As the mayor said exactly one year ago, it might be a 15 round battle.

Bruised and exhausted we have emerged. But we won.

The Port Stephens community should be proud of their efforts in getting this result.

We have shown that people power still exists and that we should be the people responsible for our destiny.

The councillors that were against the merger should be proud of their public and private efforts to avoid a merger with Newcastle.

Council staff, led by Wayne Wallis, is also to be commended for the ability to ensure a “business as usual” approach to the area.

It cannot have been an easy thing to do, to come to work each day not knowing what your job prospects are. But they did it, professionally.

Ben Niland

Medowie

After reading in the Port Stephens Examiner this week what Port Stephens council is considering to adapt high rise limits (skyscrapers) for the Nelson Bay CBD, I was totally shocked.

On the whole of NSW north coast except Coffs Harbour, there is no building over 17 storeys.

Not even Newcastle as a city has a 21-storey building. A proposal for 21 storeys is totally ridiculous.

This would see a height of 73.5 metres. The site proposed is 24 metres above sea level and with an added 73.5 metres of building, would see a total of 97.5 m above sea level. 

Gan Gan Hill lookout is only 159.3 metres above sea level.

That's just about 2/3 the height of the Gan Gan Hill lookout. How ridiculous.

Height of buildings should be capped at 7 storeys and set well back from the foreshore.

Even 7 storeys sees a height of 24.5 metres - talk about blocking the sun out. In general talk around the town and general area everyone has said no to this.

If this goes ahead it will be the end of the lovely Bay it is now known for and become another Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.

So Port Stephens Council and councillors get out and about. Listen to the rate payers of Port Stephens and stop counting the dollar.

Peter Freeman

Corlette

I would like to say a huge thank you to port Stephens community transport for the service they provide.

My husband, David, was on the dialysis run to and from Newcastle three times a week.

At all times the drivers were polite, professional, friendly and assisted David into and out of the bus or car.

The office staff went out of their way to accommodate any changes in where David had to go. The service that they provide for dialysis patients is unique to this area.

Thank you for making life a little easier for all of those that you transport daily. This is a service that is very valuable.

FIona Stewart

Soldiers Point

Over the last two weeks we have seen extreme weather in Port Stephens.

I on behalf of many residents wish to thank the bush fire volunteers who continually put their lives at risk in protecting lives and properties. Also the staff and management of Port Stephens Veterans Aged Care who unselfishly put up with the horrific conditions to assist the aged and frail and independent residents in their care.

Gerry Mohan

Shoal Bay