Protecting the Port's "greatest asset", its marine park and tributaries, should be a council priority, central ward candidate Caitlin Spiller said.
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The Greens candidate said should she be elected in December, she would be advocating for communities and the environment, including a protected marine park that offers "sustainable tourist and education opportunities".
"Whether walking, swimming, whale and dolphin watching, boating or fishing, most of us lucky enough to live here enjoy the ocean, port and its tributaries in some way," Ms Spiller, from Lemon Tree Passage, said.
"It is one of our greatest assets and offers huge opportunities but with that comes responsibilities and challenges, as we balance the needs of its health, our use and tourism.
"Coastal erosion, sand movement, water quality and preservation of marine biodiversity must be priority issues for our council, obviously with support and assistance from state and federal governments.
"Our waterways are also a foundation for our tourist economy, and there can be even more job opportunities if we fully embrace the potential for world class marine research and education.
"It is essential that our valuable marine park - the largest in NSW - is protected and enhanced, not weakened as the state Liberal government is currently proposing.
"[The] council needs to be a vocal champion for the importance of our marine sanctuary zones."
Port Stephens Council has been working for two years to create a long-term plan for managing the LGA's coast.
The Coastal Management Program identifies risks to the coast and how the council can manage them.
The main coastal hazards impacting Port Stephens are coastal erosion, coastal inundation and windblown sand.
Ms Spiller said the scope of the management strategy needed to be expanded to include "climate change mitigation and adaptation as erosion, inundation, sea level rise and more frequent and severe storms impact our everyday lives as well as our coast and port environments".
Ms Spiller said she strongly supports proposals by the Tomaree Headland Heritage Group for a marine-related education facility at the former Tomaree Lodge site.
The Examiner revealed this week that Tomaree Lodge at Shoal Bay is the subject of two Aboriginal land claims.
The land claims by the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council are currently being assessed.
Pre-polling in the local government election (voting before election day) will open on November 22 and close December 3.
Voting will be available from 8am to 6pm on Saturday, December 4. Residents will vote for a mayor and the three councillors in their ward.
Results in all NSW local government elections will be delivered progressively between December 21-23.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
