NSW · Hunter · Local council, made simple
Port Stephens Council
A large Hunter council wrapping the Port Stephens waterway north of Newcastle — around 79,000 people across Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay, Medowie and the Tomaree and Tilligerry peninsulas, and home to Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, libraries, parks, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26: 9.5% (approved special rate variation)
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 8 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyPort Stephens' recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
7 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Leah Anderson (Labor)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 4988 0255
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~78,900 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Port Stephens Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Have your say
Community invited to help shape a Place Plan for Raymond Terrace
The council opened community consultation on a new Place Plan for Raymond Terrace in early 2026, with a workshop and online feedback through the Have Your Say Port Stephens portal.
What this means for you: If you live or work in Raymond Terrace, this is a chance to give feedback that will inform the council's long-term plan for the town centre. See the council's page for dates and how to take part.
Source: Port Stephens Council — Community invited to shape the future of Raymond Terrace
- Development
Newcastle Airport's expanded terminal opens at Williamtown
Newcastle Airport — jointly owned by Port Stephens Council and the City of Newcastle — opened its expanded terminal at Williamtown on 29 July 2025, following a project of about $250M that adds capacity for widebody aircraft and international flights.
What this means for you: The airport sits within the Port Stephens LGA and is part-owned by the council; the expansion adds international and larger-aircraft capacity for the region. Details of routes and operations are on the airport's official site.
- Policy
Final year of the council's approved special rate variation (2025–26)
2025–26 was the third and final year of Port Stephens Council's IPART-approved special rate variation of 9.5% per year (about 31.29% compounded over 2023–24 to 2025–26), retained permanently in the rate base. From 2026–27 the ordinary rate peg (4.1%) applies.
What this means for you: The higher rate base from the special variation stays in place; from 2026–27 rates rise by the ordinary rate peg on top of that base. Your individual bill also depends on your land value relative to other properties.
Source: Port Stephens Council — About the Special Rate Variation
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