Returning central ward councillor Steve Tucker was elected deputy mayor after he, his eight fellow councillors and re-elected mayor Ryan Palmer were sworn in to kick-start their term in local government.

"With five new faces in the chambers this term, I look forward to working with all councillors on projects that make real change," Cr Palmer said.

"We know our community want to see action on the things that matter - improvements to our road networks, better pathways and playgrounds, improvements to our community engagement and the protection of our natural environment.

"Our new council has a diverse background with a wide range of skills and I am excited to embrace the New Year and get to work as mayor on outcomes that make Port Stephens a better place to live, work and visit.

"At the heart of it, our job is to serve our community. I would encourage residents to get to know their local Councillors and speak to them about how they can best represent the needs of their communities."

Cr Palmer and Cr Tucker were re-elected to Port Stephens Council at the December 4 local government election alongside Giacomo Arnott (west ward), Chris Doohan (central ward) and Glen Dunkley (east ward).

They are joined by five new councillors including Jason Wells (central ward), Matthew Bailey (east ward), Leah Anderson (east ward), Peter Kafer (west ward) and Peter Francis (west ward).

Cr Kafer was a Port Stephens councillor between 2008 and 2017. He returns after four years away from local government.

The local government election was due to be held in September 2020 but due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, it was delayed to December 2021.

This meant that the last term of council was longer, and the current term is shorter - only three years.

The next local government election is set down for September 2024.

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