Port Stephens Council to vote on new fee schedule

Port Stephens Council will tonight consider a new set of fees and charges, which could dramatically reduce the costs to developers if adopted.

The fee schedule, which went on public display in late August, received four submissions from residents as well as the Voice of Wallalong and Woodville.

All of these submissions criticised the changes.

It's alleged the proposed fee restructuring was prompted by developers who believe current council charges for large estates are too high.

 

Airport rejig frees up 12m

Planned changes to Newcastle Airport's corporate structure may soon free up 12-million dollars, with Port Stephens and Newcastle Councils set to rake most of it in.

A proposed new refinancing facility will allow the Airport to immediately repay current borrowings from both councils by giving it the power to borrow money in its own right.

 

The changes would also let the Councils draw a dividend from the business, as well as open the door to them potentially selling down their stake as low as a combined 51 percent.

Emergency call turns out to be load of rubbish

The Hunter Westpac Helicopter Service has today issued a reminder to deactivate emergency beacons before disposing of them.
 

It comes after a crew unnecessarily searched a waste disposal facility at Raymond Terrace yesterday, where one of the beacons had accidentally become activated amongst the rubbish.
 

The search marks the fifth for the service in two years, with signal tracking and dismantling efforts typing the helicopter and crew up for hours at a time.

Hunter residents possessing an emergency beacon are urged to contact the Water Police to get advice on correct deactivation methods once the equipment passes its expiry date.

 

Midday News Fri 4.10.13 Read By Kate Ellis

8.30 News Fri 4.10.13 Read By Ian Crouch

7.30 News Fri 4.10.13 Read By Ian Crouch

6.30 News Fri 4.10.13 Read By Ian Crouch