Annual Report 2009

Chairman’s Message

How time flies! In June 2008, Council endorsed the establishment of the Economic Development Advisory Panel and we got stuck into guiding Port Stephens economic development and opportunities.  August 2008 saw the first meeting take place and from there on it has been a busy schedule for all the members of the panel. I am very satisfied to note we have had no drop outs. The achievements in such a short time have been professionally and capably directed by Lesley Morris and her team and I can report the firsts are many.
 
Port Stephens is now being actively promoted as a great location to live and work with the new website, Business Prospectus, Economic Profile, Lifestyle brochure and other marketing material that has been developed and distributed.  Together with exhibitions at the Avalon Airshow and the Adelaide Defence Conference, the marketing activities have generated a large number of enquiries, requests for information and visits to the website.    
 
Funding of over $150,000 has been injected into local business communities across Port Stephens for local economic development projects and events.  At the same time, over $200,000 of additional grant funding has been attracted to Port Stephens and opportunities for local businesses to access free advice and support services has been increased. 
 
The newly formed Events Port Stephens project has tasted success, with support being provided to a number of events that drive tourism numbers and economic activity.  The Sail Port Stephens regatta, for example, recorded growth of 160% and contributed around $1M to the local economy.
 
I know the enthusiasm of the Panel, the spirited discussions on projects and the manner in which their direction has been carried out sets the platform for the way forward in 2009-2010.  I would like to acknowledge Port Stephens Council executive staff and the Councillors backing of this unit as the catalyst for success.  It’s still early days but we have runs on the board. With the second year just getting started, overall it has been a wonderful start to a new era for Port Stephens.

Councillor Bob Westbury, Chairman
Economic Development Advisory Panel, Port Stephens Council