

Councillor Steve Tucker at Lemon Tree Passage
Source: Port Stephens Examiner