December 7, 2025
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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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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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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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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Australians urged to be scam-aware during Black Friday sales Be alert to online shopping scams. Photo: Canva.
Business, National

Australians urged to be scam-aware during Black Friday sales

SHOPPERS gearing up for a major Black Friday deal are being urged to stay alert to scams. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), estimates that $259 million has been lost to scams in 2025. Authorities expect this figure to rise as online spending increases in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Consumers spent more […]

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New manager for Port’s PCYC as government announces statewide boost to programs Zac Campbell is the new manager of the PCYC in Port Macquarie. Photo: supplied.
Government

New manager for Port’s PCYC as government announces statewide boost to programs

PCYC Port Macquarie has welcomed a new club manager. Zac Campbell, who grew up locally, stepped into the role on 14 November. After attending university and time playing semi-professional basketball, Zac joined the PCYC as a Senior Activities Officer before putting his hand up for the role of Club Manager. “PCYC offers programs that benefit […]

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