Port Macquarie-Hastings Council | Latest Forum Topics/News Articles

Take 5 minutes to please complete the library survey.

admin — 2012-02-15 14:28:37 +1100

We're interested in your thoughts about your Libraries!

Port Macquarie-Hastings Libraries offer a wide range of services. Our lending collection includes books, CDs, DVDs, audio books and magazines. Our online services include ebooks, downloadable music, computer courses and tutoring. Each library offers computer facilities, room hire, access to family history resources and free Wi-Fi. We also offer a range of programs and activities for children. The libraries are open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings.

Our surveys for library users and non-library users will take approx 5 minutes to complete and provide valuable feedback on library services. Please complete a library survey today!

Seniors Week Grant Open

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2012-01-31 16:23:51 +1100

The grant funds are to assist the development of activities or events to celebrate Seniors Week in our local community.

The theme for this year's Senior Week grant program is 'Live Life!' and successful applicants will need to propose an activity or project with an intergenerational theme inclusive of all ages, young and old.
$1500 is available and organisations can apply for grants between $100 and $500.

Last year saw a number of local organisations awarded grants, including Kindee Hall Committee and Progress Association who used the money to help stage a community day at Long Flat. More than 150 seniors attended the festivities that included a bush dance and performances by local primary school students.
Apply online at Council's website www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/communitygrants
Applications will close 10am Monday 20 February, 2012.

In line with previous years, Council will publish a free Seniors Week Program including activities and events in our Local Government Area to commemorate the week.
To have your event included in the free booklet, please contact Julie Priest
For further information contact Community Development Officer - Aged and Disability, Julie Priest on (02) 6581 8480 or Julie.priest@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

My Community Photography Competition

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2012-01-31 16:20:11 +1100

To enter, take a picture of your favourite community place, service, event or activity from within the Hastings Local Government Area, share it with us on our Facebook page and in 50 words or less tell us why you chose this as your favourite picture of the Hastings. To ensure eligibility, shutterbugs must also 'like' the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council page.

The winner will be selected based on their photo and caption by a panel of judges including Council Administrator, Neil Porter. The number of 'like's' and comments attached to each eligible photo entry will also be considered.

Snappers have plenty of time to develop their photographic talent with the competition allowing unlimited entries and running until 23rd March, 2012. And with no age restriction, anyone can enter.
Council Administrator Neil Porter said the photography competition, run and promoted via Council's social media channels, is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to get involved in a community competition that celebrates all that is great about our region.

"The My Community campaign is a fantastic initiative which will encourage discussion, drive interest and promote our spectacular region," Mr Porter said.
"We want people to be as creative as they can and to have a lot of fun with it too."

At the conclusion of the campaign all entries will be judged, with the best photos selected and displayed as part of a 'My Community' exhibition to be showcased at all libraries within the Hastings.
Competitions terms and conditions can be found within the 'notes' section of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/pmhc2444

Back to School Road Safety Blitz

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2012-01-31 16:16:07 +1100

Local Police will be targeting drivers failing to adhere to 40km speed zones around schools during pick-up and drop-off hours, which will return from Friday, 27 January as staff and students head back to school. School zones operate between 8:00am- 9:30am and 2:30pm-4:00pm on gazetted school days.

Council Road Safety Officer Nick Gainsford said the safety blitz coincided with the start of the school year in an effort to inform, educate and remind motorists of the importance to obey the rules around schools.
"Many children are starting kindergarten or getting used to the routine of being back at school and we want to ensure drivers obey the road rules in these vicinities," Mr Gainsford said.

The campaign will also target parents and carers who fail to comply with regulatory signage around schools. These signs include No Stopping, No Parking and Bus Zones.

"Parking and dropping off children in restricted areas is illegal and places children at unnecessary risk as parked vehicles obscure the view of both children and other road users including buses," Mr Gainsford said.
Council Rangers issued 374 parking fines in school zones during 2011 in the Hastings region. Penalties for exceeding 40km speed limits can result in hefty fines and a loss of demerit points.

"Parents and carers should also act as good role models and take extra care when travelling around schools."
For further information regarding road safety rules in school areas visit Roads and Maritime Services website: www.rta.nsw.gov.au

Port Macquarie Skate Park Ready for Action

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2011-12-06 10:48:37 +1100

The construction barriers to Port Macquarie's new state-of-the-art skate park facility came down this morning and the skaters were ready for action.

Within an hour of the park being officially declared completed, the skating community was on site testing the $700,000 facility which is now one of the biggest skating parks between south-east Queensland and Sydney.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Manager Recreation & Buildings Liam Bulley said the completion of the skate park upgrade is a testament to the five-year partnership between Council, the community and skating fraternity which has ensured the project's success.

"There is a genuine sense of achievement for everyone involved in this project that we have delivered a facility on budget and on time that will meet the needs of the area's youth and become a focal point of the Town Beach precinct," Mr Bulley said.

"The facility is now among the best in the state and the biggest skate park of its kind between south-east Queensland and Sydney. It will most certainly become one of Port Macquarie-Hastings' premier outdoor attractions."

Planning for the new skate park commenced back in 2007 when Council invited community discussion on how the facility could be improved. More than 150 people participated in the initial consultation process and from that a Skate Park Committee led by Kevin Moran was formed.

Committee members have been an integral part of the planning and design process and a crucial link between Council and the area's youth.

The new skate facility will cater for skateboarders, scooter and bike riders of all ages and ability. The design was completed by pro-skate design company Convic who liaised closely with the skate committee on the concept plan.

The skate park will be officially opened at a community celebration early in the New Year.

$75,000 for Lake Cathie Erosion

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2011-11-21 12:13:24 +1100

Council will use the funds to repair stormwater outlets which are contributing to erosion of the coastal dune south of the Lake Cathie entrance.

"Lake Cathie is one of the 15 coastal erosion hot spots and Council has identified this project as essential to address coastal erosion in the area," Ms Parker said.

"The NSW Government has approved an extra $1 million dollars to assist councils in hot spot areas and I'm pleased to approve these funds to help Port Macquarie- Hastings Council with this important project."

The funds come from the NSW Government's Coastal Management Program which helps councils plan and adapt to the reality of climate change and sea level rise.

"The Coastal Management Program aims to protect and enhance our priceless beaches, headlands and foreshores," Ms Parker said.

The program is administered by the Office of Environment and Heritage.

The NSW Government's contribution will be matched by Council.

Manager Environmental Services Tim Molloy said the funding is an important step toward improving stormwater outlets identified in the development of the Lake Cathie Coastal Management Plan.

The funding will be used to repair stormwater outlets from the southern side of the lake through to Middle Rock Reserve with works expected to be complete by the end of the financial year.

Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre Wins Rod Murdoch Award

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2011-11-21 12:07:00 +1100

Port Macquarie's Visitor Information Centre, located within the multi-award winning Glasshouse, won the 2011 Rod Murdoch Award for Excellence in the operation of a Visitor Information Centre at the Tourism Industry NSW Conference.

"It is certainly an honour to win such a prestigious award and highlights the professionalism of the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) staff and its services," said Glasshouse Manager, Mr Joe Conneely.

"We were up against a number of very professional tourism organisations from Bathurst, Lismore and Nimbin, Wollongong, Lithgow and Penrith."

The Rod Murdoch Award was instigated by the former NSW Council of Tourist Associations and is significant as it pre-dates all other tourism awards for excellence in the state. Mr Conneely said the criteria involved included the level and quality of service provided by the VIC, staff development, and engagement with the industry and tourism operators.

"It particularly significant as the VIC staff provide multiple services to the Glasshouse, juggling the demands of a very busy VIC with the Glasshouse Box Office and Shop as well as also recently taken on the CountryLink booking service. The professionalism they have demonstrated throughout a period of great change and new tasks while maintaining their position among the tourism elite services has been outstanding. There is no doubt having the VIC within the Glasshouse also enables us to provide a seamless service for our community, visitors and conference customers."

"The integration of the Visitor Information Centre into the Glasshouse has also ensured its viability at a time when many other regional VICs are struggling against online booking services and mobile devices to sustain enough business to remain viable."

In 2010/2011, 201,494 people visited the Glasshouse Box Office and Visitor Information Centre - a growth of 88% on the previous year.

This is the fourth significant award presented to the Glasshouse in 2011. Also won this year:-

Winner: 2011 Exhibitions & Public Engagement (4 or less staff) IMAGinE Award, Museums & Galleries NSW
Winner: 2011 Countrylink North Coast Tourism Award: Best Cultural and Heritage tourism attraction
2011 APACA Drovers Presenter of the Year - Honourable Mention Award
The Glasshouse was also a finalist in the Heritage & Cultural category at the Awards night.

The Port Macquarie VIC will now compete against some of the country's best at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2012.

New self check system for Port Macquarie library

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2011-08-23 11:18:49 +1000

"This new system will enable borrowers to check out their own items using self check units. Initially, these units will only be installed at Port Macquarie," Mr Maguire said.

"The use of these tags should also allow for a more efficient method of book return, improve security and reduce the incidence of human error."

Microchipping brings happy end to 'Wreckas' adventure!

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2011-08-23 11:05:22 +1000

When Council rangers scanned his microchip they were able to confirm the dog had been reported as missing, but assumed the Sydney address details had not been updated since the owners had moved north. A call to the mobile number listed on the database soon revealed the full extent of Wrecka's adventure, with the owners confirming that they were still in Sydney and their pup had been missing for 18 months.

Having investigated the option of flying him back, the ecstatic owners have decided to drive to Port Macquarie and collect the wayward pup themselves.

Council Ranger's Team Leader, Ian Chetcuti, says that in New South Wales alone almost 80,000 cats and dogs are lost, hurt or stolen each year, so there is a serious lesson to learn from Wrecka's adventure.

"This is certainly an amazing story of survival, with a great ending for the family involved. It's also a really practical reminder of how important it is to microchip your cats and dogs.

"Wrecka's story shows that microchipping and keeping your details up to date on the register, are two really simple steps that might just be the difference between finding or losing your pet," said Mr Chetcuti.

According to the Companion Animals Act, all puppies and kittens must be microchipped and registered by six months of age, in order to protect them for life.

Wauchope Bottle Bubbler

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2010-11-17 13:14:16 +1100

Wauchope residents will be able to refill their water bottles at a purpose built water station to be installed at Bain Park.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is rolling out the installation of 12 water filling stations – Bottle Bubblers - in key public areas across the region.

There are Bottle Bubblers already in use at Town Green, Oxley Beach and Rocky Beach Reserve allowing walkers, runners and park users to refill water bottles for free.

Council is seeking community feedback on the location of the Wauchope Bottle Bubbler to ensure it is highly accessible and easy to maintain.

New system to revolutionise parking

PMHC Project Coordinator — 2010-01-20 23:14:49 +1100

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has installed an innovative new parking system in the Port Macquarie CBD which is set to revolutionise parking management.

Electro-magnetic vehicle overstay detection systems, which operate via an in-ground unit embedded beneath parking spots have been installed in time limited spaces along Horton and Hay Streets, Port Macquarie. Highly visible signage at all locations will explain that the systems are in use.

Council's Director of Development and Environment, Matt Rogers, "The availability of parking in the Port Macquarie CBD was becoming an increasingly important issue in the community.

"Council acknowledges the importance of ensuring a constant turnover of parking spaces in time restricted parking areas. This provides more cars with a share of the available spaces, which in turns encourages people to shop locally. Council has met with the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce to discuss the implementation of the technology and the Chamber fully supports the trial.

"Observations and comments from the community have also indicated that customers want to park as close to shops as possible and the detection systems will help in freeing up parking spaces. Anecdotal evidence has also shown that some members of the community are using time restricted spots for all day parking, which Council has a responsibility to discourage," said Mr Rogers.