SALT FOUND IN PORT STEPHENS COUNCIL MAIL ROOM CAUSES EVACUATION

The Port Stephens Council’s headquarters at Raymond Terrace has been evacuated after a chemical scare.

White powder was found in the building’s mail room this morning, forcing all staff to be evacuated to the adjacent sporting field.

Authorities have confirmed the substance was salt.

Staff returned to the building at about 9:40am.

Council’s General Manager, Wayne Wallis, says he is pleased with the response from staff.

“This was a credible threat and potentially a very a serious incident, but all staff responded calmly and our emergency response procedures went well.”