WELL here we are at the end of another year (my 78th at last count) and what a year it was for Port Stephens! I’ve been a councillor, on and off, for over 40 years and I can’t remember a time when the community pulled together for a fight the way they did in 2016.
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This time last year, like a bolt from the blue, we received the call to say we would be merging with Newcastle. From the very first it was clear to anyone with a mind of their own that the merger was illogical.
Thankfully, the people of Port Stephens quickly came to that conclusion and sent the strongest possible message to the state government.
They now know that you won’t stand stand idly by, while a merger that would strip you of your voice and add nothing of value, goes ahead.
Unfortunately, with 2017 just around the corner, we still don’t have a resolution to this matter, despite a hundred assurances that we would by now.
We certainly deserve one soon after a long and protracted period of uncertainty.
On a positive side, despite being placed in political limbo for a year, council was able to achieve some great things throughout the year. For that, I’d like to give (general manager) Wayne Wallis and all his staff a huge pat on the back for a great job, done in trying circumstances.
Without financial strength, we aren’t able to deliver the services and facilities that our community demands and deserves. In that regard, we delivered again, finishing the year with an underlying surplus of $1.2 million.
Importantly, we achieved this healthy financial position whilst delivering 97 per cent of our operational plan, including a $20.3 million capital works program!
Some of the fantastic infrastructure projects we’ve delivered are truly helping to change the face of Port Stephens in a positive way.
Of course, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that the people who live and visit Port Stephens are happy with their local area and their local council.
I’m not really one for statistics, but this year we achieved a community satisfaction rating of 86 per cent despite the turmoil.
That’s probably the greatest tribute of all.
So, on that note, I’d like to wish all the residents, ratepayers and visitors to Port Stephens (and those who wish they were) a very merry Christmas and an equally happy new year!
