JOY has opened at Luminance Art Gallery in Port Macquarie, showcasing an end-of-year exhibition of artworks by young people from the Mid North Coast. The gallery issued an open call earlier this year and waived all entry fees to remove barriers to participation. More than 30 young artists submitted work, and the gallery shortlisted 22 […]
Koala hotspot signage on Pacific Drive reminds drivers to slow down in known risk areas. Photo: Matt Taylor.
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 […]
The Town Beach Reserve foreshore, where a draft master plan proposes major upgrades. Photo: Matt Taylor.
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 […]
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.
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 […]
Concerns have been raised about unsafe e-bike and e-scooter riding in Port Macquarie’s Town Centre. Picture: Matt Taylor.
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 […]
Beach nourishment works set for Lake Cathie Foreshore
PORT Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) will soon undertake beach nourishment works at Lake Cathie Foreshore Reserve to “improve foreshore stability and provide enhanced sandy areas for families and visitors”. Earlier this year, rock bags were installed in the reserve to address ongoing erosion. In early December, the area will be backfilled with marine sands sourced […]
Changed overnight traffic conditions at the intersection of William and Grant streets, Port Macquarie
MOTORISTS are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions at the intersection of William and Grant streets, Port Macquarie for traffic signal work. Transport for NSW is carrying out traffic signal upgrades to provide left and right turn red arrows to improve pedestrian crossing safety. “We will work for up to six nights between Monday 17 […]
Pappinbarra community strengthens bushfire preparedness through resilience workshop
An exterior inspection demonstration. Photo: supplied. The participant workshop. Photo: supplied. LOCALS from Pappinbarra and surrounding areas gathered on Sunday 9 November at Hollisdale Hall, for a Community Resilience Workshop. The two-hour event focused on boosting bushfire preparedness and strengthening local infrastructure. Resilient Building Council CEO Kate Cotter said, “It’s exciting to see local communities […]
Jade Goodwin, the illustrator of Sam Kerr’s children’s books, with young readers in Port Macquarie. Photo: supplied.
The Inspired Readers Festival welcomes more than 1000 students
OVER a thousand children and teachers from 22 schools across the Mid North Coast took part in the Inspired Readers Festival from 11 to 13 November. Students met authors and illustrators who encouraged them to read, write, draw and dream bigger. For many, including the 300 students sponsored to attend, it was a rare opportunity […]
Hastings Neighbourhood Services launches Christmas Appeal
HASTINGS Neighbourhood Services has launched its annual Christmas appeal. Last year the organisation supported more than 250 families doing it tough. A spokesperson for Hastings Neighbourhood Services said they were grateful for the community’s generosity. The team hopes locals will help again by donating gifts and essential items. They are calling for new, unwrapped gifts […]
