Aerial view of proposed Sand Quarry Thanks to an extraordinary community response, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure received 151 objections to the proposed Bobs Farm Sand Quarry — Newcastle Sand's application to extract up to 530,000 tonnes of sand a year for 10 years at 3631 Nelson Bay Road, Bobs Farm. Every submission mattered. Whether you lodged a detailed technical objection or simply explained your personal concerns, you have helped ensure that

Koala in Hannah Reserve Tree Koalas have recently been spotted in Hannah Reserve and around Gan Gan Road near the SPAR supermarket. If you're walking your dog in the area, please keep it on a lead and under close control. If you see a koala that appears injured or distressed, contact Port Stephens Koalas' 24-hour rescue service on 1800 PS KOALAS (1800 775 625).

STCA is developing a practical guide to help residents understand Development Applications and prepare effective submissions to Council. We hope to make this available to the community next month.

STCA is reviewing recent changes to the NSW planning system and what they may mean for community input into future development proposals. STCA has asked Council to hold a community information session to explain the changes and how residents can effectively participate in the new planning process.

Aerial view of proposed 19 Gan Gan Road planning proposal A planning proposal has been lodged to rezone land at 19 Gan Gan Road from RU2 Rural Landscape to a combination of E3 Productivity Support and C2 Environmental Conservation. The proposed rezoning would allow part of the site to be considered for future light-industrial uses, while identifying other land for environmental conservation. As Port Stephens Council did not determine the proposal within 90 days, the proponent

Artist's impression of completed KADO development MARS Building has advised that the KADO development on Old Main Road, Anna Bay, opposite the SPAR Shopping Centre, is entering its structural phase. This phase is expected to continue for approximately seven months. During this period, residents can expect increased deliveries, subcontractor movements and concrete truck traffic accessing the site via Old Main Road. Stay informed MARS Building will provide fortnightly community

Birubi Point Hall featuring its colourful native-flora mural. The South Tomaree Community Association’s Annual General Meeting will be held on: Sunday 20 September 20262:00 pm at Birubi Point Hall The AGM is an opportunity to hear about STCA’s activities over the past year and help shape the Association’s priorities for the year ahead. All committee positions will be declared vacant and nominations are invited for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and at least t

STCA supports the ongoing efforts of Friends of Tomaree National Park, EcoNetwork, the National Parks Association and local residents to secure permanent protection of approximately 30 hectares of environmentally significant, Landcom-owned land at Fishermans Bay. In 2015, STCA helped lead the successful community opposition to a proposed 106-lot residential development on the site. In 2019, NSW Labor committed to adding the land to Tomaree National Park—but the transfer has s

STCA has made a detailed submission to Port Stephens Council on its Waste Management Strategy and proposed household waste changes. STCA supports introducing a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service but does not believe the evidence currently supports reducing red-bin collections from weekly to fortnightly. We have asked Council to retain weekly red-bin collections, publish up-to-date local waste data and explain how FOGO will be processed, funded and monitored. The