Your Port Summer 2026
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Mayor’s Message: Leah Anderson like dual occupancies (two homes on one lot). We’ve also introduced measures to help lower costs for developers building affordable rental housing, and are progressing plans to deliver new homes on Council-owned land. All of this helps bring a wider range of housing options closer to our town centres. As we focus on driving investment into Port Stephens and attracting infill development, we’ll continue pushing for critical infrastructure to support our growing community’s needs. Investment in roads, drainage and pathways remains a priority throughout 2026. Welcome to 2026! I’ve loved seeing our community come together over the Summer months, from wonderful family-friendly events and programs hosted in our libraries and public spaces, right through to celebrating the New Year with the spectacular d’Albora Port Stephens New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Nelson Bay. With so many visitors choosing Port Stephens for their holidays, it’s been wonderful to see our cafes, restaurants, accommodation providers and tour operators buzzing with activity. As we enter 2026, I’ve been reflecting on what we achieved last year and the work still ahead. The natural disasters of 2025 might feel like a distant memory for some, but the recovery work continues every day. We’re working closely with the State Government to secure the funding needed to repair our damaged roads. This process takes time, as we conduct inspections and wait for water levels to recede. The funding we seek is crucial for restoring our roads to their pre-disaster conditions. As claims are approved, we appreciate your patience and support during this recovery process. Alongside this recovery work on our roads, we’re staying focused on delivering housing. Last year, we approved enough new homes to meet state housing targets, including doubling approvals for higher-density housing
Another exciting milestone was the opening of the new international terminal at Newcastle Airport, connecting us to new destinations like Perth, Hobart, and Bali. Connectivity is expanding further, with services to Singapore commencing in March 2026 via a convenient 90-minute stopover in Bali, and new direct flight paths to London, Paris, and Johannesburg, all accessible via Perth. I truly believe it’s so much more than just an airport. It’s a major driver of our regional economy, boosting tourism, opening doors for new business and creating jobs. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits continue to grow this year. As we move forward into this promising new year, I encourage you to stay up to date by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter, Your Port, on our website. Thank you for your continued support and engagement in making Port Stephens a better place to live, work, and invest.
L Anderson
Leah Anderson, Mayor of Port Stephens