Port Stephens mayor urging visitors to don a mask in regional towns 06/01/2021|4min Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says while an influx of visitors to regional areas is “fantastic” for the local economy, there are growing concerns about spreading the coronavirus via people travelling from Greater Sydney. “It is a balance between getting the local economy open and keeping the virus out,” he told Sky News. Mr Palmer urged people living outside Greater Sydney to reconsider attending the Test match – set to go ahead at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 7. “If you are in Port Stephens we’ll be able to watch that on TV … but this time is a time to stay home,” he said.