On May 5 members of the community group Taylors Beach Residents Committee invited all three east ward councillors to a meeting, with Leah Anderson and Matt Bailey attending, saying their town "looked tired" and was in need of a spruce up.

As a consequence, Cr Anderson put forward a notice of motion at the May 24 council meeting addressing some of the residents' concerns.

"One of their primary issues is the need for a walking path along Taylors Beach Road, where currently residents have to walk on the side of a dangerous road that also requires pothole maintenance, and cyclists ride their push bikes with concerns for their safety," Cr Anderson said.

"Other issues include: providing electricity to the rotunda; extending the concrete boat ramp to avoid vehicles getting stuck in the sand; repairing the road to the boat ramp; and trimming back some of the Norfolk Island pines due to dangerous falling branches.

"A recent event saw branches fall on a resident's pergola and shade sail, potentially saving the family from injury."

A report to the council from assets manager John Maretich confirmed that Port Stephens (like most councils) had a financial infrastructure funding gap.

"The council currently requires $14.4 million to return our community assets back to an original satisfactory condition. To prioritise these works, inspections are undertaken to assess the condition, compliance and public safety risk on our assets," he said.

"Maintenance works and future capital rehabilitation/upgrade works are prioritised based on these assessments. Works are completed in priority order within budgetary constraints.

"The council has recently been fortunate to obtain a grant to undertake a review of our boating infrastructure to prioritise future works."

Cr Anderson has also lodged a notice of motion highlighting issues facing Fingal Bay residents announced at a recent public meeting which attracted around 100 locals.

Cr Anderson called for an investigation into repairing the foreshore fencing; cutting vegetation on the staircase leading to the beach; removing overgrowth, including bitou bush and lantana, along the foreshore embankment; and levelling the footpath between Boulder Bay Road and Tuna Crescent to make it easier for walkers, especially the elderly, disabled, and mothers with prams.

"Residents want to know why council does not have a Place Plan for Fingal and why there is no schedule of works in council's 10-year plan."

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