This policy is intended to:
confirm the Council’s commitment to engagement with its community;
help guide Council practice in its engagement with its community;
inform the community about what it can reasonably expect of the Council in terms of consultation; and
contribute to the quality of information gathered to inform planning, policy development and decision-making. more ..
Enterprise Risk Management Policy - Published: 17 Apr 2009
The purpose of this policy is to promote a standard approach to enterprise risk management at Port Stephens Council and to ensure that all risks that could affect our people, reputation, business processes and systems, financial and environmental performance are identified, assessed and treated to an acceptable level. more ..
Regional Tree Vandalism Policy - Published: 03 Mar 2009
The purpose of this policy is to promote a consistent regional approach to the protection and management of trees and vegetation in the landscape, particularly in deterring and responding to the loss of vegetation arising from deliberate vandalism on public land. more ..
Environmental Noise Policy - Published: 03 Mar 2009
The purpose of this Policy is to assist Council to deal fairly, consistently and effectively to noise complaints and noise offences. more ..
Smoke Free Outdoor Areas Policy - Published: 03 Mar 2009
Under the NSW Local Government Act 1993, Councils have the power to legislate in their own jurisdictions to protect their local communities from the effects of second-hand smoke.
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Asset Management Policy - Published: 05 Sep 2008
Asset Management Policy more ..
Waiving Overdue Library Charges - Published: 24 Aug 2006
Council has developed this policy to provide a framework where customers can apply for a reduction or waiver of overdue library item charges. more ..
Noxious Weeds Policy - Published: 29 Feb 2008
• To allow a proactive, consistent response to issues related to noxious plant management as required by the NW Act.
• To facilitate the control of noxious weeds on public and private lands.
• To raise the communities awareness of noxious weeds and the need to control these weeds.
• To describe situations when legal action under the NW Act is considered appropriate. more ..
Pricing Policy - Published: 13 Feb 2008
This Policy has been developed to ensure Council meets its community obligations together with cost recovery where applicable. The Pricing Policy provides a consistent process in establishing fees and charges to the community.
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Waste Management & Resource Recovery Policy - Published: 13 Feb 2008
The objective of this policy is to define Council’s positions on solid waste management within Port Stephens local government area in order to determine a Waste Management and Resource Recovery Plan for the future delivery of waste management services. more ..
Compliance Policy - Published: 17 Sep 2007
This policy with assist both Council and the Community of Port Stephens in the area of Compliance. more ..
Commercial Operators Policy - Published: 17 Sep 2007
This policy will provide a Commercial Operators licensing system. more ..
Community Groups Loans Policy - Published: 19 Jul 2007
This policy applies to groups seeking to develop buildings or facilities that are Council owned; under Council’s Care, Control or Management; under Council’s Trusteeship, provides services to the local community or responsibility has been devolved to Council by some form of legislation.
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Mosquito Management Policy - Published: 13 Apr 2007
Council will adopt procedures that align with the ‘Living With Mosquitoes in the Lower Hunter and Mid North Coast Region of NSW” strategy 2005, and the Port Stephens Council consolidated Development Control Plan 2006. more ..
Port Stephens Council Pesticide Notification Plan - Published: 19 Jan 2007
This plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Pesticides Regulations 1995. more ..
Port Stephens Contaminated Lands Policy - Published: 30 Nov 2006
This policy was developed to ensure the potential for land contamination is addressed in the decision-making processes undertaken by Council.
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Abandoned Shopping Trolley Management - Published: 21 Feb 2006
Guidelines to assist in the management of abandoned shopping trolleys. more ..
Accessing Information Policy - Published: 24 Nov 2004
This policy outlines how members of the public as well as the private sector may gain access Council's records. more ..
Accompanying Person Reimbursement at Conferences &/or Seminars Policy - Published: 28 Nov 2005
Council has a responsibility to ensure costs for all official functions and for all persons officially representing Council, are met by Council. more ..
Acid Sulphate Soils Policy - Published: 04 Jan 2005
To manage any disturbance to Potential and Actual Acid Sulphate Soils in the Port Stephens Local Government Area. more ..
Aircraft Noise Exposure Policy - Published: 17 Mar 2005
Guidelines for the assessment of development applications based upon the ANEF (Australian Noise Exposure Forecast) contours and the Australian Standard AS 2021-2000 are outlined in Chapter B2 of the Port Stephens Development Control Plan 2007 (DCP 2007). more ..
Alcohol in Parks and Reserves - Published: 07 Sep 2004
The Policy essentially sets a prohibition period for the consumption of alcohol between set hours. more ..
Areas affected by Flooding and/or Inundation - Published: 19 Feb 2009
The policy restricts development of flood prone land and requires assessment of the risks and consideration of satisfactory precautions where appropriate. more ..
Budget Control & Authorisation Policy - Published: 21 Dec 2005
This policy is to ensure that all Council expenditure is legally authorised and that effective systems of budgetary control are in place to monitor and report on actual income and expenditure compared with budgeted income and expenditure. more ..
Business Development Funding Policy - Published: 05 Jan 2005
Several of Councils activities are structured as Business Units or Business Activities. more ..
Cash Investment Policy - Published: 11 Jan 2006
This policy allows Council to undertake authorised investment of surplus funds after assessing credit risk and diversification limits and to maximise earnings from authorised investments and ensure the security of Council Funds. more ..
Child Protection Policy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To ensure that Council provides a safe, caring and nurturing environment for children and young people using Council's services and to comply with the requirements of the legislative framework covering the protection of children and young people. more ..
Code of Conduct - Published: 03 Aug 2005
The Department of Local Government introduced the revised Model Code of Conduct for all NSW Councils on 20 June 2008.
Council has enhanced the Mode Code of Conduct to produce the Port Stephens Council Code of Conduct which was adopted by Council on 25 November 2008. more ..
Code of Meeting Practice - Published: 07 Sep 2004
The objective of the Code is to provide procedures and standards for the proper conduct of business by Council and Committees of the Council, ensuring maximum openness of all Council and Committee meetings and opportunity for public input and participation. more ..
Collection of Contributions for Kerb & Gutter Construction - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To provide a fair and systematic method for collecting contributions from adjoining property owners when Council constructs new kerb and guttering or new footpaths/cycleways. more ..
Communication and Consultation Strategy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
In the interest of improving its Customer Service focus, Council has conducted considerable research and carried out a number of actions to improve its communications and consultation in recent years. more ..
Community & Recreation Club Loans - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To provide equitable access to funding for improvements to community, sport and recreation facilities through the distribution of available loan funds to the community of Port Stephens. more ..
Community Awards - Published: 07 Sep 2004
Community Awards the opportunity to recognise people who selflessly provide service to the Port Stephens community. more ..
Community Consultation Policy - Published: 06 Sep 2005
Community consultation happens when Council seeks or receives opinions from the Community about actions and decisions being considered by Council. more ..
Community Services - Published: 07 Sep 2004
This policy and its procedures document are designed to provide guidance as to when and under what circumstances Council will directly operate community services. more ..
Companion Animal Management Plan - Published: 01 Dec 2004
To encourage and promote the proper care and welfare of companion animals. more ..
Contaminated Land Policy - Published: 30 Sep 2004
This policy was developed to ensure the potential for land contamination is addressed in the decision-making processes undertaken by Council. more ..
Control of Opening Burning - Published: 07 Sep 2004
Council will provide approval for the open burning of dead and dry vegetative material to parcels of land that meet the prescribed criteria. more ..
Conversion of Septic Tank to Rainwater Storage - Published: 30 Sep 2004
To provide for the safe, hygienic and environmentally sound decommissioning and conversion of existing septic tanks to rain water tanks for the purpose of rainwater storage, after premises are connected to the sewerage system. more ..
Corporate Sponsorship - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To provide Councillors, staff and Community Management Committees with guidelines to be used when seeking, negotiating, securing and maintaining corporate sponsorship agreements. more ..
Debt Recovery & Hardship Policy - Published: 02 Aug 2005
This document prescribes the procedures Council follows to recover monies that are overdue for rates, charges, fees and other debts. This document also prescribes the procedures Council follows in providing financial assistance to ratepayers and debtors suffering financial hardship. more ..
Development within the Explosives Safe Zone - Published: 30 Sep 2004
The aim of this policy is to require Council to refer development applications to Williamtown RAAF Base that apply to land within the Explosives Safety Zone (adjoining that Base). more ..
Disability Access - Published: 30 Nov 2004
To ensure the provision of physical access to the highest possible standard an essential consideration in all planning processes. more ..
Dog Noise Strategy - Published: 01 Dec 2004
To provide an efficient and cost effective methods of dealing with noise complaints relating to barking dogs. more ..
Employment of Apprentices and/or Trainees - Published: 07 Sep 2004
At its meeting held on 15/2/99, Council resolved to maintain or increase apprenticeship numbers. more ..
Equal Employment Opportunity - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To eliminate and ensure the absence of discrimination in employment on the grounds of sex, pregnancy, race or ethno-religious background, marital status, disability, homosexuality, transgender, parental status, age and/or carers' responsibility. more ..
Erosion and Sediment Control - Published: 06 Oct 2004
To prevent land from being degraded by soil erosion or unsatisfactory land and water management practices. more ..
Financial Assistance Program - Published: 24 Nov 2004
Port Stephens Council provides grants to non-profit community groups through a Financial Assistance Program. Council’s goal in offering this program is to support local activities and projects which improve its community's capacity and meet the needs of its residents.
Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act, Council may, in accordance with a resolution of Council, contribute money or otherwise grant financial assistance to persons for the purpose of exercising its functions.
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Footway Dining Areas in Port Stephens - Published: 01 Jun 2005
This policy will cover areas to be used for footway/alfresco dining and includes the use of items with the activity such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, dividers where the items are not permanently fixed and removed at the end of the trading day. more ..
Footways and Cycleways - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To support procedures for the inspection, evaluation, and maintenance of footpaths and cycleways. more ..
Gathering Information Policy - Published: 04 Oct 2005
To assist in defending public liability or professional indemnity claims, Council must ensure its information and data meets the required standard. This policy is used by Council staff as a guide to ensure these standards are met. more ..
Hairdressing, Beauty & Skin Penetration Premises - Published: 01 Dec 2004
It is resolved that Council adopt the NSW Department of Health's Skin Penetration Guidelines and the Hunter Region Health Education Committee's Guidelines for the Operation of Hairdressing, Beauty and Skin Penetration Premises as Port Stephens Council's policies. more ..
Health Records & Information Privacy Management Plan - Published: 09 Feb 2006
The The Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (“HRIPA”) provides for the protection of health records and information privacy of individuals. more ..
Information & Direction Signposting Policy & Code of Conduct - Published: 16 Jun 2005
The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe, effective and efficient network of signs to guide motorists to Tourist Services, Community Facilities and natural features within Port Stephens. more ..
Interim Roof Top Terrace Policy - Published: 16 Aug 2005
This policy is to provide framework for the assessment of roof top terraces. more ..
Multicultural Affairs - Published: 07 Sep 2004
The objective of this policy is to ensure that residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have equitable access to Council services and facilities and are provided with opportunities to participate and contribute in Council's planning and decision making processes. more ..
National Food Premises Code - Published: 30 Sep 2004
This policy is the recommendation that Council re-adopt the National Food Premises Code as the code for construction standards for food premises. more ..
Nelson Bay CBD & Foreshore Parking Strategy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
Port Stephens is a key tourist location with continued growth in visitors every year. more ..
Nelson Bay Foreshore Masterplan - Published: 07 Sep 2004
Masterplan of the Nelson Bay Foreshore - July 2002 more ..
Newcastle Airport Ltd Strategic Policy 2004 - Published: 31 May 2005
The Newcastle Airport Strategic Policy has been developed by Newcastle Airport Limited. more ..
No Smoking Policy in Council Owned or Managed Buildings - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To promote a non-smoking environment within the confines of all buildings owned or managed by Council. more ..
On Site Sewerage Management Strategy - Published: 01 Dec 2004
This strategy applies to all fixed on-site sewage management systems in the Port Stephens LGA that do not directly discharge to Hunter Water Corporation sewer mains and are not specifically regulated under a pollution control licence by the Environment Protection Authority. more ..
Parking Regulations at Newcastle Airport - Published: 07 Sep 2004
This policy has been formulated to complement the delegation of authority granted by Council to Newcastle Airport employees to enforce restricted parking within the boundaries of the land on which Newcastle Airport operates. more ..
Pecuniary Interest Returns - Published: 24 Nov 2004
Councillors and designated Council staff are required to declare their Pecuniary Interest at the end of financial year or after 3 months of becoming elected or commencing employment with Council. more ..
Planning Matters to be reported to Council - Published: 07 Sep 2004
Planning decisions are made daily on a wide range of matters utilising delegated authority. more ..
Public Internet Policy at Port Stephens Libraries - Published: 07 Sep 2004
Port Stephens Library recognises the rapid advances in technology and the changing information needs of its community and thereby provides free and equitable access to the Internet to all individuals and groups within the community in order to meet their information, education and recreation needs. more ..
Privacy Management Plan - Published: 28 Feb 2006
The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 ("PPIPA") provides for the protection of personal information and for the protection of the privacy of individuals. more ..
Procedure for Requests to Amend LEP 2000 - Published: 26 Sep 2005
Please contact Council’s Strategic Planning Team on 49800 326 for further information on the procedure for requests to amend the Port Stephens Local Environmental Plan 2000. The website of the NSW Department of Planning www.planning.nsw.gov.au contains information on the form and content for planning proposals to amend a local environmental plan more ..
Property Investment and Development Policy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
This policy provides guidelines for consideration in the acquisition development and disposal of investment properties. Investment and Development properties are those that provide financial return to Council and or provide strategic pathways for future income generation. more ..
Public Access to Records after 30 Years - Published: 07 Sep 2004
The State Records Act, 1998 promotes the principles of accountability and access by requiring public sector offices, including local government Council's, to create full and accurate records of their business and administrative transactions, and ensuring that records of significant value are preserved. Council's will ensure that all records of continuing value are considered for public access in due course and in accordance with the Attorney General's ?Guidelines on Making Access Directions under Part 6 of the State Records Act 1998'. more ..
Receipt of Petitions - Published: 19 Nov 2004
The 'Receipt of Petitions Policy' provides members of the public an avenue to express their view of matters before Council. more ..
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Port Stephens - Published: 01 Dec 2004
In June 1999 Port Stephens Council resolved to join the Cities for Climate Protection Program. more ..
Councillors Reimbursement Policy - Published: 25 Mar 2008
This policy is made under the Local Government Act, 1993, including Sections 248 to 254 and 731. The Act requires that the Council must adopt a policy concerning the payment of expenses and the provision of facilities to the Mayor and other Councillors. more ..
Requests for Assistance - Legal Costs - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To assist Councils faced with substantial legal costs to defend their reasonable decisions, where the issues arising from and/or outcomes of such legal proceedings directly benefit the Port Stephens Local Government Area. more ..
Restricted Funds Policy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
Council is required by legislation, to set aside funds for specific purposes for which clear guidelines are set to ensure Council's Cash Position and Investment Portfolio is adequate and managed responsibly. more ..
Road Assessment and Maintenance Policy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
Council has not previously had a formal policy supporting the inspection, assessment and maintenance of roads. The increasing cost of public liability claims against Council for incidents on roads, and the ongoing need to prolong the life of Councils assets as well as providing as safe a level of service from these facilities as can be realistically possible, has highlighted the need to formalise a policy and procedure to assist in ensuring the safety of road users and reducing Council's liability in this area. more ..
Roadside Tributes and Memorials - Published: 07 Sep 2004
In December 1995 Council adopted a report prepared by the Road Safety Officer recommending the installation of white crosses marking the location of fatal road crashes within the road reservations. more ..
Septic Tank Conversion to Rainwater Storage Facility - Published: 01 Dec 2004
To provide for the safe, hygienic and environmentally sound decommissioning and conversion of existing septic tanks to rain water tanks for the purpose of rainwater storage, after premises are connected to the sewerage system. more ..
Septic Tank Decomissioning - Published: 01 Dec 2004
Guidelines to facilitate the safe, hygienic and environmentally sound decommissioning of septic tanks after premises are connected to the sewerage system. more ..
Signs as Remote Supervision Policy - Published: 11 Jan 2006
This policy is to ensure clear and concise directions as to the location, content and frequency of signs at Council facilities to minimise public liability exposure arising from the provision of these facilities to the community. more ..
Social Policy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
In recent years the term "Social Capital" has been used to describe the social cohesion that binds people together as a community. more ..
Street Trading by Organisations - Published: 07 Sep 2004
This policy relates directly to the use of casual street stalls on the footway (road reserve) by local, charitable and community organisations. more ..
Sportsground Plan of Management - Published: 07 Sep 2004
This Generic Plan of Management has been prepared to enable Council to meets its obligations under the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended) pertaining to Sportsgrounds. more ..
Sustainability Policy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
As part of Council's obligation to execute its responsibilities under the Local Government Act, Council is required to take into account the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) across all of its activities. more ..
Telecommunications Policy and Guidelines - Published: 17 Mar 2005
Council is the consent authority for facilities that require development consent under the terms of the EP&A Act 1979. Such facilities are referred to as "not low impact facilities". more ..
Temporary Structures on Footways - Published: 07 Sep 2004
This policy refers to non-permanent structures such as tables, baskets, sandwich boards, racks used for display of goods, brochures, or information/advertising/promotional material that relates to the adjoining business activity. more ..
Tenancy Policy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To provide fair and equitable access to Community, Sport and Recreational Services and Facilities for residents of Port Stephens and to enable facilities to be maintained and developed to meet the future needs of the community. more ..
Urban Rainwater Tank Policy - Published: 05 Nov 2004
The Urban Rainwater Tank policy was adopted by Council on 16 December 2003. more ..
Volunteers Policy - Published: 07 Sep 2004
To provide a framework to support community based volunteers undertaking community projects to Council or who provide assistance to Council operations. more ..
Waste Reduction and Procurement - Published: 01 Dec 2004
The Hunter Waste Planning and Management Board require all constituent councils to prepare and adopt a Waste Reduction and Procurement Policy. more ..
