Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, says local residents have just days to comment on the NSW Government’s draft coastal planning guidelines.
“Climate change and coastal erosion are hot topics at the moment, so it’s important that residents who have a contribution to make towards better planning outcomes for coastal communities have their say before Friday’s (December 11) deadline,” Mr Besseling said.
“There is plenty of concern in coastal communities about the impact of storm surges, king tides and dune erosion on privately and publicly owned property, particularly in regard to coastal erosion within our local area.”
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As Port Macquarie-Hastings Council lifeguards prepare for the start of patrols this Saturday, senior lifeguards are calling on the community to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches this summer.
21 fulltime and casual lifeguards have been employed by Council to patrol local beaches from this Saturday 3rd October through until April next year.
The lifeguards will patrol Town Beach everyday from 9am till 4.30pm and Flynn’s Beach Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm. Lighthouse Beach, Bonny Hills Beach and North Haven Beach will be patrolled during the school holidays between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
Council’s Senior Lifeguard, Tim Ferris said, “While our area has some of the most beautiful beaches along the coast, I cannot stress too much the importance of making sure people only swim between the flags and only at patrolled beaches.
“While last season we recorded more than 231,000 people enjoying our beaches, lifeguards were kept busy with 75 rescues and 1,278 preventative actions. Unfortunately we had a drowning at Rainbow Beach at Bonny Hills at a time when the beach wasn’t patrolled.
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With construction of Port Macquarie’s new commercial wharf nearing completion, plans are now underway to encourage local businesses to become involved in trading with Lord Howe Island.
The new wharf located adjacent to Birdon Marine will primarily service the ‘Island Trader’ which has the contract to ship freight between Lord Howe Island and Port Macquarie.
Council’s Economic Development Manager, Trevor Sargeant said, “It’s anticipated that most of the Island’s needs will be able to be sourced from competitive local businesses here in the Hastings.
“Council is holding an information session for local businesses interested in supplying goods and services to the Island,” Mr Sargeant said.
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The Mayors and General Mangers from councils between the Great Lakes and Coffs Harbour meet in Port Macquarie today to discuss a range of Local Government issues including the future of rate pegging and beach erosion.
The meeting being held at the Glasshouse is part of the Mid North Coast Group of Councils (MIDGOC) quarterly meetings program.
One of the key topics for discussion is the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) draft report recommending changes to the way Local Government rates are regulated.
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Oxley MP, Andrew Stoner has today sent a petition to Port Macquarie Hastings Council signed by over 4500 people opposed to any plans by Council to close or downgrade Timbertown at Wauchope.
“This petition demonstrates the overwhelming public support for the continuation of Timbertown and also its significance to the local community,” Mr Stoner said.
“With the consultation phase in progress, it is important that the public’s strong views on Timbertown’s future are known to Council.
“People from all over Australia have signed the petition, no doubt each one of them touched by the magic of Timbertown.
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After widespread community consultation, a report presented at last tonight’s Council meeting has identified seven options for the future of Timbertown.
The options included in the report range from closure of Timbertown, offering a long term lease, appointing a board of management to full redevelopment plus several other options. Council will now analyse the viability of each of the proposed operating models and will report back to the Administrator.
Administrator, Garry Payne said, “While Council still has no preferred position on Timbertown, the report presented tonight does include seven potential operating models that will be further considered in the coming months.
“I have asked that the proposed operating models be referred to Council’s Opportunities Board for them to form a view as to the viability of these options,” Mr Payne said.
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Once again it’s that time of year, when the Hastings Battle of the Bands is held. Only this time there is a bit of a change, the running of the event is usually organised by a committee of students working with members of council. Not this time! Don’t fear, the students are still involved and so is Council, the little twist is that council tendered offers for the event to be organised by an independent company and Sand Events (Festival of the Sun) have taken on the role with some plans to make this year’s battle bigger and better for both the Bands and the crowd.
So, I guess you want some more details? Well, here you go then, this year’s battle is a drug and alcohol free event and is going to be held at the Port Macquarie Racecourse on the 26th of September with everything kicking off at midday and wrapping up at 8:00pm. We know that’s a long day but we’ve got some stuff planned that will keep you more than entertained so make sure you get in nice and early!
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will start surveying local residents today week about life in the Hastings.
The surveys will look at a range of community issues including employment, health, education and housing as well as social activities. A second survey will also be conducted to identify perceptions of crime in the community.
Director of Community and Cultural Development, Lesley Atkinson said, “The information gathered in the surveys will assist staff in the development and creation of strategies for implementation into the future.
“The surveys will also assist Council to strengthen the community’s vision following on from the 2030 Forums held recently.
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The announcement has been made that 23 year old Jeff Styles has put forward his candidacy for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in the next local government election in 2012.
A life-long local, Styles attended Telegraph Point Public School and St Josephs High School; attending the Regional and MacKillop campuses. Since graduating from high school, he has studied a Bachelors Degree in Urban and Regional Planning with the University of New England and is scheduled to finish in November. Mr. Styles is planning to study a Masters Degree in Forest Science and Management in 2010 and 2011. Over the past five years he has worked in yard maintenance and continues to work in horticulture. He has also been involved with the Lions Club since 2006 as well as a number of local sports clubs, such as the Royal Pembrooke Tennis Club.
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Sitting around a futures café imaging life in the Hastings in 21 years time is just one of the techniques being used to motivate participants at today’s 2030 Community Forum.
More than 120 residents from all over the Hastings volunteered to be part of the Forum and give Council an insight into their expectations for the long-term future of the Hastings.
Administrator Garry Payne welcomed participants. He said that traditionally Council’s would develop the plan and put it on exhibition for the public to comment on. One of the strong messages to come out of the community survey was that the residents here wanted more input into decision making and planning.
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