May 8, 2026
Efforts to protect koalas stepped up across key Port Macquarie hotspots Koala hotspot signage on Pacific Drive reminds drivers to slow down in known risk areas. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Local News

Efforts to protect koalas stepped up across key Port Macquarie hotspots

A COMPREHENSIVE update of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Koala Action Plan has detailed major progress on habitat mapping, road-strike mitigation and the monitoring of local koala populations. The report covers the first full year of implementation since Council adopted the plan in February 2024, following years of legislative changes, fire-related habitat loss and the species’ statewide […]

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Mud crabs in the creek, yellowfin success offshore
Fishing

Mud crabs in the creek, yellowfin success offshore

I SPENT last weekend camping at Hat Head with friends. The kids had a blast catching mud crabs in the creek, while the dads headed offshore and were rewarded with some great yellowfin tuna action. I must admit I was a little jealous, but someone had to look after the baby. Fishing in the Camden […]

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Letter to the Editor: Accept the science
Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Accept the science

DEAR News Of The Area, I WISH to comment on two items in your 21 November issue about net zero emissions for Cowper. The feature article by Andrew Vivian gave a comprehensive and balanced summary of the issues surrounding any policy towards net zero emissions by 2050. The article rightly refuted the Federal Coalition’s claim […]

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Draft Town Beach Reserve Plan outlines foreshore improvements The Town Beach Reserve foreshore, where a draft master plan proposes major upgrades. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Local News

Draft Town Beach Reserve Plan outlines foreshore improvements

COUNCIL has endorsed the draft Town Beach Reserve Master Plan for public exhibition, setting out a long-term vision for Port Macquarie’s popular beachfront. The plan brings together more than 15 years of previous studies, concept plans and precinct strategies, consolidating them into a single framework to guide future investment and upgrades. Town Beach Reserve’s ageing […]

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Councillors knock back sporting user-pay fees after community backlash Sporting groups, including cricket clubs, have dodged a fee for use of local fields after Council rejected the move in a 5-4 vote at last week’s meeting. Photo: Matt Taylor.
Local News

Councillors knock back sporting user-pay fees after community backlash

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council has rejected moves to introduce a user-pay system for sporting fields following a spirited debate among councillors that highlighted the financial pressures facing local families, struggling clubs, and Council’s own increasing maintenance costs. Cr Nik Lipovac put forward the successful motion at last week’s meeting, citing strong opposition from the community […]

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Council urges locals to report unsafe e-bike and e-scooter riding Concerns have been raised about unsafe e-bike and e-scooter riding in Port Macquarie’s Town Centre. Picture: Matt Taylor.
Local News

Council urges locals to report unsafe e-bike and e-scooter riding

UNSAFE e-bike and e-scooter use in Port Macquarie’s town centre has prompted Council to explain its regulatory role while urging the community to make direct complaints to State authorities. Cr Nik Lipovac brought a notice of motion to last week’s meeting calling for Council to publish clear information on its website about its responsibilities surrounding […]

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Annual Christmas Fair to transform city centre into festive wonderland Children will be delighted by special appearances from Santa Claus.
Entertainment, Event

Annual Christmas Fair to transform city centre into festive wonderland

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council is inviting the community to kick off the festive season in style at the annual Christmas Fair. A free, family-friendly event, the fair will transform the Town Square and Town Green precinct into a buzzing celebration filled with live entertainment, local markets, delicious food and more from 5-9pm on Friday, 5 […]

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Local talent treading the boards in ‘Billy Elliot’ at the Players Theatre Linked Community Services clients Judy Kirby and Valerie Wilson, and volunteer drivers John and Colin (behind) at the matinee of ‘Billy Elliot’. Photo: Pauline Cain.
Regional

Local talent treading the boards in ‘Billy Elliot’ at the Players Theatre

The cast of Billy Elliott singing the opening number ‘The Stars Look Down’. Photo: supplied. Linked Community Services clients Judy Kirby and Valerie Wilson, and volunteer drivers John and Colin (behind) at the matinee of ‘Billy Elliot’. Photo: Pauline Cain. THE musical “Billy Elliot” had a packed house for its opening weekend at the Players […]

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