communitynow NEWSLETTER
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SUMMER 2018
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hether it’s enjoying spectacular vistas, experiencing the peace and quiet or burning off some Christmas cheer, the Port Macquarie-Hastings has some of the best walking trails in the country.
Our region is home to more than 20 walking, hiking and bike trails that cater for all levels of experience, ability and accessibility, and the great thing is that many of them are only a short drive away. Whilst we love our region’s beaches, it’s not all about sun, sand and salt water. Many trails wind through luscious rainforests, overlook freshwater streams and lead to relaxing plunge pools. The Queens Lake Walking Trail is the perfect place to start, guiding you along the picturesque Queens Lake in Camden Haven. This trail will take you through eucalypt groves, tidal mangrove flats and paperbark forests with stunning views across Queens Lake at every point.
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TO HELP DISCOVER THE PERFECT TRACK, WE’VE DEVELOPED AN INTERACTIVE MAP ON OUR WEBSITE
For people looking for more of an adventure, but still keen to stay on the beaten track, the Old Bottlebutt Walking Trail offers a 600m stroll through the Burrawan State Forest, culminating in a viewing platform surrounding the 200 year old Bottlebutt, an amazing and huge Red Bloodwood tree. Or maybe you’d prefer to traverse mountains like John Oxley and his team of 15 explorers did 200 years ago, getting away from everything and
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In the heart of Port Macquarie is the Googik Heritage Walking Track. At just 2kms, the walk starts at Lake Innes Nature Reserve on Lake Road, and extends to St Columba Anglican School, perfect for walking, cycling and bird watching.
PHOTO CREDIT – FORESTRY CORPORATION OF NSW
discovering remote bushland on Hastings Forest Way Touring Route in the wilderness of Werrikimbe National Park, north-west of Wauchope. To help discover the perfect track, we’ve developed an interactive map on our website. It lists all the walking trails across the region – perfect for planning your next adventure.
While visitors to our region get to experience our nature’s wonderland for only a short while, we’re fortunate enough to be able to live the dream every day. So where will you be heading this weekend? Check out the Interactive Walking Trail Map and plan your next adventure at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/walking-trails.
From the Mayor
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elcome to the summer edition of the Community Now newsletter. I hope you all had the opportunity to have a break over the festive season, connect or re-connect with family and friends or simply reflect on the year that was.
It’s been a great time for all of us at Council to recharge the batteries and look ahead to the challenges we will face during 2018 with energy and enthusiasm. There is so much planned in the coming year, from maintaining and upgrading our sealed and unsealed road network, providing a reliable water supply and waste services, upgrading community facilities such as playgrounds, parks and gardens and the list goes on. As always I encourage you to take the time to ‘have your say’ on the many projects and services that Council delivers on behalf of our community. I look forward to keeping you up to date throughout the year and will be working hard on your behalf to continue making our region such a great place to live, learn, work, play and invest. Peta Pinson Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor
Delivering for our growing community
Port Macquarie CBD developments
Skate Park
> Construction of the new Port Macquarie Town Square and upgraded Town Green were completed in October 2017, with these spaces already hosting great community events including Tastings on Hastings, Remembrance Day commemorations and the popular Countdown to Christmas.
> The Port Macquarie Skate Park is one of our most popular recreational facilities, enjoyed by young people, families and skaters of all ages and abilities. Recent maintenance will ensure skaters, scooters and bike riders continue to shred for many years to come.
Community designing our place > The master plan for the Lake Cathie Foreshore is currently being finalised. A big thanks to the local community who have provided input and ideas into the future plan that will protect and enhance one of our most popular community and recreation spaces. There will be further opportunities for the community to review the plan early in 2018.
Future proofing a key gateway > Concept plans have been finalised for a $7.5 million upgrade to the Port Macquarie Airport Terminal Building which will deliver a superior passenger experience and future-proof this key gateway to our region. The project is funded via $1.25 million in Australian Government funding through the Community Development Grants Programme, $5 million from the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund and $1.25 million from Council’s Airport Reserve.
Community groups get a boost! > More than $107,000 has been provided to 24 local not-for-profit organisations via Council’s Community Grants Program, helping fund Christmas and New Year events, environmental initiatives and the purchase of much needed equipment for local community groups.
Kew and Kendall Main Streets > The Kew and Kendall Main Street Master Plans are currently being finalised thanks to great feedback and input from the Camden Haven community. Plans to rejuvenate the main streets of these iconic townships will include road safety improvements, streetscape beautifications and enhanced pedestrian walkways.
Beechwood Road upgrades continue
Saving energy and cost with LEDs
> Reconstruction works to ensure a smooth ride and safer journey for motorists travelling on Beechwood Rd in Wauchope continue, adding to an extensive list of upgrades to the important route during 2017/18.
> Upgrading our street lights to LEDs will save approximately $320,000 per year and result in power usage reductions of around 650,000kWh per year.
pmhc.nsw.gov.au/events
Port Macquarie-Hastings Bicentenary WHEN: JANUARY 2018 – DECEMBER 2018
2018 marks 200 years since John Oxley and his team of 15 explorers traversed the mountains from the west and surveyed our region for early European settlement. To commemorate this milestone, a range of community events will take place across the region, with Council also supporting a number of projects through the Community Grants Program. For more information on the schedule of events or to apply for a Bicentenary project grant visit:
pmhc.nsw.gov.au/bicentenary
NSW Junior State Touch Football W H E N : F R I D AY 1 6 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 – S U N D AY 1 8 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8
We’ll soon be welcoming more than 16,000 football players, officials and family members as the State’s finest young touch football teams fight it out to be named winners of the NSW Junior State Cup. There will be some amazing talent on display, as young athletes compete for bragging rights over three days of spirited competition. For more information on this year’s State Cup visit:
nswtouch.com.au/representative/junior-state-cup
Australia Day Celebrations W H E N : F R I D AY 2 6 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8
Everyone’s invited to get in the Aussie spirit and be part of a range of activities and celebrations in the Camden Haven, Port Macquarie and Wauchope this Australia Day. On the evening of Thursday 25 January we’ll also recognise those locals who have gone above and beyond in serving our community, with the announcement of the 2018 Port Macquarie-Hastings Australian of the Year recipients. For more information on Australia Day activities across our region visit:
pmhc.nsw.gov.au/australiaday
M O S T
P R O G R E S S I V E
C O U N C I L
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has been recognised as the most progressive Council in NSW by winning the A R Bluett Memorial Award for 2017. The Award was established in 1945 to recognise the most progressive Councils in the State, and looks at all aspects of Council's operation. A huge thanks to the many community members, groups and associations that work with Council each and every day to create a vibrant future for our region; we could not be a leading Council without the broad support from the community we serve.
Contact us 17 Burrawan Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 49 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 9 Laurie Street, Laurieton NSW 2443
Stay connected with Council t: 02 6581 8111 e: council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
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