December 7, 2025
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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Beach nourishment works set for Lake Cathie Foreshore
Local News

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 […]

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Pappinbarra community strengthens bushfire preparedness through resilience workshop An exterior inspection demonstration. Photo: supplied.
Local News

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 […]

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The Inspired Readers Festival welcomes more than 1000 students Jade Goodwin, the illustrator of Sam Kerr’s children’s books, with young readers in Port Macquarie. Photo: supplied.
Local News

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 […]

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Hastings Neighbourhood Services launches Christmas Appeal
Local News

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 […]

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Students take part in mock council meeting Mayor Adam Roberts with the visiting students from Heritage Christian School.
Local News

Students take part in mock council meeting

HIGH school students from Heritage Christian School had the chance to learn about local government and discuss issues first-hand in a mock council meeting hosted by Mayor Adam Roberts on Monday. Thirteen students from years 7 to 12 visited Port Macquarie Hastings Council chambers where Mayor Roberts explained the three tiers of government – local, […]

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New charges over Oxley Highway death
Local News

New charges over Oxley Highway death

INVESTIGATORS have added drink driving to the charges against a 22-year-old man involved in a fatal crash on the Oxley Highway. About 9.15pm on Saturday 6 September, emergency services were called to the highway near Port Macquarie following reports a Toyota utility and a Holden hatchback had crashed head-on. The driver of the hatchback, a […]

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