Residents fed up with the neglect of roadside nature strips

FROM Blueberry Lane to Park Street, a local resident has called on Mayor Adam Roberts to take a good look at the current state of Port Macquarie’s roadside nature strips and roundabouts.

Aged in their 70s, Barry Dowse and his wife have lived in Port Macquarie for over 20 years.

Barry, who lives on Blueberry Lane, contacted Council to raise concerns about areas surrounding Hastings River Drive, between Aston and Park streets.

The roundabout where Findlay Avenue and Blueberry Lane meet through Hastings River Drive is desolate and adorned by only three trees, while the footpath near Blueberry Lane is home to tufts of weeds popping out amongst dry gravel and dead leaves.

When Barry received a response from the Mayor’s Executive Assistant advising that the “Mayor is aware of the area in question” and that his comments had been respectfully noted, he felt dismissed.

“They have a parks department, I would like to see them do something [and] also ongoing maintenance,” Barry said.

“I feel let down by our current Council and it would not take much for them to improve.”

A Port-Macquarie Hastings Council spokesperson acknowledged Barry’s concerns while sharing that the process of having roadsides and nature strips tidied up and maintained is determined by an outdated schedule.

“Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Parks and Gardens maintenance currently operates under a maintenance schedule established in 2012,” the spokesperson said.

“This schedule outlines responsibilities across the region for maintaining sports fields, parks, reserves, and associated gardens.

“Over the years, increased service demand, community expectations, and continued growth across the local government area have highlighted the need for a revised approach.

“While the level of resourcing has remained relatively static, the number of parks, roadside gardens, and public spaces has continued to grow, along with expectations around how these spaces are presented and maintained.”

Council told NOTA it is in the final stages of developing a new draft maintenance schedule.

“This approach will better reflect current conditions and priorities and provide a clearer and more balanced standard moving forward,” the spokesperson said.

“The updated approach aims to ensure consistency across the network, with an increased focus not just on mowing, but on all aspects of public space maintenance, including roadside gardens.”

Roadside garden maintenance is typically scheduled during the cooler months.

This seasonal approach allows the maintenance team to focus on the high mowing demand that occurs during the warmer months, while also reducing the risk of traffic delays during peak visitor periods.

“Our Council maintenance team is responsible for maintaining a large and growing area,” the spokesperson said.

“All maintenance is prioritised in accordance with Council’s parks hierarchy and available resources.

“While roadside garden maintenance does require additional investment, particularly in signage and traffic safety, it remains a valued part of our long-term service delivery.”

Any member of the community who wishes to report an issue regarding services or maintenance of local parks and gardens can do so via Council’s website at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Report-an-issue.

By Rikki WALLER