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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

ALL sectors have weighed in on the Federal Coalition’s decision to abandon Net Zero by 2050. This major tool for combatting climate change involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed. Patrick Leyland, Chief Digital Officer at Populares and former Director of Digital Campaigns for the Australian Labor […]