The notice to stand down both Leah Anderson (CEO) and Ron Land (president) had been lodged by Cr Ken Jordan at his final meeting held on Tuesday, October 26.

Cr Jordan, who failed in his attempt to win the state seat of Port Stephens as a Liberal Party candidate in 2015, will not be recontesting west ward at the December 4 election.

Cr Jordan said that he had received "around 20" allegations of bullying against the president and that they should be investigated.

He won support from councillors Jaimie Abbott, Glen Dunkley, Chris Doohan and Sarah Smith.

Councillors Giacomo Arnott, John Nell and Paul Le Mottee voted against the motion, while mayor Ryan Palmer had declared a conflict of interest. Steve Tucker was absent.

Earlier in the meeting, both Ms Anderson and Labor State MP Kate Washington had used public access to defend the positions and brand the motion a political stunt.

A council spokesperson told the Examiner that the councillors had resolved to call on the CEO and president of Port Stephens Koalas to stand down from their respective executive and directorship roles "until the enquiry into the allegations is finalised".

"A letter was sent to Port Stephens Koalas in accordance with the resolution," the spokesperson said.

"Port Stephens Koalas has advised the council an independent and confidential investigation of allegations relating to the management of Port Stephens Koalas and the koala hospital will be undertaken, however, council has not been made aware of who will be conducting the investigation or what the Terms of Reference will be as yet."

A report at the October 26 meeting stated that the council had entered into a partnership with Port Stephens Koalas as part of the development of the Koala Sanctuary which opened in September 2020.

"Port Stephens Koalas is a separate incorporated body that fulfils a number of functions in relation to the conservation of koalas within the Port Stephens LGA," the report stated.

"In relation to the council's Koala Sanctuary, Port Stephens Koalas operates the hospital and associated care services for koalas as well as maintain a number of koalas on the premises. Council entered into a commercial services agreement to outline how the parties cooperate in the operation of this facility.

"As part of this services agreement, council contributes ongoing annual funding to Port Stephens Koalas to provide a level of ongoing financial stability to assist in Port Stephens Koalas meeting its obligations under the services agreement. This is a commercially binding agreement.

"This arrangement is a highly cost effective way for council to have koalas cared for and displayed at the Koala Sanctuary, which is critical to ongoing success of this business."

Meanwhile, on October 29 Port Stephens Council celebrated the one year anniversary since the start of operations at the One Mile-based koala sanctuary.

The purpose built eco facility includes the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, skywalk, Fat Possum Café and glamping accommodation.

Despite lockdowns and severe weather events, in the past 12 months the sanctuary has welcomed more than 25,000 day and 2848 overnight visitors.

With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the sanctuary has reopened daily, welcoming visitors between 9am and 5pm.

Overnight accommodation is also back up and running with bookings for the summer school holidays running at nearly 80 per cent occupancy.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: