Agenda of Ordinary Council - Thursday, 17 July 2025

Minutes

19 June 2025

Ordinary Council

PRESENT

Members:

Mayor Adam Roberts

Councillor Lauren Edwards

Councillor Mark Hornshaw

Councillor Lisa Intemann

Councillor Chris Kirkman

Councillor Nik Lipovac

Councillor Danielle Maltman

Councillor Rachel Sheppard

Councillor Hamish Tubman

Other Attendees:

Acting Chief Executive Officer (Robert Fish)

Director Business and Performance (Keith Hentschke)

Director Community, Planning and Environment (Melissa Watkins)

Acting Director Community Infrastructure (Blayne West)

Acting Director Community Utilities (Cameron Hawkins)

Group Manager Governance (Michael Ferguson)

Governance Officer (Tania Ellis)

The meeting opened at 2.02pm.

01 Acknowledgement of Country

The Mayor opened the Meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country and welcomed all in attendance in the Chamber and viewing on line.

02 Remote Attendance at Meeting

Resolved: Roberts/Intemann

That Council accede to the request of Councillor Sheppard to attend the meeting by remote means.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

03 Local Government Prayer

Captain Peter Gott from the Salvation Army delivered the Local Government Prayer.

04 Apologies

Nil.

05 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolved: Lipovac/Hornshaw

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 15 May 2025 be confirmed.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

06 Disclosures of Interest

Councillor Lipovac declared a Non-Pecuniary - Less than Significant interest in Item 11.04 Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting Documents - Post Exhibition. The reason being is that both CRUZE FM and Radio 531 are mentioned in the Operational Plan of this agenda as a part of a wide range of media options recently used to run advertisements on behalf of Council. Although Councillor Lipovac is an employee of this business, the campaign expenditure was relatively minor, totalling $660. Councillor Lipovac intends to remain in the meeting, participate, and vote in the matter as this perceived conflict will not influence his decision making in the matter.

Councillor Tubman declared a Pecuniary interest in Item 13.12 Scoping Proposal - LEP Housekeeping Amendments 2025. The reason being is that Councillor Tubman is in the process of purchasing Rural zoned land and this item includes a proposed amendment to Council’s LEP that relates to secondary dwellings in the rural zone. Councillor Tubman intends to leave the meeting, be out of sight and take no part in consideration of this item.

Councillor Hornshaw declared a Non-Pecuniary - Less than Significant interest in Item 13.12 Scoping Proposal - LEP Housekeeping Amendments 2025. The reason being is that Councillor Hornshaw is the owner of, and resides on Rural zoned land. Cr Hornshaw noted that any future changes to the Local Environmental Plan provisions relating to the rural zones impact all owners of rural zoned land. Councillor Hornshaw intends to remain in the meeting, participate and vote in the matter as this perceived conflict will not influence his decision making in the matter.

Councillor Maltman declared a Non-Pecuniary - Less than Significant interest in Item 13.13 Lake Cathie Natural Resource Management Monthly Update Report. The reason being that Councillor Maltman is a non-financial life member and former President of the community organisation Revive Lake Cathie Incorporated. Councillor Maltman intends to remain in the meeting, participate and vote in the matter as this perceived conflict will not influence her decision making in the matter.

Councillor Lipovac declared a Non-Pecuniary - Less than Significant interest in Item 13.14 Friends of Camden Head Lookout (Pilot Station) update. The reason being that Jon Bailey who is listed as one of the volunteers seeking endorsement, ran on Councillor Lipovac’s Group Ticket at the Local Government Election September 2024. Councillor Lipovac intends to remain in the meeting, participate and vote in the matter as this perceived conflict will not influence his decision making in the matter.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Fish declared a Pecuniary interest in Item 12.01 Hastings River Flood Study Extension. The reason being is that Acting CEO Fish owns a property within the flood Planning area, and flood modelling impacts on the property may vary pending the outcome of the exhibition and adoption of the study. Director Fish intends to leave the meeting during consideration of this item.

07.01 May 2025 Natural Disaster Flood Event

Resolved: Roberts

That Council:

1. Note its thanks, appreciation and contribution of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council staff who worked tirelessly for our community during the escalation/management of the May 2025 natural disaster flood emergency and the recovery/clean-up operations.

2. Note its thanks, appreciation and contribution of the front line emergency agency responders, in particular the NSW State Emergency Service the combat agency for flooding events, and organisations who worked tirelessly during the May 2025 natural disaster flood event and to those organisations represented at the Emergency Operations Centre, including the NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving MNC Branch, Transport for NSW, NSW Maritime, NSW Reconstruction Authority, Department of Communities and Justice, Mid North Coast Local Health District, NSW Public Works, Essential Energy, Local Land Services, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council, Telecommunications, Busways, the Resupply Planning Team, Kempsey Shire Council and Nambucca Valley Council.

3. Note its thanks and appreciation to our local community for coming together in this latest natural disaster flood event to assist those in need during the emergency and the recovery clean-up.

4. Note its thanks to the NSW Government and Australian Government for their immediate response and support in declaring a Natural Disaster and the subsequent deployment of resources and community support during and after the May 2025 weather event.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

08 Confidential Correspondence to Ordinary Council Meeting

Nil

09 Items to be Dealt With By Exception

Resolved: Roberts/Intemann

That Items 10.02, 11.01, 11.02, 11.07, 11.10, 11.12, 11.13, 11.14, 11.15, 11.16, 13.02, 13.03, 13.05, 13.07, 13.09, 13.11 and 13.16 be considered as a block resolution

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That all recommendations listed in the block resolution be adopted by Council.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

10.02 Mayoral Discretionary Fund Allocations - 1 May to 4 June 2025

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council note the Mayoral Discretionary Fund allocations for the period 1 May to 4 June 2025.

11.01 Status Of Reports From Council Resolutions

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council note the information contained in the Status of Reports from Council Resolutions report.

11.02 Monthly Budget Review - May 2025

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Adopt the adjustments in the May 2025 Adjustments section of the Monthly Budget Review – May 2025 report and associated attachment.

2. Amend the 2024-2025 Operational Plan to include all budget adjustments approved in this report.

11.07 2023-2024 Dividend for Tax Equivalents - Water Fund and Sewer Fund

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Endorse the recognition of tax-equivalent dividend payments totalling $449,000 for the 2023–2024 financial year, comprising:

• $199,000 from the Water Fund; and

• $250,000 from the Sewer Fund,

as reported in the audited 2023–2024 Special Purpose Financial Statements.

2. Determine that the tax-equivalent dividends will be retained as restricted funds within their respective Water and Sewer Funds in the 2024–2025 financial year.

3. Acknowledge compliance with Section 409 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the NSW Government’s Guidelines for Council Dividend Payments for Water Supply or Sewerage Services in relation to tax-equivalent dividend payments.

11.10 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Four-Year Strategic Work Plan and Four-Year Strategic Internal Audit Plan

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Adopt the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee four-year Strategic Work Plan.

2. Adopt the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee four-year Strategic Internal Audit Plan.

11.12 Draft Code of Meeting Practice

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Pursuant to section 361(3) of the Local Government Act 1993, place on public exhibition the draft Code of Meeting Practice as attached as Attachment 1 for a period of not less than of 28 days.

2. Pursuant to section 361(4) of the Local Government Act 1993, accept submissions on the draft Code of Meeting Practice, for a period of not less than 42 days.

3. Note that a further report will be presented at a future meeting of Council, detailing the submissions received during the exhibition period.

4. Conduct a comprehensive review of its Code of Meeting Practice following the release of the updated Model Code of Meeting Practice by the Office of Local Government.

11.13 Policy Review - Investment Policy

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Endorse the Draft Investment Policy for the purpose of public exhibition.

2. Place the draft Investment Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Strategy.

3. Receive a further report at the conclusion of the exhibition period, detailing any submissions received and recommending a final Investment Policy for adoption.

11.14 Policy Review - Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Pursuant to Section 253 of the Local Government Act 1993, place on public exhibition the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy for a period of not less than 28 days.

2. Note that a further report will be tabled at the August 2025 meeting of Council, detailing the submissions received from the public during the exhibition period.

11.15 Policy Review - Mayoral Discretionary Fund Policy - Post Public Exhibition

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Adopt the Mayoral Discretionary Fund Policy.

2. Thank those who made a submission and advise of Council’s determination in this matter.

11.16 Policy Review - Pensioner Concession Rebates Policy

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Endorse the Draft Pensioner Concession Rebates Policy for the purpose of public exhibition.

2. Place the draft Pensioner Concession Rebates Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Strategy.

3. Receive a further report at the conclusion of the exhibition period, detailing any submissions received and recommending a final Pensioner Concession Rebates Policy for adoption.

13.02 Draft Community Engagement Policy

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Note the information contained within this report relating to the review of the Community Engagement Policy.

2. Endorse the updated Community Engagement Policy for public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

3. Note that Council will receive a further report at future Ordinary Council meeting outlining community feedback received during the public exhibition period.

13.03 Community Engagement Plan - Sports Field User Pay Model.

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council note the information contained in this report.

13.05 Policy Review - Development Contributions Assessment Policy - Post Public Exhibition

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Rescind the Development Contributions Assessment Policy upon commencement of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2025.

2. Adopt the Development Servicing Plan Administration Procedure (Attachment 4) to take effect on 1 July 2025.

13.07 Policy Review - Volunteering

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Note the information contained within this report regarding the review of the Volunteer Policy.

2. Endorse the revised draft Volunteer Policy for public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

3. Note that a further report at a future Ordinary Council meeting outlining community feedback received during the public exhibition period.

13.09 Policy Review - Beach Driving Policy - Post Public Exhibition

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Note the submissions and feedback received relating to the review of the Beach Driving Policy during the public exhibition period.

2. Adopt the revised Beach Driving Policy.

3. Thank people who provided feedback during the review of the Beach Driving Policy and advise them of Council determination.

13.11 Update on Site Specific Planning Proposal Requests Bi-Annual Report

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Note the status of Site Specific Planning Proposal requests detailed in this report.

2. Receive a further update report in December 2025 regarding the progress of Site Specific Planning Proposal requests.

13.16 Recommended Items from the May 2025 Meeting of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Sporting Fund

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council endorse the Port Macquarie-Hastings Sporting Fund Sub-Committee recommendations as follows:

1. Payment of $750.00 to Sienna Furney to compete at the Australian Little Athletics Championships between the 24 and 28 April 2025 in Adelaide.

2. Payment of $250.00 to Cameron McLean-Prosser to compete at the NSWCHS Championships Boys Football between the 2 and 4 June 2025 in Sydney.

3. Payment of $250.00 to Jack Wilson to compete at the Rugby Union State Championships between the 6 and 9 June 2025 in Maitland.

4. Payment of $750.00 to Tobias Toohey to compete at the 2025 Hockey National Championships between the 4 and 12 July 2025 in Perth.

10.01 May 2025 Flood Event - Response, Immediate Relief and Recovery Overview

Resolved: Roberts/Intemann

That Council:

1. Note the information provided in this report regarding the management of the May 2025 flood event within the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area and the ongoing recovery efforts.

2. Note the provisions included in Council’s Rates and Charges Hardship Assistance Policy for property owners who have had a house, facility or outbuilding determined to be destroyed or damaged by the responsible government agency as a result of a natural disaster.

3. Commencing 24 May 2025 until 30 June 2025, waive all waste disposal fees and charges at Waste Transfer Stations and the Cairncross Waste Management Facility for local government area residents and businesses disposing of flood-damaged waste, where verified by inspection at the point of entry by Council waste staff.

4. Note that flood-damaged waste from residential and business properties impacted by flooding has been collected from the kerbside and removed at no charge, as outlined in this report.

5. Waive the fees and charges associated with the use of Council’s vehicular ferry services until 30 June 2025 as outlined within this report.

6. Waive all rebuilding and reconstruction fees and charges for flood impacted properties that have been damaged or destroyed as determined by the responsible government agency, with the exception of State imposed statutory fees, related to:

a) Development Applications

b) Complying Development Certificates

c) Construction Certificates

d) Section 68 applications (including plumbing and drainage)

e) Onsite Sewer Management System applications

f) Section 138 Road Opening permits for properties damaged or destroyed as a result of the May 2025 flood event, where permissible under legislation.

7. Waive the additional fees and charges as detailed in this report, in relation to owners of properties and local businesses which have been damaged or destroyed during the flooding event as determined by the responsible government agency, including:

a) Interest on rates and charges.

b) Direct debit dishonour fees.

c) Fees for food shop inspections.

d) Fees for public health inspections.

e) Animal impound and maintenance fees

f) Fees to alter an existing sewerage management facility under section 68.

g) Road Occupation fees under Section 138 for clean-up purposes.

8. Extend the above Rates and Charges provisions to non-residential property owners.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Item 10.02 Mayoral Discretionary Fund Allocations - 1 May to 4 June 2025, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Item 11.01 Status Of Reports From Council Resolutions, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Item 11.02 Monthly Budget Review - May 2025, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

11.03 Investments and Loans - May 2025

Resolved: Intemann/Tubman

That Council note the Investment and Loans report for May 2025.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

11.04 Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting Documents - Post Exhibition

Councillor Lipovac declared a Non-Pecuniary - Less than Significant interest in this item, the reason being is that both CRUZE FM and Radio 531 are mentioned in the Operational Plan of this agenda as a part of a wide range of media options recently used to run advertisements on behalf of Council. Although Councillor Lipovac is an employee of this business, the campaign expenditure was relatively minor, totalling $660. Councillor Lipovac remained in the meeting, participated, and voted in the matter as this perceived conflict did not influence his decision making in the matter.

Resolved: Roberts/Intemann

That Council:

1. Note the submissions received by Council during the public exhibition period as contained in the draft Integrated Planning and Reporting “Our Community, Our Plan” Community Engagement Report (Attachment 1).

2. Note Council’s response to community feedback for each of the draft Integrated Planning and Reporting “Our Community, Our Plan” documents (Attachment 2).

3. Note the detailed amendments to the exhibited draft Integrated Planning and Reporting “Our Community, Our Plan” documents resulting from community feedback during the public exhibition period (Attachment 3) including the allocation of a portion of the available general rate yield to sustain service levels for parks and stormwater maintenance.

4. Note that use of the available rate yield for the purposes of sustaining service levels for parks and stormwater maintenance across the duration of the Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2035, includes utilisation of 20% of the available rate yield in 2025-2026 and a further 31% of the available rate yield in 2026-2027, resulting in an additional allocation of $0.9 million in the 2025-2026 budget and a further $1.4 million in 2026-2027.

5. Adopt the following Integrated Planning and Reporting “Our Community, Our Plan” documents:

a) Community Strategic Plan Imagine2050 (Attachment 4) subject to an amendment to the Liveable and Economic themes to include Arts Mid North Coast as a .key collaborator’

b) Delivery Program 2025-2029 including the draft Operational Plan 2025-2026 (Attachment 5) subject to an amendment to the 2025-2026 Operational plan/budget to allocate funding for continued membership with Arts Mid north Coast, to be offset by an equivalent reduction in funding for the community grants program.

c) Resourcing Strategy 2025-2035 (Attachment 6), comprising:

i) Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2035

ii) Workforce Management Strategy 2025-2029

iii) Asset Management Strategy 2025-2035

6. In accordance with the NSW Office of Local Government Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines for Local Government in NSW September 2021, publish a copy of the adopted Integrated Planning and Reporting “Our Community, Our Plan” documents on Council’s website within 28 days of adoption.

7. Thank community members who provided feedback on the draft Integrated Planning and Reporting “Our Community, Our Plan” documents during the public exhibition period.

8. Thank those who made a submission in relation to the draft Integrated Planning and Reporting “Our Community, Our Plan” documents and advise them of Council’s determination of this matter

carried: 8/1

For: Edwards, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Hornshaw

11.05 Draft Asset Management Plans - Post Exhibition

Resolved: Edwards/Intemann

That Council:

1. Note the amendments to the draft Asset Management Plans during the public exhibition period.

2. Note the submission received during the public exhibition period, as contained in the Asset Management Plans Engagement Summary Report June 2025.

3. Thank and advise those who made a submission in relation to the Draft Asset Management Plans of Council’s determination on this matter.

4. Adopt the draft Asset Management Plans.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

11.06 Making of 2025-2026 Fees and Charges, Revenue Policy, and Rating Maps and Notation of Proposed Budget Adjustments

A. Resolved: Roberts/Maltman

That Council:

1. Note the financial commentary related to the Draft 2025-2026 Budget and updated 2025-2035 Long-Term Financial Plan in support of the Draft Resourcing Strategy 2025-2035, Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Draft Operational Plan 2025-2026 presented as a separate report on this agenda.

2. Note that the commentary referred to in point 1 and as determined by Council for agenda item 11.04, included the allocation of a portion of the available general rate yield to sustain service levels for parks and stormwater maintenance within the 2025-2026 financial year, with a further requirement in the 2026-2027 financial year to sustain these services.

3. Note that bringing point 2 into effect across the duration of the Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2035 as adopted by Council for agenda item 11.04, includes utilisation of 20% of the available rate yield in 2025-2026 and a further 31% of the available rate yield in 2026-2027, resulting in an additional allocation of $0.9 million in the 2025-2026 budget and a further $1.4 million in 2026-2027.

4. Note the amendments to the exhibited 2025-2026 Fees and Charges, 2025-2026 Revenue Policy and 2025-2026 Rating Maps.

5. Adopt the 2025-2026 Fees and Charges (including amendments to reflect statutory fees set by state and Federal Government agencies) and the 2025- 2026 Revenue Policy and the 2025-2026 Rating Maps as attached subject to the reinstatement of the concessional admission fees for the Port Macquarie public swimming pool of $4.70 and $4.30 for Kendall, Laurieton, Wauchope public swimming pools for holders of a Blue Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Card only.

6. Make the 2025-2026 Rates, Special Rates and Charges as outlined in the attached 2025-2026 Revenue Policy, 2025-2026 Rating Maps and 2025-2026 Fees and Charges document.

7. Approve minor amendments to the draft documents to correct minor clarifications and typographical errors.

8. Set the interest rate on overdue rates and charges at 10.5% from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 in accordance with the Office of Local Government determination

9. Amend the 2026-2026 Budget to include a reduction of the Community Grants program budget to fund the continued membership of Arts Mid North Coast for 2025-2026, as adopted in agenda item 11.04 - Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting Documents - Post Exhibition.

carried: 8/1

For: Edwards, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Hornshaw

Item 11.07 2023-2024 Dividend for Tax Equivalents - Water Fund and Sewer Fund, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

11.08 Improvement Plan 2022-2026 - General Fund Operating Performance

Resolved: Edwards/Tubman

That Council note the progress update on the Improvement Plan 2022–2026, which outlines the continued implementation of initiatives to improve Council’s long-term financial sustainability and operational efficiency.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

11.09 Write Off Bad Debts - Sundry Debtors

Resolved: Lipovac/Intemann

That Council in accordance with its Debt Recovery Policy, approve the following Sundry Debtor amounts be written off as bad debts, as they are no longer considered recoverable.

1. Virgin Australia Airlines – $210,498.80.

2. JetGo Australia – $27,253.67

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Item 11.10 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Four-Year Strategic Work Plan and Four-Year Strategic Internal Audit Plan, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Councillor Maltman left the meeting, the time being 03:43pm.

Councillor Hornshaw left the meeting, the time being 03:44pm.

Councillor Maltman returned to the meeting, the time being 03:45pm.

Councillor Hornshaw returned to the meeting, the time being 03:46pm.

11.11 Review of Disbanded Council Committees

Resolved: Edwards/Intemann

That Council:

1. Note the information provided in the report.

2. Endorse the principles and guidelines referenced in the report for the establishment of future committees by Council.

3. Request the Chief Executive Officer to develop a draft Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Establishment and Management of Committees Policy on the basis of the principles and guidelines referenced in the report for the establishment of Council committees for consideration by Council at the August 2025 meeting of Council.

carried: 6/3

For: Edwards, Intemann, Lipovac, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Hornshaw, Kirkman and Maltman

Item 11.12 Draft Code of Meeting Practice, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Item 11.13 Policy Review - Investment Policy, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Item 11.14 Policy Review - Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Item 11.15 Policy Review - Mayoral Discretionary Fund Policy - Post Public Exhibition, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Item 11.16 Policy Review - Pensioner Concession Rebates Policy, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

12.01 Hastings River Flood Study Extension

Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Fish declared a Pecuniary interest in this item, the reason being is that Acting CEO Fish owns a property within the flood Planning area, and flood modelling impacts on the property may vary pending the outcome of the exhibition and adoption of the study. Director Fish left the meeting during consideration of this item.

Resolved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Note the deferral of the Hastings River Flood Study Extension report previously scheduled for adoption at the June 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting.

2. Receive a further report detailing the submissions received from the public exhibition period and resulting changes to the study.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Councillor Tubman left the meeting, the time being 03:49pm.

Councillor Tubman returned to the meeting, the time being 03:50pm.

13.01 Draft Community Engagement Strategy

Resolved: Sheppard/Intemann

That Council:

1. Endorse the draft Community Engagement Strategy (Attachment 1) for the purpose of public exhibition.

2. Endorse the proposed Engagement Plan to support the public exhibition of the draft Strategy as included as Attachment 3 subject to the following:

a) The inclusion of an additional key message on "How do you want Council to engage with you?"

b) The inclusion of a specific question seeking community views on the use of committees as a means of consulting and collaborating on important planning, policy and strategic matters of Council.

c) The preparation and inclusion in the exhibition material, of a Fact Sheet to assist with informing responses to the question identified in b), based on the information contained in Item 11.11 Review of Disbanded Council Committees from the June 2025 Ordinary Council meeting agenda.

3. Place the Community Engagement Strategy on public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

carried: 5/4

For: Edwards, Intemann, Lipovac, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Hornshaw, Kirkman, Maltman and Roberts

Item 13.02 Draft Community Engagement Policy, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Item 13.03 Community Engagement Plan - Sports Field User Pay Model., has been addressed previously within the meeting.

13.04 Community Inclusion Plan and Cultural Plan Engagement

Resolved: Edwards/Tubman

That Council endorse the themes outlined in the report to be incorporated into the development of the new Cultural and Community Inclusion plans.

carried: 5/4

For: Edwards, Intemann, Lipovac, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Hornshaw, Kirkman, Maltman and Roberts

Item 13.05 Policy Review - Development Contributions Assessment Policy - Post Public Exhibition, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

13.06 Post Exhibition Report - Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2025

Resolved: Edwards/Lipovac

That Council:

1. Note the feedback received on the revised draft Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2025 during the exhibition period and outlined in the report.

2. Adopted the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2025 as amended.

3. Repeal the relevant contributions plans and the provision of notice of repeal as per clause 215 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 effective upon commencement of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2025 which include:

i. Port Macquarie-Hastings Administration Building Contributions Plan 2007.

ii. Section 94 Administration Levy Contributions Plan 2005

iii. Port Macquarie-Hastings Contributions Plan 1993.

iv. Hastings Section 94 Major Roads Contribution Plan 2006

v. Hastings Section 94 Open Space Contributions Plan 2006

vi. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Open Space Contributions Plan

vii. 2018 Hastings River Drive Section 94 Contribution Plan for Traffic Facility Works 2006

viii. Innes Peninsula Road Works s94 Contribution Plan, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council,

ix. Kings Creek Contributions Plan Version 2.5.

x. Laurieton Walkway Contributions Plan.

xi. North Haven Neighbourhood Business Precinct Contributions Plan 2006.

xii. The Bains Dairy Contributions Plan 2006.

xiii. Port Macquarie-Hastings Community, Cultural and Emergency Services Development Contributions Plan 2005.

xiv. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council s94A Levy Contributions Plan 2007.

xv. S94 Local Roads Contributions Plan - Areas 13, 14 & 15 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council 2014.

4. Authorise the Director Community, Planning and Environment to make minor changes and alterations prior to publishing on Council website and Planning Portal.

5. Advise those community members who provided feedback on the draft Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan of Council’s determination.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Item 13.07 Policy Review - Volunteering, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

13.08 Policy Review - Dogs in Public Open Spaces - Post Public Exhibition

Resolved: Edwards/Roberts

That Council:

1. Note the submissions and feedback received relating to the review of the revised Dogs in Public Open Space Policy during the public exhibition period.

2. Adopt the revised Dogs in Public Open Space Policy.

3. Thank people who provided feedback during the review of the revised Dogs in Public Open Space Policy and advise them of Council determination.

4. Request the Chief Executive Officer to develop a Fact Sheet to support the new Policy and to include behavioural expectations and penalties that apply in both Off Leash and On Leash settings.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Item 13.09 Policy Review - Beach Driving Policy - Post Public Exhibition, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

13.10 DA2024 - 749.1 2 Into 3 Lot Subdivision to Create 2 Industrial Lots and a Residue Lot, Vegetation Removal and Associated Infrastructure at Lot 1 DP 729726 and Lot 100 DP 1130726, No 178 Nancy Bird Walton Drive and Ocean Drive, Kew

APPLICANT: PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS COUNCIL

Resolved: Intemann/Roberts

That Council determine DA2024 - 749.1 for a 2 into 3 lot Torrens title subdivision to create 2 industrial lots and a residue lot, vegetation removal, and associated infrastructure at Lot 1 DP 729726 and Lot 100 DP 1130726, No. 178 Nancy Bird Walton Drive, Kew and Ocean Drive, Kew, by granting consent subject to the recommended conditions as included in Attachment 1 to this report.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Item 13.11 Update on Site Specific Planning Proposal Requests Bi-Annual Report, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

13.12 Scoping Proposal - LEP Housekeeping Amendments 2025

Councillor Tubman declared a Pecuniary interest in this item, the reason being is that Councillor Tubman is in the process of purchasing Rural zoned land and this item includes a proposed amendment to Council’s LEP that relates to secondary dwellings in the rural zone. Councillor Tubman left the meeting, was out of sight and took no part in consideration of this item.

Councillor Hornshaw declared a Non-Pecuniary - Less than Significant interest in this item, the reason being is that Councillor Hornshaw is the owner of, and resides on Rural zoned land. Cr Hornshaw noted that any future changes to the Local Environmental Plan provisions relating to the rural zones impact all owners of rural zoned land. Councillor Hornshaw remained in the meeting, participated and voted in the matter as this perceived conflict did not influence his decision making in the matter.

Resolved: Hornshaw/Kirkman

That Council:

1. Endorse the Scoping Proposal (Attachment 1), to facilitate a pre-lodgement meeting with the Department of Planning, Housing and Industry subject to the following:

a) The addition of an amendment to the proposed parameters under Matter 4 of the report relating to secondary dwellings (Clause 2.5) in the Scoping Proposal – LEP Housekeeping Amendments 2025, to consider:

i. Increasing the maximum permissible distance of a secondary dwelling from the principal dwelling from 200 metres to 300 metres;

ii. Increasing the maximum floor area of a secondary dwelling from 120m² or 50% of the principal dwelling, to 120m² or 80% of the principal dwelling, whichever is greater;

b) The addition of a new Matter 18 - Dual Occupancy development to consider permitting dual occupancies (detached) in rural zones in the Scoping Proposal - LEP Housekeeping Amendments 2025

And request the Acting Chief Executive Officer include these alternative parameters and the additional matter within the scope of the review and assess their potential implications in terms of land use planning, infrastructure, and rural land management.

c) That the assessment information referred to above be reported to Council prior to any lodgement with the Department.

2. Endorse the preparation of a Council-initiated Planning Proposal for LEP Housekeeping Amendments 2025 under section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 on the basis of Item 1.

carried: 6/2

For: Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, and Roberts

Against: Edwards and Sheppard

13.13 Lake Cathie Natural Resource Management Monthly Update Report

Councillor Maltman declared a Non-Pecuniary - Less than Significant interest in this item, the reason being that Councillor Maltman is a non-financial life member and former President of the community organisation Revive Lake Cathie Incorporated. Councillor Maltman remained in the meeting, participated and voted in the matter as this perceived conflict did not influence her decision making in the matter.

Resolved: Maltman/Intemann

That Council note the progress of natural resource management projects/initiatives within the Lake Cathie, Lake Innes and Cathie Creek Waterways and the progress of the Coastal Management Program.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

13.14 Friends of Camden Head Lookout (Pilot Station) update

Councillor Lipovac declared a Non-Pecuniary - Less than Significant interest in this item , the reason being that Jon Bailey who is listed as one of the volunteers seeking endorsement, ran on Councillor Lipovac’s Group Ticket at the Local Government Election September 2024. Councillor Lipovac remained in the meeting, participated and voted in the matter as this perceived conflict did not influence his decision making in the matter.

Motion

Moved: Lipovac/Tubman

That Council note the update on current activities of the Friends of Camden Head Lookout volunteer group.

Amendment

Moved: Intemann/Edwards

That Council:

1. Note the update on current activities of the Friends of Camden Head Lookout volunteer group.

2. Report this matter to the July 2025 Ordinary Council meeting, in addition to the regular bi-monthly report.

lost: 2/7

For: Edwards and Intemann

Against: Hornshaw, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

The amendment on being put was lost.

Deputy Mayor Edwards left the meeting, the time being 04:49pm.

The motion on being put was carried.

Resolved: Lipovac/Tubman

That Council note the update on current activities of the Friends of Camden Head Lookout volunteer group

carried: 5/3

For: Hornshaw, Kirkman, Maltman, Roberts and Tubman

Against: Intemann, Lipovac and Sheppard

Deputy Mayor Edwards returned to the meeting, the time being 04:51pm.

13.15 Notice of Motion - Sports Field Drainage

Motion

Moved: Roberts/Maltman

That Council:

1. Note the correspondence received from the Local Member for Port Macquarie, Mr Robert Dwyer MP, regarding the Tuffins Lane Sporting Precinct.

2. Continue to engage with Mr Robert Dwyer MP on grant funding opportunities to progress the Environmental Impact Statement required to progress the Tuffins Lane sports fields drainage improvements.

3. Initiate a focussed review on sports fields drainage across the Local Government Area as part of the annual review of the Recreational Open Space Action Plan.

Amendment

Moved: Sheppard/Roberts

That Council:

1. Note the correspondence received from the Local Member for Port Macquarie, Mr Robert Dwyer MP, regarding the Tuffins Lane Sporting Precinct.

2. After a review conducted by Council’s Legal Counsel, remove the confidential restrictions previously resolved for Item 16.02 Potential Purchase of Land in Tuffins Lane, Port Macquarie at the October 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting, ensuring redaction of any Confidential information in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.

3. Provide a copy of the reviewed report, being Item 16.02 Potential Purchase of Land in Tuffins Lane, Port Macquarie at the October 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting, to State Members for Port Macquarie and Oxley, Federal Members for Lyne and Cowper and place a copy of the report on Council’s website for public access.

4. Initiate a focussed review of sports fields drainage across the Local Government Area as part of the Annual Review of the Recreational Open Space Action Plan.

Procedural Motion

Resolved: Sheppard/Roberts

That Council refer this matter to the confidential session of Council noting the confidential nature of a report that will be the subject of a motion/amendment moved with respect to this item.

carried: 8/1

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Maltman

Item 13.16 Recommended Items from the May 2025 Meeting of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Sporting Fund, has been addressed previously within the meeting.

Confidential Session

Resolved: Roberts/Lipovac

1. That pursuant to section 10A subsections 2 & 3 and 10B of the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended), the press and public be excluded from the proceedings of the Confidential Session of Council on the basis that items to be considered are of a confidential nature.

2. That Council move into Closed Session to receive and consider the following items:

Item 16.01 Land Acquisition - 84 Bain Street Wauchope

This item is considered confidential under Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993, as it contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

Item 16.02 Review into the Effectiveness of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

This item is classed CONFIDENTIAL under Section 10A(2)(d(iii)) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the Meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, reveal a trade secret.

3. That the resolutions made by Council in Confidential Session be made public as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the Confidential Session and such resolutions be recorded in the Minutes of the Council Meeting.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Resolved: Edwards/Roberts

That the Council meeting be closed to the public for the consideration of confidential items for the reason as listed in the reports.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Councillor Tubman left the meeting, the time being 05:04pm.

Councillor Maltman left the meeting, the time being 05:04pm.

Councillor Kirkman left the meeting, the time being 05:04pm.

Procedural Motion

Resolved: Roberts/Lipovac

That the Ordinary Council Meeting be adjourned.

carried: 6/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Lipovac, Roberts and Sheppard

Against: Nil

The meeting adjourned at 5.05pm

The meeting recommenced at 5.10pm

Councillor Tubman returned to the meeting, the time being 05:10pm.

Councillor Maltman returned to the meeting, the time being 05:10pm.

Councillor Kirkman returned to the meeting, the time being 05:10pm.

13.15 Notice of Motion - Sports Field Drainage

Motion

Moved: Roberts/Maltman

That Council:

1. Note the correspondence received from the Local Member for Port Macquarie, Mr Robert Dwyer MP, regarding the Tuffins Lane Sporting Precinct.

2. Continue to engage with Mr Robert Dwyer MP on grant funding opportunities to progress the Environmental Impact Statement required to progress the Tuffins Lane sports fields drainage improvements.

3. Initiate a focussed review on sports fields drainage across the Local Government Area as part of the annual review of the Recreational Open Space Action Plan.

Amendment

Moved: Sheppard/Roberts

That Council:

1. Note the correspondence received from the Local Member for Port Macquarie, Mr Robert Dwyer MP, regarding the Tuffins Lane Sporting Precinct.

4. Initiate a focussed review of sports fields drainage across the Local Government Area as part of the Annual Review of the Recreational Open Space Action Plan.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

The amendment on being put was carried.

The amendment became the motion.

The motion on being put was carried.

B. Resolved: Sheppard/Roberts

That Council:

1. Note the correspondence received from the Local Member for Port Macquarie, Mr Robert Dwyer MP, regarding the Tuffins Lane Sporting Precinct.

4. Initiate a focussed review of sports fields drainage across the Local Government Area as part of the Annual Review of the Recreational Open Space Action Plan.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

16.01 Land Acquisition - 84 Bain Street Wauchope

Resolved: Tubman/Lipovac

That Council:

1. Note the information contained within this report, which provides details on the acquisition and settlement of the land.

2. Pursuant to section 59 of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, pay the property owners conveyancing costs.

3. Pursuant to section 10 of the Roads Act 1993, dedicate the land as identified in this report as public road.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

16.02 Review into the Effectiveness of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

Resolved: Intemann/Maltman

That Council:

1. Note the information contained within the review of the effectiveness of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

2. Request that the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee consider the findings within the review and include the actions listed in the Internal Audit Actions Register for implementation.

3. Maintain the confidentiality of the documents and consideration in respect of this item.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

Resolved: Lipovac/Intemann

That the Council Meeting be re-opened to the public.

carried: 9/0

For: Edwards, Hornshaw, Intemann, Kirkman, Lipovac, Maltman, Roberts, Sheppard and Tubman

Against: Nil

The outcomes of the Confidential Session of the Ordinary Council meeting were read to the meeting by the Group Manager Governance.

The meeting closed at 5.35pm.

.......................................................

Adam Roberts

Mayor

Agenda Business and Performance

Item: 11.02

Subject: Status Of Reports From Council Resolutions

Presented by: Business and Performance, Keith Hentschke

Recommendation

That Council note the information contained in the Status of Reports from Council Resolutions report.

Discussion

JULY 2025 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Community Grants Program 2024-2025	15/08/2024 Item 11.05		Receive a report to the July 2025 Council Meeting on outcomes of the 2024-2025 Grants Program	DCPE	Jul-25
Draft Places to Play Plans	20/03/2025 Item 11.05		A further report to council following public exhibition on submissions received.	DCPE		Jun-25
Draft Charter for a standing Biodiversity Committee	15/05/2025 Item 11.02		Draft charter to be presented to the July 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting	DCPE	Jul-25
Draft Charter for a standing Climate Change and Resilience Advisory Committee	15/05/2025 Item 11.03		Draft charter to be presented to the July 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting	DCPE	Jul-25
Delegation of Authority to the General Manager	17/04/2025 Item 10.01		Further report to be considered at the July 2025	DBP	Jul-25
Port Macquarie Airport - Pilot Training and Aircraft Noise - Fly Neighbourly Agreement Trial 12 Month Review	18/07/2024 Item 12.01		A future report following the additional 12 month extension	DBP	Jul-25

AUGUST 2025 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Customer Satisfaction Survey Action Plan	17/04/2025 Item 10.15		Communications team being fully deployed to support critical public safety efforts during recent severe weather events	DBP	Jul-25
Draft Recreation and Open Space Action Plan and Sporting Infrastructure Priorities	18/04/2024 Item 11.03		A report to Council following public exhibition	DCPE	Aug-25
Draft Domestic Violence Policy	15/05/2025 Item 11.01		Draft policy to be presented to the August 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting	DCPE
Draft Airport Master Plan	17/04/2025 Item 12.01		A report to Council following public exhibition	DBP
Flood Policy	17/04/2025 Item 13.05		A report to Council following public exhibition	DCI	Aug-25
Investigating a Sporting Venue Sponsorship Program	17/04/2025 Item 11.10		Receive a further report following feedback from Sports Council	DCPE
Review of Disbanded Council Committees	19/06/2025 Item 11.11		Develop draft Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Policy on the management and establishment of Council Committees	DCPE	Aug-25
Draft Code of Meeting Practice	19/06/2025 Item 11.12		A report to Council following public exhibition	DBP

AUGUST 2025 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution		Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Policy Review - Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy	19/06/2025 Item 11.14		A report to Council following public exhibition	DBP
Sovereign Hills Planning Agreement Assessment Report	17/04/2025 Item 13.02		The content of the submissions received on the Sovereign Hills VPA have been provided to the proponent. Council is currently waiting to receive a response from the proponent regarding what amendments they may be prepared to make in response to the submissions.	DCPE			Jun-25
T-22-10 Inlet Odour Management Works	21/09/2023 Item 14.02		Present a future report to Ordinary Council Meeting after contract awarded for Council's information	DCU			May-25
Workshop - Future IP&R and other Council reporting enhancements planned for 2025-2026	20/2/2025 Item 10.25	Aug-25	Not yet scheduled	DCPE
SEPTEMBER 2025 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer		Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Camden Haven River and Lakes System Flood Study 2025	17/04/2025 Item 13.06		A report to Council following public exhibition	DCI
Maria River Road Upgrade	17/04/2025 Item 14.04		Following CEO exercising the delegation under s.377 the outcomes be provided to a future council Meeting	DCI

OCTOBER 2025 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
PP2024.10.1 - Planning Proposal Assessment Report Highway Services Site Oxley Highway, Sancrox. Applicant - Barr Planning Landowner Portcrox Pty Ltd	15/05/2025 Item 13.01		A report to Council following public exhibition	DCPE
NOVEMBER 2025 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Budget Development Policy	17/04/2025 Item 10.10	Workshop yearly in November		DBP
FEBRUARY 2026 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Classification as "Operational" Land - 52 John Oxley Drive, Port Macquarie - post exhibition.	20/06/2018 Item 14.05		To be incorporated in strategic property portfolio review to be undertaken in 2022/2023 Reclassify the property to operational land, this is a statutory process involving a planning proposal which includes Council fees, public exhibition, submissions, a public hearing, council resolutions and Depot Planning approval. It is estimated that this would take at least 6-9 months.	DCPE		Feb-25
Statement of Business Ethics	16/11/2023 Item 10.20		Na	GMP	2026

DECEMBER 2026 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Administering 2028 Local Government Election	NA		NA	GMG	NA	NA
JULY 2027 REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Councillor Numbers for 2028 Local Government Election	NA		NA	GMG	NA	NA

FUTURE REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Scoping Proposal - LEP Housekeeping Amendments 2025	19/06/2025 Item 13.12		Assessment information be reported to Council prior to lodgement with the department	DCPE
Draft Community Engagement Policy	19/06/2025 Item 13.01		A report to Council following public exhibition	DCPE
Hastings River Flood Study Extension	19/06/2025 Item 12.01		A report to Council following public exhibition	DCI
Policy Review - Volunteering	19/06/2025 Item 13.07		A report to Council following public exhibition	DCPE
Draft Community Engagement Policy	19/06/2025 Item 13.02		A report to Council following public exhibition	DCPE
Policy Review - Pensioner Concession Rebates Policy	19/06/2025 Item 11.16		A report to Council following public exhibition	DBP
Policy Review - Investment Policy	19/06/2025 Item 11.13		A report to Council following public exhibition	DBP

FUTURE REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Council owned lots at North Shore: Progress of Sale	19/09/2018 Item 09.24 14/12/2023 Item 13.09		Due diligence ongoing. Options for sale of land will be prepared for Council consideration as part of the broader property review due in May 2025	DBP		Nov-23 Mar-24 May-24 Jul-24 Dec-24 Nov-24 Feb-25 Apr-25 May-25
Biodiversity and Land Acquisition for offsets update	20/04/2023 Item 14.02		There is not a single funding approach for these acquisitions as the approach will depend on the size and value of the land and the related project. Accordingly, no date has been provided for a future report at this stage as we have not identified land that we have been able to proceed with.	DCPE
Evaluation and Recommendation For Divestment of Council Land	12/12/2024 Item 14.01		A future progress report to the next available Ordinary Council Meeting on the Sale	DBP
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services Land Revocation	15/08/2024 Item 13.11		Note that a further report will be presented to Council detailing the outcome of the compensation process discussions with NPWS and seeking a Council resolution to proceed with the transfers.	DCI

FUTURE REPORTS
Report	Date and Item of Resolution	Councillor Briefing	Status	Reporting Officer	Due Date from Council resolution	Previous Anticipated Date/s for Report
Letter of Offer - Batar Creek Road	20/03/2025 Item 13.05		A further report to council following public exhibition on submissions received.	DCPE

CYCLIC Reports	Reporting Officer	Reporting Cycle	Month	Altered Report Date	Reason for Altered Date
Mayoral Discretionary Fund Allocations	CEO	Monthly	Every
Monthly Budget Update	DBP	Monthly	Every (except July)
Investments	DBP	Monthly	Every
Recommendations by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Sporting Fund Sub-Committee	DCPE	Monthly	Every (except Feb)		No Applications Recommended this month
Lake Cathie Natural Resource Management update (13/01/2022 Item 05.01) (18/05/2023 Item 13.04) Continue with monthly reporting for the Lake Cathie Natural Resource Management Update Report, and review the frequency of reporting no later than the November 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting.	DCPE		Every
Recreation Action Plan – Status The cycle of Recreation plan has changed due to Recreation Action Plan being adopted in February 2023	DCPE	Annually	Feb		Review has changed due to the Recreation and Open Space Action Plan being adopted in August 2024
Annual Drinking Water and Recycled Water Reports	DCU	Annually	Aug		Proposed reviewed draft August 2025.
Budget Development Policy 17/04/2025 Item 10.10	DBP	Annual Workshop	Nov	DBP
Draft Community Strategic Plan (following Council Election)	DBP	4 Years	March
Contracts Awarded under Delegation by the Chief Executive Officer	DBP	Quarterly	Feb, May, Aug, and Nov
Development Activity and Assessment System Performance	DCPE	Quarterly	Feb, May, Aug, and Nov

CYCLIC Reports	Reporting Officer	Reporting Cycle	Month	Altered Report Date	Reason for Altered Date
Friends of Camden Head Lookout Bimonthly report on progress of group, development and preliminary works and progress toward the longer term of works (Item 11.01 18/07/2024)	DCPE	Bimonthly	Sep, Nov, Feb, April, Jun and Aug.
Community Inclusion Plan - Update of Tasks, Measures and Actions	DCPE	Biannual	Feb, Aug
Glasshouse Strategic Plan Update	DBP	Biannual	Feb, Aug
Legal Fees - Update Report (19/09/18 - Item 09.16)	CEO	Biannual	Feb, Aug
2022-2026 Delivery Program – Six Monthly Progress	DBP	Biannual	Feb, Aug
Hastings Youth Voice Review - Six Monthly Progress	DCPE	Biannual	Apr, Oct
Grant Application Biannual Report (16/02/23 - Item 11.05) (21/08/19 - Item 11.02)	DCPE	Biannual	Feb, Aug
Major Events Grants Round 1 Round 2	DCPE	Biannual	Sept, Apr
Grant Funding Opportunities (for inclusion in the 2025-2026 Operational Plan)	DCPE	Quarterly	July, Oct, Feb, Apr
Operational Plan – Quarterly Progress and Quarterly Budget Review combined report	DBP	Quarterly	May, Nov (other 2 quarters reported with DP 6 monthly progress report)
Quarterly Budget Review Statement	DBP	Quarterly	Feb, May, Aug, Nov
Chief Executive Officer's Performance Review	CEO	Annually	Aug
Mayoral and Councillor Fees (Setting of)	CEO	Annually	May
General Fund Operating Performance	CEO	Biannual	Jun, Dec

CYCLIC Reports	Reporting Officer	Reporting Cycle	Month	Altered Report Date	Reason for Altered Date
Update on Site Specific Planning Proposal Requests	DCPE	Biannual	Jun, Dec
Kooloonbung Creek Flying Fox Camp Management Plan - Annual Update (16/06/2021 - Item 12.03)	DCPE	Annually	Jun		Now August 2025 waiting external consultant’s report
Draft Delivery Program (Incl Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting )	DBP	Annually	Jun
Draft Resourcing Strategy (FP) (Incl Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting )	DBP	Annually	Jun
Community Strategic Plan (following Council Election) (Incl Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting )	DCPE	4 Years	Jun
Draft Community Engagement Strategy (Following Council Election)	DCPE	4 Years	Jun
Council Policy - Status	CEO	Annually	Jul
UGMS - Annual Progress Report on Implementation and Status of Actions (20/06/18 - Item 12.07)	DCPE	Annually	Jul
Local Preference Policy Outcomes	DBP	Annually	Aug
Cultural Plan 2021 - 2025: Implementation and evaluation of actions undertaken (04/08/2021 - Item 10.01)	DCPE	Annually	Aug
Living and Place Strategy, Affordable Housing Plan update on actions (20/03/2025 - Item 13.04)	DCPE	Annually	Aug
Stormwater Strategic Action Plan	DCI	Annually	Aug		New Report
Audit, Risk and improvement Committee Annual Report	CEO	Annually	Sep
Integrated Transport Plan Reporting (20/03/2025 Item 12.02)	DCI	Annually	Sep
CYCLIC Reports	Reporting Officer	Reporting Cycle	Month	Altered Report Date	Reason for Altered Date
Annual Disclosure of Interest Returns	CEO	Annually	Oct
Professional Development of Councillors (15/09/2021 - Item 09.07)	CEO	Annually	Oct
Opportunity for Local Firms to do Business with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	DBP	Annually	Oct
Draft Procurement Strategy 14/11/24 - Item 10.21	DBP	Annually	Oct
Councillor Attendance at Meetings 14/11/24 - Item 10.04	DBP	Annually	Oct
Council Meeting Dates	CEO	Annually	Nov
Legislative Compliance Register	CEO	Annually	Nov
Council’s Annual Report	DBP	Annually	Nov
Performance of Property Investment Portfolio (20/11/19 - Item 10.17)	DBP	Annually	Nov
Local Strategic Planning Statement - Implementation of Actions (03/11/2021 - Item 12.05)	DCPE	Annually	Nov
Koala Recovery Strategy Annual Report (19/09/18 - Item 12.05)	DCPE	Annually	Nov
Annual Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2023	DBP	Annually	Nov
State of Our Region (Following Council Election)	DBP	4 Years	Nov
Code of Conduct Complaints Annual Report	CEO	Annually	Dec

Attachments

Nil

Agenda Business and Performance

Item: 11.06

Subject: Investments and Loans - June 2025

Presented by: Business and Performance, Keith Hentschke

Recommendation

That Council note the Investment and Loans report for June 2025.

Executive Summary

This report provides an overview of Council's investment and loan portfolio performance as at 30 June 2025. All investments are compliant with legislative requirements under section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, associated regulations, and Council’s adopted Investment Policy. Council’s strategy of capital preservation, alongside income maximisation has continued to deliver strong outcomes.

Key highlights:

· Council’s investment portfolio remained fully compliant with policy and legislative requirements.

· Year-to-date investment income exceeded budget expectations by $3,820,005.

· Portfolio return (3.53%) slightly lagged the benchmark (4.39%) due to legacy term deposits.

· Loans portfolio continues to benefit from low historic borrowing costs.

Report

1. Background

Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 mandates that the Responsible Accounting Officer provide a monthly investment report. This includes certification of compliance with relevant legislation, ministerial orders, and Council policy.

2. Discussion

Investment Portfolio

Attachment 1 - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Investment Report provides a detailed summary of performance and movements in Council’s loan portfolio. Benchmarking undertaken by Council’s investment advisor confirms that Port Macquarie-Hastings Council continues to rank among the strongest performing councils in New South Wales in terms of long-term investment performance (over five years).

Council’s proactive and strategic approach to portfolio management, specifically, maintaining a slightly longer duration positioning, has proven effective in protecting interest income, particularly during periods of market volatility such as the COVID‑19 pandemic.

This strategy has delivered consistent benefits to Council in recent years, and there is confidence that maintaining a disciplined long-term approach will continue to enhance portfolio performance going forward.

Attachment 2 - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Portfolio Valuation provides a valuation and detailed analysis of Council’s investment portfolio’s performance for June 2025.

Council’s investments primarily consist of:

· Externally restricted funds under the Local Government Act (e.g., Water and Sewer), which are designated for specific purposes and cannot be used for general operations.

· Internally restricted funds allocated for specific projects, to be expended based on the timing of future works and project delivery schedules.

A detailed breakdown of investments by external and internal restrictions as of 30 June 2025 is provided below.

	Amount $	% of total
Externally Restricted
Water Fund	164,085,718	37.08%
Water Reserve	97,152,975	21.95%
Developer Contributions	66,932,742	15.12%
Sewer Fund	55,634,172	12.57%
Sewer Reserve	29,275,078	6.62%
Developer Contributions	26,359,094	5.96%
Waste Fund	31,130,407	7.03%
General Fund	131,811,220	29.78%
General Reserves	44,544,475	10.07%
Developer Contributions	87,266,745	19.72%
Total externally restricted	382,661,516	86.47%
Internally Restricted
General Fund	59,887,192	13.53%
Total internally restricted	59,887,192	13.53%
Total investments	442,548,709	100.00%

Strategic Use of Internally Restricted Funds

The increase in internally restricted General Fund assets from the May 2025 position reflects Council’s continued use of a strategic borrowing timeline. In alignment with its financial strategy, Council has funded several priority programs through short-term internal reserve, avoiding the immediate need to borrow.

This approach enables Council to borrow only when necessary, minimising both the timing risk and cost of debt servicing, including interest and related expenses. The replenishment of these internal reserves through new borrowings taken in June 2025 ensures that restricted funds are restored, preserving financial flexibility for future program delivery.

This practice is consistent with prudent financial management and supports long-term sustainability by optimising cash flow timing while avoiding premature debt exposure.

New Borrowings – June 2025

Project Principal Amount ($)

North Brother Catchment – Flood Mitigation Measures 150,000

West Port (Buller Street) – Flood Mitigation Works 260,000

Gordon Street Upgrade (Local Roads Proactive Transport Program) 180,170

Lorne Road Upgrade 3,600,000

Ocean Drive Upgrade 41,500,000

Limeburners Creek Bridge – Piers Rehabilitation 200,000

Road Resealing Works 2,820,000

Thrumster WWTP Scheme 2,000,000

Total New Borrowings – June 2025 50,710,170

The 2025-2035 Resourcing Strategy, encompassing the Long-Term Financial Plan, projects that Water and Sewer investments - totalling $212 million (57% of total investments) - will be largely exhausted over the next 10 years to fund key infrastructure projects, including the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant, Thrumster Sewerage Treatment Plant, and the Kew Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade.

General Fund investments are substantially allocated for specific purposes with the following breakdown as of the end of the 2023-2024 financial year:

· Developer Contributions:

$87.3 million (23% of total investments) is restricted to funding growth-related infrastructure in accordance with adopted plans. These funds cannot be used for existing infrastructure or projects outside the approved plans.

· Unexpended Grants:

$34.3 million (9% of total investments) consists of grant funding received for specific purposes but not yet expended.

· Deposits and Bonds:

$7.9 million (2.1% of total investments) represents security bonds that will be returned to suppliers upon project completion.

· Working Capital:

$7.1 million (1.9% of total investments) is maintained as a reserve for urgent or emerging priorities. This amount is modest relative to the size of the organization but reflects sound financial management.

· Committed Works:

$3.8 million (1% of total investments) is allocated for committed works scheduled for delivery in 2024-2025 or future years.

· Plant Replacement:

$4.5 million (1% of total investments) is designated for vehicle and major plant replacements, funded through internal plant hire fees charged to projects.

· Employee Leave Entitlements:

$3.8 million (1% of total investments) is reserved for employee leave liabilities.

The remaining investments are distributed across multiple internal reserves earmarked for specific purposes, including projects already included in Council’s 10-year works program.

Details of investment movements during June 2025 are outlined below.

Activity	Institution	Rate	Term	Amount $	Funds Fossil Fuel
Matured	NAB	5.31%	1yr	5,000,000	Yes
Matured	ICBC	1.75%	5yr	2,000,000	Yes
Matured	Suncorp-ANZ	5.29%	1yr	4,000,000	Yes
Matured	P&N	5.33%	1yr	5,000,000	No
Withdrawal	Westpac	4.35%	On Demand	0	Yes
Total Matured				16,000,000
Deposit	Westpac	4.35%	On Demand	104,006	Yes
Invested	Aust Unity	4.29%	1yr	5,000,000	No
Invested	MyState	4.10%	2yr	5,000,000	No
Invested	ING	4.35%	5yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	Suncorp-ANZ	4.37%	9mths	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	MyState	4.10%	2yr	5,000,000	No
Invested	ING	4.04%	3yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	ING	4.34%	5yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	Suncorp-ANZ	4.19%	1yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	SBI	4.15%	2yr	5,000,000	No
Invested	ING	4.03%	3yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	ING	4.18%	4yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	NAB	4.15%	1yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	Westpac	4.03%	2yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	NAB	4.00%	3yr	5,000,000	Yes
Invested	NAB	4.10%	4yr	5,000,000	Yes
Total New Investments				75,104,006
Net Investment Movement being the difference in Principal invested at end of month & excluding Investment Earnings				59,104,006

Council’s decision to replenish internally restricted funds by borrowing in June 2025, as detailed in Strategic Use of Internally Restricted Funds above, aligns with its strategic cash flow management approach. By initially utilising internal reserves to fund key infrastructure programs throughout the financial year, Council avoided the need to draw down borrowings prematurely.

This approach deferred interest costs that would have otherwise been incurred had borrowings been accessed earlier. Once projects reached key milestones and funding was required to restore restricted balances, borrowings were drawn down and the resulting liquidity was prudently invested, primarily in term deposits exceeding one year.

While the interest rate differential between borrowings and investments may appear to suggest a net cost, the actual benefit lies in the significant interest savings accumulated throughout the year by not carrying loan balances unnecessarily. This strategy enhances Council’s financial flexibility and ensures optimal use of both internal and external funding sources, consistent with sound treasury management practices.

The movement in net investments during June reflects the restoration of internal reserves through new borrowings, rather than a change in financial strategy. This temporary increase in investment balances is a direct result of replenishing internally restricted funds before they are progressively applied to their intended capital and operational purposes.

The following graph shows total investments by type on a rolling 12-month basis.

The maturity profile of investments (excluding the cash management account, which is on call) is shown below, demonstrating a balanced distribution of maturities over the next 3 to 5 years, in line with Council’s Investment Policy and the timing of future reserve funding requirements for key projects.

The average interest rate on maturities in 2024-2025 reflects the impact of longer-term investments made prior to the interest rate decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Movements in Investments table above highlights some investments with lower interest rates maturing in June 2025, which are largely being reinvested at higher rates.

This shift will help enhance Council’s performance in relation to key metrics such as the budget and the AusBond Bank Bill Index.

The following is a summary of Council’s exposure to financial institutions that fund fossil fuels.

Financial institutions funding fossil fuels	Purchases since 01/07/2024	Purchases since 01/07/2024	Amount invested at 30/06/2025	Amount invested at 30/06/2025
Yes	98,076,760	46%	290,048,709	66%
No	116,000,000	54%	152,500,000	34%
	214,076,760		442,548,709

Council has not resolved to divest from its current investment holdings with fossil fuel exposure, as doing so could adversely affect portfolio credit quality, ratings, and interest income forecasts. However, within ministerial and policy guidelines, Council will continue to prioritise newly issued fossil fuel-free investments where they align with Council’s risk and return objectives.

Over time, it remains Council’s intention to transition to a more balanced portfolio with reduced fossil fuel exposure, where it is financially prudent to do so.

In its investment decisions, Council seeks multiple quotes from a range of financial institutions across various rating levels. When a bank does not lend to the fossil fuel industry, offers the highest rate, and complies with Council's Policy risk limits, Council prioritises that bank in alignment with the Investment Policy.

The following table shows the interest returns as of 30 June 2025 and the portfolio performance against benchmark (bank bill Index).

Item	Performance
Interest for the Month ($)	1,201,568
Interest YTD ($)	14,542,794
% of Annual Budget Rec'd	133%
Portfolio Performance FYTD Actual (%)	3.53%
AusBond Bank Bill Index FYTD Actual (%)	4.39%
Performance Compared to Bank Bill Index (%)	-0.86%

Loan Portfolio

The following table presents the loan balances, repayments and monthly interest expense as of 30 June 2025 for the 2024-2025 financial year.

Fund	Amount Borrowed	Outstanding Balance	Weighted Average Interest Rate	Accrued Interest for Month	Remaining Repayments FYTD
General	114,854,925	57,517,263	5.50%	108,046	0
Waste	1,500,000	174,074	3.44%	732	0
Sewer	2,000,000	2,000,000	5.70%	3,123	0
Total	118,354,925	59,691,337		111,901	0

The increase in the Outstanding Balance above, against that reported for May 2025 ($9,163,875) results from the approved borrowings undertaken in June 2025 (less $182,708 in principal payments in June 2025) as follows:

Principal Amount	Description
150,000	North Brother Catchment flood mitigation measures
260,000	West Port (Buller Street) Flood mitigation works
180,170	Gordon Street Upgrade (Part of Local Rds Proactive Transport Pgm)
3,600,000	Lorne Road Upgrade
41,500,000	Ocean Drive
200,000	Limeburners Creek Bridge - Piers Rehabilitation
2,820,000	Road Resealing Works
2,000,000	Thrumster WWTP Scheme
50,710,170	Total New Borrowings taken up in June 2025

The maturity profile of the loans portfolio is shown below, providing details of when outstanding loan balances will be paid down, including the average interest rate payable.

Summary - Net Position Investments and Loans

Interest Analysis for the Month	Values $
Investment Interest Income	1,201,568
Loan Interest Expense	(111,901)
Net Interest Income for the Month	1,089,667
Investments Vs Borrowings
Total Current Investment Balance	442,548,709
Total Current Loan Balance	(59,691,337)
Net Position	382,857,372

At current interest rates, Council can invest funds at around 4.3%. With a significant portion of the loan portfolio locked in at lower average rates, Council is benefiting from a positive net exposure to interest rates. However, this position may come under pressure in the future, as upcoming loans are expected to incur higher rates.

3. Conclusion

Council’s investment and loan portfolios are being managed prudently in line with legislative and policy requirements. Investment income is outperforming budget and strategic borrowings are helping minimise costs. Council remains well positioned to meet future funding needs.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

Council's investment income is ahead of budget, with a total of $14.5 million earned year-to-date. Borrowing costs remain low, with interest expenses of $111,901 for June 2025. Council’s net interest position for the month was $1,089,667. Delayed borrowings and strategic fund timing have helped reduce reliance on internally restricted funds.

Domestic Economic Conditions

Australia’s monthly inflation eased faster than expected in May, with consumer prices rising +2.1% y/y (versus +2.3% expectations), which is near the bottom of the RBA’s target band. Core inflation also fell from +2.8% in April to +2.4% in May (its lowest rate since November 2021). Services inflation on the monthly indicator is running at +3.3% y/y, its lowest since May 2022.

Australia’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1% in May, for the fourth consecutive month. Despite a surprise fall in jobs (-2.5k in May versus +20k expectation), the unemployment rate was steady as the participation rate slightly eased to 67.0% (from 67.1%).

Q1 GDP rose just +0.2% q/q and +1.3% y/y, below consensus and the RBA’s forecast of +0.4% q/q.

Dwelling prices for May rose +0.5% m/m, further sustaining the turnaround seen since February. Price growth had slowed into April (ahead of the 3 May election), but the combination of election clarity and RBA interest rate cuts were likely the drivers behind the rise seen in May.

The monthly trade surplus was lower than expected with a surplus of $5.4bn for April vs. $6.0bn consensus.

Retail spending was up +1.1% in May, +1.5% in 3-month average terms and +6.8% over the past 12 months.

The Australian dollar rose around +1.77%, finishing the month at US65.50 cents (from US64.36 cents the previous month).

Global Economic Conditions

Global equity markets set all-time highs again, despite the escalating tensions in the Middle East throughout the month. The global tariff wars seem to have taken a backburner for now, whilst market expectations are for further rate cuts to be delivered by most global central banks.

Across equity markets, the US S&P 500 Index rose +4.96%, whilst the NASDAQ surged +6.57%. Europe’s main indices bucked the trend, with slight losses in France’s CAC (-1.11%), Germany’s DAX (-0.37%) and UK’s FTSE (-0.13%).

The US Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% where it has been since December. The updated “dot plot” maintained expectations of two rate reductions later this year (though seven FOMC members now forecast no cuts at all, up from four in March) and have revised their 2026 outlook to only one 25bp rate cut.

The US unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%. US CPI report for May showed notably cooler inflation than expected, with both headline and core CPI rising just +0.1% m/m (consensus +0.2% and +0.3% respectively). Core CPI is up +1.7% in 3m annualised terms and +2.6% in 6m annualised terms.

The Bank of Canada kept rates on hold at 2.75% as fully expected, once again noting the uncertainty about the impact of tariffs on the economy. The Bank suggested a further rate cut could be required if the economy weakens and inflation remains contained.

The Bank of England kept the bank rate unchanged at 4.25%, with six members supporting the decision while three members voted for a 25bp rate cut. The UK unemployment rate rose 0.1% to 4.6%, in line with expectations. UK April GDP today was soft at -0.3% m/m vs a -0.1% consensus.

Euro area core CPI for May came in 0.1% lower than consensus at +2.3% y/y vs. +2.4% expected. The ECB cut rates by 25bp as expected to 2.00%, but the messaging was more hawkish, with President Lagarde positioning, “I think we are getting to the end of a monetary policy cycle”.

Both the Swiss National Bank and Norway’s Central Bank cut their rates by 25bp respectively in June.

China’s CPI data remained weak at -0.1% y/y (-0.2% expected) weighed by falling fuel and food prices even as broader inflation also remained subdued with the core measure at +0.6% y/y.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

· Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)

· Local Government (General) Regulation 2021

· Ministerial Investment Order

· Council’s adopted Investment Policy

6. Strategic Context and Implications

This report aligns with the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IP&R), supporting financial sustainability objectives outlined in the Long-Term Financial Plan and Resourcing Strategy (2025-2035).

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

Investment and borrowing decisions are managed within a comprehensive risk framework. Council maintains a diversified maturity profile and adheres to conservative credit exposure limits. Market volatility and rising interest rates are ongoing risks being actively monitored.

8. Engagement and Consultation

Council engages an independent investment advisor and routinely seeks market quotes across a diversified panel of institutions. Internal consultation includes finance, infrastructure, and strategic planning teams to align funding with project delivery.

9. Civic Leadership

Council is progressively aligning investments with ESG priorities. While current holdings include fossil fuel-exposed institutions, all new investments are assessed for ethical alignment where consistent with risk and return mandates

Options

This is an information report only.

Attachments

1. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Investment Report - 30 June 2025

2. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Portfolio Valuation - 30 June 2025

3 . Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Loan Repayments - 2024-2025 Financial Year

Agenda Business and Performance

Item: 11.07

Subject: Policy Review - Draft Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy - Post Public Exhibition

Presented by: Business and Performance, Keith Hentschke

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Adopt the draft Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy.

2. Thank those who made a submission and advise of Council’s determination in this matter.

Executive Summary

The Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy has been developed to ensure a consistent, transparent, and equitable framework for managing community requests for fee relief. The policy outlines clear eligibility criteria, decision-making authorities, and targeted provisions for declared disaster events.

The policy aligns with Council’s commitment to fairness, financial sustainability, and responsible governance.

Key objectives of the policy include:

· Clear eligibility criteria for applicants.

· Delegation of decision-making authority to the CEO for waivers up to $5,000.

· Transparency and accountability through structured assessment and recording procedures.

· Defined exclusions, such as non-Council-imposed statutory fees.

· Flexibility for community-focused hardship support aligned with Council’s Rates and Charges Hardship Policy.

Report

1. Background

Council regularly receives requests to waive fees for use of its facilities or operational services, particularly from not-for-profit organisations and during natural disasters. Historically, decisions have been made through informal or inconsistent processes.

A review of past practices identified the need for a formal policy to ensure fairness, transparency, and financial accountability in assessing such requests. In response, the Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy has been developed to establish clear governance and reporting mechanisms.

Council, at its Ordinary Meeting held 17 April 2025 considered a report in relation to the development of a draft Budget Development Policy and subsequently resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Endorse the draft Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy for public exhibition of not less than 28 days.

2. Request a further report be presented to Council following the public consultation period to consider adoption of the final policy.

2. Discussion

The proposed policy aims to standardise and formalise the process for assessing requests for fee waivers. Key features include:

· Eligibility Criteria: Applications must be supported with evidence and fall within defined categories, such as not-for-profit organisations, charitable entities, or service failure by Council.

· Assessment and Decision-Making:

o The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) may approve waivers up to $5,000.

o Requests above $5,000 require a resolution of Council.

· Disaster Provisions:

o The CEO is empowered to approve fee waivers beyond policy thresholds during declared natural disasters.

o Eligible fees include waste disposal, lost documentation, and development applications for reconstruction.

· Governance and Reporting:

o Approved waivers will be recorded in a register and reported annually.

o The policy will be implemented by the Business and Performance Directorate under the oversight of the Chief Financial Officer.

This policy supports Council’s financial sustainability while providing targeted support for community recovery and resilience.

Disaster Provisions

In addition to the engagement and consultation process considered below, Council took the opportunity to review the Disaster Provisions of the draft Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy following the May 2025 flood event.

Clause 7 of the draft Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy provides a framework for emergency fee relief during declared disasters, allowing the Chief Executive Officer to:

• waive the application and assessment processes outlined in this Policy

• approve fee waivers and reductions exceeding the limits specified in this Policy to support disaster response and recovery efforts.

Specific Fees Subject to Waiver within the Disaster Provisions are as follows:

• Waste Disposal Fees:

o Waiver of waste disposal fees, or part thereof, for debris resulting from the disaster, including damaged household items, building materials, green waste, and spoiled food.

• Replacement of Lost or Damaged Council-Issued Documents:

o Waiver of fees for the reissuance of council permits, approvals, and other official documents lost or damaged due to the disaster.

• Development Application Fees:

o Donation of statutory fees for applications related to the repair or rebuilding of structures damaged during the disaster.

The Disaster Provisions apply for a duration of six months from the date a natural disaster is declared. Within this timeframe, Council may consider and approve extensions or amendments, particularly relating to post-event recovery costs, through a report to a regular monthly Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Although not formally enacted during the May 2025 flood event, senior leaders reviewed the policy against actions taken during the response and recovery phases. Reflections on application of the Policy were received suggesting that the Disaster Provisions clause is fit for purpose, with the following suggested refinements:

Area	Policy Gap
Disaster Provision effected classes	Consider adding businesses to the Disaster Provisions section.
Action Broaden the scope of Clause 7.1 as follows: 7.1 Eligibility Criteria Fee waivers and reductions under this section may be granted to support residents, businesses, landowners, and community organisations directly affected by a declared natural disaster. To be eligible: · The applicant must reside, operate, or own property within an area officially declared as a natural disaster zone by Council or relevant emergency authorities. · The applicant must provide proof of residence, property ownership, or business operation in the affected area, and demonstrate reasonable evidence of impact (e.g., photographs, insurance claims) from the disaster. Eligibility applies equally to individuals, community groups, and businesses adversely impacted by the event and seeking support for relevant Council-imposed fees and charges.
Other Relevant Fee Types	Ferry fares, public health inspection fees, animal impounding fees, food premises, and public health premises were waived but are not mentioned. Provide clarity in the policy about whether the EPA waste levy component is waived to provide transparency to the community if a fee is charged.
Catch-all Provision for Unforeseen Fees	Clause 7 lacks a general clause to authorise other fee waivers that arise unexpectedly.
Action ·....... Broaden the scope of Clause 7.2, and include specific commentary to clarify treatment of the Waste Levy ·....... Add a sub clause under 7.2 to address the waiver of Unforeseen Fees 7.2 Fees Subject to Waiver The following Council-imposed fees may be waived to support residents, landowners, and businesses directly affected by a declared natural disaster: · Waste Disposal Fees o Waiver of waste disposal fees, or part thereof, for debris resulting from the disaster, including damaged household items, building materials, green waste, and spoiled food. o Note: The EPA Waste Levy is a statutory fee and will continue to be charged unless a specific exemption is granted by the NSW State Government. · Replacement of Lost or Damaged Council-Issued Documents o Waiver of fees for the reissuance of council permits, approvals, and other official documents lost or damaged due to the disaster. · Animal Impound and Maintenance Fees o Waiver of fees to support the return of displaced domestic and farm animals directly impacted by the disaster. · Ferry Service Fees o Waiver of fees to facilitate emergency access, relief logistics, and resident movement in affected areas. · Food Premises and Public Health Inspection Fees o Waiver of fees where directly impacted by the disaster. · Other Fees o Waiver of fees where the fee directly supports immediate disaster response or post-disaster community recovery efforts, as determined by the CEO. · Development Application Fees: o.. Donation of statutory fees (noting Council cannot waive statutory fees imposed by other tiers of government) for applications related to the repair or rebuilding of structures damaged during the disaster
Statutory vs Non-Statutory Fees	Clause 7.2 refers to “statutory fees” (e.g. DA fees) but doesn't distinguish between waivable vs non-waivable components.
Action Add a clause 7.3 as follows: 7.3 Fee Waiver Exclusions Council cannot waive State-imposed statutory fees, including but not limited to: · Planning Reform Fees. · Long Service Levy. · Any other fees set by legislation or regulation that are outside the authority of Council to alter or waive.
Hardship Alignment	Clause 7 does not reference Council's Rates and Charges Hardship Policy or discretionary interest waivers.
Action Add a clause 7.7 as follows: 7.7 Hardship In addition to the fee waivers outlined in this section, Council recognises that residents and businesses affected by declared natural disasters may experience financial hardship that extends beyond the scope of operational fees and charges. Where applicable, support may also be provided under Council’s Rates and Charges Hardship Assistance Policy, including but not limited to: · The ability to enter into extended payment arrangements for outstanding rates and charges. · The waiver of interest accrued on overdue rates and charges under Section 567 of the Local Government Act 1993. · The waiver of dishonour fees for failed direct debit payments associated with disaster-affected properties. Affected parties are encouraged to contact Council officers directly to discuss their individual circumstances. Council will work with applicants to determine the most appropriate form of assistance and reduce documentation burdens wherever possible.

3. Conclusion

The Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy provides a clear, equitable, and accountable framework for managing requests for fee relief. It ensures consistency, supports good governance, and introduces defined responsibilities and procedures.

It is recommended that Council approve the policy.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

The Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy provides a clear framework to assess and manage requests for financial relief, including during natural disasters. While the policy may result in foregone revenue through the approval of discretionary waivers, it also strengthens financial governance by ensuring such decisions are made transparently and equitably, with defined eligibility and approval thresholds.

The policy supports Council’s financial sustainability by:

·....... Introducing consistent and accountable decision-making at the staff level for requests under $5,000.

·....... Clarifying exclusions, such as statutory fees and security bonds, to protect Council from unintended financial exposure.

·....... Enabling a rapid response mechanism through Clause 7 during disaster events, which allows the CEO to authorise fee waivers aligned to recovery efforts, mitigating community hardship while maintaining control over costs.

The financial impact of waivers, particularly during natural disasters, is expected to be manageable, with all approved waivers recorded in a central register and reported in Council’s Annual Report. The Disaster Provisions are time-limited (six months) and subject to review or extension by Council, providing an additional safeguard over long-term cost implications.

The policy also reinforces that financial relief is not intended as a substitute for unsuccessful grant applications or to replace fees associated with Council-sponsored events. By maintaining a clear delineation between operational funding and waiver eligibility, the policy helps prevent double-dipping and ensures community contributions are fairly and transparently managed.

In summary, while some reductions in revenue are anticipated, the policy provides the necessary structure to manage and monitor these impacts without undermining Council’s broader financial and service delivery responsibilities.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

The policy aligns with relevant legislation and guidelines, including:

· Local Government Act 1993

· Local Government (General) Regulation 2021

It also complements Council’s Providing Funding and Support to the Community Policy and upholds ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles by ensuring equitable access to services and support during emergencies

6. Strategic Context and Implications

The policy contributes to the strategic objectives of Council’s Community Strategic Plan and Delivery Program, particularly:

· Supporting community wellbeing and resilience.

· Promoting transparent and sustainable governance.

· Strengthening financial management practices.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

The policy introduces several governance measures to reduce financial, reputational, and compliance risks:

· Defined eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.

· Clear delegation and Council decision thresholds.

· Reporting mechanisms including an internal register and inclusion in the Annual Report.

· Compliance with privacy and record management obligations.

Disaster relief provisions provide timely support while retaining financial control

8. Engagement and Consultation

External Consultation

In accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy, the draft Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy was exhibited for 28 days, closing on 17 June 2025. At the time of writing this report, the Engagement Report had not been finalised. Notwithstanding, the following addresses submissions received through the process.

Submission 1

“I am in favour of this policy.

Though, this policy does not mention or address whether a fee waiver/reduction would also result in a BOND waiver or reduction.

For example, hiring the amphitheatre for a performance requires a $2000 bond, which is a large expense for a not for profit community organisation.

This policy should stipulate whether bond reduction or waiver is a part, it is not clear.”

While the concern regarding the cost of bonds is acknowledged, the Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy is not intended to apply to security bonds. Bonds serve a specific purpose, to provide Council with financial protection in the event of damage or additional costs arising from the use of its facilities and are therefore not considered eligible for waiver or reduction under this policy.

Event organisers who require financial assistance are encouraged to seek support through Council’s established donations or sponsorship programs, which may assist with overall event delivery costs, including those associated with venue hire.

Submission 2

“Please consider the documentation required to prove eligibility for community groups.

Not all of them have non-for-profit status, but they also don’t have the funds to pay venue hire and application fees – which inhibits their ability to run great community programs.”

The Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy establishes a discretionary framework that allows staff to assess and approve fee waiver requests under $5,000. This framework is underpinned by clear principles of equity, transparency, and accountability. These safeguards are essential to ensure that decisions involving the use of public funds are applied consistently and without bias, particularly where discretion is exercised at the staff level.

A key focus of the policy is capacity building, with priority given to groups that have not received other forms of Council support and have limited ability to generate their own income. This directly aligns with the intent of the community submission, recognising that some organisations face financial barriers that limit their ability to deliver otherwise valuable community programs.

At the same time, the policy recognises that not all organisations will meet its eligibility criteria, particularly informal or unregistered groups. In such cases, the policy encourages applicants to pursue support through Council’s sponsorship and donations programs. These programs may offer more flexible support pathways, especially for groups that are not formally constituted as not-for-profits or charities.

Internal consultation

As addressed above, specific consultation was undertaken with respect to the disaster provisions contained within the policy to review effectiveness out of the recent weather event.

In addition, broad consultation has been undertaken with:

· Executive Leadership Team

· Senior Leadership Team

· Manager Revenue Accounting

· Manager Financial Accounting

If approved, the policy will be implemented internally, with guidance material developed to assist applicants.

Overall, the policy strikes an appropriate balance between providing targeted support and maintaining the integrity of Council’s financial governance. While the concerns raised in the submissions are acknowledged, the policy’s documentation requirements are in place to ensure fairness and accountability in decision-making. Council’s broader community funding programs remain the most appropriate mechanism for assisting informal groups, and there is an opportunity to improve awareness of these options alongside the implementation of the policy.

9. Civic Leadership

By endorsing this policy, Council demonstrates a strong commitment to governance, community responsiveness, and equitable support—particularly in times of hardship. The policy balances financial responsibility with social support, aligning with Council’s ESG principles.

Options

1. Approve the Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy (Recommended):

Provides a consistent framework and strengthens Council’s financial and community governance.

2. Request Amendments to the Policy Prior to Approval:

Council may seek changes to specific provisions before endorsing the policy.

3. Do Not Approve the Policy:

Existing practices, which lack structure and consistency, will remain in place.

Attachments

1. Draft Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy - Post Exhibition

2. Engagement Report - Draft Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy

3. Exhibited Reduction or Waiver of Council Fees and Charges Policy

Agenda Business and Performance

Item: 11.11

Subject: 12 Month Review Report - Pilot Training and Aircraft Noise - Fly Neighbourly Agreement

Presented by: Business and Performance, Keith Hentschke

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Note the information provided in this 12 Month Review report -
Port Macquarie Airport - Pilot Training and Aircraft Noise - Fly Neighbourly Agreement.

2. Endorse the extension of the Fly Neighbourly Agreement for a four-year period (May 2025 to April 2029) as an effective method of managing circuit movements at the Airport to minimise impact on the local community.

3. Receive a further report on the Fly Neighbourly Agreement in July 2029.

Executive Summary

The Port Macquarie Airport - Pilot Training and Aircraft Noise - Fly Neighbourly Agreement (the ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreement’ or ‘FNA’) provides guidance and controls for managing the impact of noise from aircraft operations on Airport neighbours and the wider Port Macquarie community. The FNA commits General Aviation operators at the Airport to reducing the impact of their operations on the surrounding community, while maintaining the safe operation of aircraft. This report provides an annual FNA update for the period from May 2024 to April 2025.

There has been a 25% increase in aircraft training movements during the current reporting period, and only two noise complaints were received, compared with three complaints during the previous 12 months. These figures demonstrate the strong, ongoing commitment by Airport staff and local operators to deliver on the key intent of the FNA, balancing Airport noise impacts and the aviation operational needs.

The FNA has been very successful in managing noise issues at the airport, and staff recommend the FNA now be extended for a further four years , with an updated report and recommendations submitted to Council in July 2029. If significant noise issues were to arise within this period, staff could provide an update to Council as required.

Report

1. Background

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 18 July 2024, Council considered a
12-month report on the Port Macquarie Airport - Pilot Training and Aircraft Noise - Fly Neighbourly Agreement, and resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Note the information provided in this Port Macquarie Airport - Pilot Training and Aircraft Noise - Fly Neighbourly Agreement Trial - 12 Month Review report;

2. Endorse the extension of the Fly Neighbourly Agreement for a further 12 months as a useful method of managing circuit movements at the Airport to minimise impact on the local community, with a further report presented at the Ordinary Council Meeting to be held in July 2025.

2. Discussion

The FNA was originally adopted by Council in May 2022 as a 12-month trial to May 2023. The trial was later extended by Council to May 2024, and again further extended to May 2025. This report provides a 12-month review report on the FNA, from May 2024 to April 2025.

The report includes aircraft movement data, noise and other impact factors, noise complaint details, and other circuit and noise management information to support the staff recommendation to extend the FNA for four years.

Aircraft movements

Aircraft circuit movement data within this report is provided by Avdata, a third-party service provider. The circuit movement data from May 2024 to April 2025 is compared to the prior 12 months, from May 2023 to April 2024.

The definition of a circuit movement comprises the following:

· Touch and Go - A trainee pilot on circuit training landing on the runway and immediately taking off again.

· Stop and Go - A trainee pilot on circuit training landing and stopping on the runway and taking off again.

· Missed Approach - A trainee pilot following the airport go around procedures for a hypothetical missed approach to the runway (an essential part of training); and

· Practice Approach - A trainee pilot practicing their approach to the runway and then re-joining the circuit without landing.

Each one of the above counts as two circuit movements. As shown in Figure 1 below, during the reporting period, a total 34,866 circuit movements were flown, a 25% increase in circuit movement activity compared to the 27,794 movements during the May 2023 to April 2024 period.

Three flying schools currently operate at the airport. Figure 2 illustrates monthly aircraft activity at the airport, with the latest for circuit activity data generally exceeding the activity in the previous period (only April was lower, most likely weather related).

Operating hours

The range of operating hours for aircraft is a significant factor for noise complaints. There are times and days where aircraft movements are more likely to trigger noise complaints i.e. Saturday evenings, Sundays and on Public Holidays.

The data confirms a small increase in the number of circuit movements after 6pm on Saturdays, with 20 circuits during the May 2024 to April 2025 period compared to six circuits during the prior 12 months.

There was an increase in circuits conducted on Sundays with 1,945 from May 2024 to April 2025, compared to 622 from May 2023 to April 2024.

There were 42 training movements on public holidays from May 2024 to April 2025, an increase from the zero movements reported on public holidays in the prior year.

Noise complaints

From May 2024 to April 2025, two complaints concerning circuits on a public holiday were received directly by the Airport.

During the reporting period, airport staff liaise with operators to reduce noise impacts, foster collaboration and encourage compliance with this voluntary agreement. The results have been positive, however, ongoing engagement is undertaken with local operators and flying schools to reinforce the intent of the FNA and to ensure the key undertakings are being delivered.

Fly Neighbourly Agreement - detailed comments on key undertakings

See Attachment 1 for full details of the Fly Neighbourly Agreement. The following comments relate to the FNA key undertakings:

Hours of operation

One of the key measures of the FNA is the reduction in agreed Circuit Training Hours of Operation, being 7:00am to 10:00pm in summer (9:00pm in winter) Mondays to Fridays; 8:00am to 6:00pm on Saturdays; and no continuous circuit training to be done on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Figure 3 below highlights that 85% of circuit movements occur Monday to Friday.

Circuit training performed on a Sunday has historically been the trigger for noise complaints received by Council. The Agreement allows operators and students to undertake catch up training on Sundays between 8:00am and 4:00pm resulting from lost time on other days due to weather, airspace, technical or other disruptions.

During the current reporting period nearly 80% of Sunday circuits occurred between 8:00am and 4:00pm, with no complaints received for activity outside these times.

In terms of public holiday activity, there were 42 training movements with two noise complaints received.

Figure 4 below illustrates the share of circuit activity per hour from 6:00am to midnight. For the current reporting period, circuit training after 6pm represents about 6% of total circuit movements compared with 5% of total movements during the 2023-2024 comparison period.

Continuous circuit training - light aircraft

The FNA allows light recreational aircraft to operate early mornings, between 6:00am and 7:00 am Monday to Friday. This time is allocated for aircraft operated by the non-commercial flying schools e.g. Hastings Flying Club.

From May 2024 to April 2025, 885 circuits were reported between 6:00am and 7:00am, compared to 434 during the same period in 2023-2024. While circuits at this time have doubled, no noise complaints were received.

Catching up lost time

Some students unable to attend training during the week will request catch-up training on weekends, including on Sundays. Circuit training performed on Sundays has traditionally been the trigger for noise complaints received by Council.

While the number of Sunday circuit training has increased in the current reporting period, no noise complaints were received for Sunday.

Number of aircraft operating at same time

No issues to report.

Runway take-off direction

‘Runway 03’ means taking off towards the Hastings River, and turning inland to the west, then looping anti clockwise around towards the south. When wind and traffic conditions permit, this is the preferred runway direction (illustrated in yellow in Figure 5 below) as aircraft are flying over less populated areas.

The other option is ‘Runway 21’, shown in red below.

Runway 03 usage is facilitated by the parallel taxiway development completed in March 2023, which allows light aircraft to taxi down to the southern runway end to take off towards the north. The 2024-2025 reporting period saw 47% of circuit movements utilise Runway 03 direction. This is a slight decrease from 2023-2024, where 53% of circuits used Runway 03.

Figure 5: Preferred circuit direction (in yellow)

Turning direction after take-off

No issues to report.

Precautionary Search and Landing

No issues to report.

Aircraft ground operations e.g. repairs

No issues to report.

Minimising low level flight over built-up areas

The FNA requires aircraft operators to be mindful of altitude when setting operating procedures, including when to turn cross wind after take-off, and performing precautionary search and landing, to low level flying over built up areas.
To help monitor altitude and respond to enquiries or complaints, Council has installed Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) recording equipment at the Airport that records flight paths and altitude for aircraft with an activated transponder.

No complaints were received regarding aircraft altitude during the reporting period.

3. Summary

In summary, the FNA has proved effective for aircraft circuit and noise impact management, with key points being:

· Circuit movements have increased by 25% (back to pre-COVID levels).

· Noise complaints have reduced from three to two complaints received - both regarding circuits on a public holiday. No noise complaints were received regarding Saturday or Sunday circuit activity.

· Good general adherence to the key undertakings and operating conditions set out in the FNA by the flying schools operating at the airport.

· Circuit activity has increased on public holidays (42 flights) compared with zero in the prior year.

· A slight rise in circuit training being conducted after 6pm, to 6% of total activity (although still well below pre FNA levels of 19%).

· Broadly similar usage of Runway 03 direction for the reporting period 47% vs 53% for the previous period .

The FNA has been very successful in managing noise issues at the airport for the last 3 years, and staff recommend the FNA now be extended for four years, with an updated report and any recommendations submitted to Council in July 2029. If significant noise issues were to arise within this period, staff could provide an interim update to Council as required.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

There are no financial and economic implications in relation to this report.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

There are no legislative and policy implications in relation to this report.

6. Strategic Context and Implications

Not applicable.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

Not applicable.

8. Engagement and Consultation

In conjunction with the implementation of the FNA, an aircraft noise complaint register has been established to monitor and respond to complaints received from local residents. Over the 12-month reporting period, two complaints were received:

Date Received	Date complaint	Issue
28 April 2025	18 April 2025	Circuit activity on public holiday (Good Friday)
28 April 2025	25 April 2025	Circuit activity on public holiday (Anzac Day)

In response to each incident, Airport management took the following actions:

· The operating organisation was identified.

· The operating organisation received correspondence providing details of the incident, requesting a formal response regarding the background to the incident and proposed procedures to ensure future compliance with the FNA.

· Once the response was received a face-to-face meeting took place to reiterate the importance of FNA compliance.

· Communication was sent to the complainant acknowledging the breach of the FNA and outlining the process undertaken with the breaching organisation.

9. Civic Leadership

Not applicable.

Options

· Adopt the recommendations as tabled in the report (staff recommendation).

· Adopt the recommendations as tabled in the report with amendments.

· Note the report and not continue with Port Macquarie Airport - Pilot Training and Aircraft Noise - Fly Neighbourly Agreement.

Attachments

1. Fly Neighbourly Agreement

Agenda Community Planning and Environment

Item: 13.02

Subject: Policy Review - Planning Agreement Policy

Presented by: Community, Planning and Environment, Melissa Watkins

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Endorse the revised draft Planning Agreement Policy for public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

2. Note that a further report will be tabled at a further meeting of Council following the public exhibition period, detailing any submissions received from the public during the exhibition period.

Executive Summary

An important component of public sector governance is establishing key policies and ensuring they are clear, available, regularly updated and monitored for compliance.

The Planning Agreements Policy (Attachment 3) with the Planning Agreement Template (Attachment 2) were adopted by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 18 July 2024 and became effective on that date. This Policy replaced the previous Planning Agreements Policy adopted by Council at the Ordinary Meeting held on 19 June 2006.

The Planning Agreements Policy has been reviewed in accordance with clause 29(a) being within 12 months of any general election of Council and to amend minor grammatical errors. The draft Policy has been updated in Council’s standard policy template.

This report recommends that the draft Policy (Attachment 1) be endorsed by Council for public exhibition.

Report

1. Background

At the Ordinary Council meeting held on 18 July 2024 (Item 13.01) Council resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Adopt the amended Planning Agreements Policy with the recommended changes.

2. Delegate authority to the Director Community, Planning and Environment to make any minor amendments to any numerical, typographical, interpretation and formatting errors, if required, in preparation for the commencement of the amended Planning Agreements Policy.

3. Advise the local planning and development industry of the commencement of the amended Planning Agreements Policy and publish the new Policy on Council’s website.

2. Discussion

The NSW planning framework enables councils to enter into agreements with developers to provide public benefits in conjunction with a development application or planning proposal. The agreements are voluntary, and the public benefits can be in the form of a monetary contribution, the dedication of land or the provision of material public benefits directly. Planning Agreements must be in Council’s and the community’s best interest.

This Policy sets out Council’s policy position relating to planning agreements for land within the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area, in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Regulation.

The content of this Policy cannot be inconsistent with the planning legislation and the DPHI’s practice notes for preparing planning agreements including:

A planning agreement is a voluntary agreement between a planning authority and a developer, who has:

· sought a change to an environmental planning instrument; or

· made or proposes to make a development application or application for a complying development certificate; under which the developer is required to:

· dedicate land free of cost.

· pay a monetary contribution.

· provide any other material benefit; or

· provide any combination of the above.

The Planning Agreement Policy adopted by Council on 18 July 2024, complies with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, and the Department of Planning, Housing and Industry’s Practice Note. This Policy includes details of the planning agreement process to provide transparency and clarity on the process for both Council and the developer.

The Planning Agreements Policy has been reviewed in accordance with clause 29(a) being within 12 months of any general election of Council and to amend minor grammatical errors.

The table below summaries the proposed changes and differences between the existing Policy and draft Policy:

· within the whole draft Policy, VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements;

· part of the draft Policy has been renumbered;

Clause Titles	Current Policy	Draft Policy
1 Introduction		No changes.
2 Definitions		Definitions moved towards end of Policy, to become clause 27. Numbering of clauses adjusted.
2 Purpose	· Paragraph 5 - The Practice Note is the guiding document used in the preparation of this Policy, however this Policy has also been prepared with regard to the draft Local Planning Agreements Practice Note – December 2023.	· Paragraph 5 - Change highlighted wording as follows: Planning Agreements Practice Note – May 2025. · Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements
3 Statutory Framework	· Paragraph 3 - Section 7.4(1) of the Act sets out the circumstances under which a VPA may be entered into. The Act states that a Planning Agreement may be made between a planning authority (or two or more planning authorities) and a person (the developer):	· Paragraph 3 - add additional wording: Section 7.4(1) of the Act sets out the circumstances under which a VPA may be entered into. The Act states that a Planning Agreement is a voluntary agreement and may be made between a planning authority (or two or more planning authorities) and a person (the developer): · Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
4 Objectives of VPAs	· Paragraph 3 - a. Meeting the current and future demands created by the development for new or improved public infrastructure, amenities or services. b. Meeting specific planning objectives of Council by providing public benefits identified in an adopted contributions plan or that achieve a Net Public Benefit. c. Compensating for the loss of or damage to a public amenity, service, resource or asset resulting from a development through replacement, substitution, repair or regeneration of amenities, services or assets. d. Rectifying a deficiency in existing Public Facilities in the LGA. e. Providing for future and recurrent funding for public infrastructure, amenities and services with sustainable funding.	· Paragraph 3 - add two points: f. Conservation and enhancement of the natural environment. g. Minimise any environmental impacts. · Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
5 Mandatory Requirements of a VPA		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
6 Principles / Responsibilities	· Paragraph 3 - The principles are consistent with Part 2.1 of the Practice Note.	· Paragraph 3 - delete wording - Part 2.1 · Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
7 Acceptability Test		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
8 Types and Forms of Public Benefits		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
9 Standard VPA Template		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
10 Explanatory Notes		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
11 Planning Agreement Register		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
12 Process		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
13 Offsets		No changes.
14 Valuation Methodology		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
15 Recurrent Charges		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
16 Application of Section 7.11 and 7.12 of the EP&A Act		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
17 Implementation Requirements		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
18 Probity		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
19 Council’s Costs		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
20 Operation and Monitoring VPAs		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
21 Modification and Discharge of Obligations		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
22 Assignment, Novation and Dealings by the Developer		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
23 Provision of Security under a VPA		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
24 Registration of VPAs		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
25 Dispute Resolution and Enforcement		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
26 Disclaimer		Definitions moved towards end of Policy, to become clause 28. Numbering of clauses adjusted.
27 Periodical Updates		Definitions moved towards end of Policy, to become clause 29. Numbering of clauses adjusted.
28 Implementation		Definitions moved towards end of Policy, to become clause 30. Numbering of clauses adjusted.
29 References and Related Documents	· Third dot point - Change of wording: Planning agreements – Practice note – February 2021 published by Department of Planning, Housing and Industry · Fourth dot point - deletion Draft for Exhibition – Local Planning Agreements Practice Note	· Third dot point - Change of wording: May 2025 published by Department of Planning, Housing and Industry · Fourth dot point - deletion
27 Definitions	Definition: Practice Note means the document titled ‘Planning agreements – Practice note – February 2021 and the draft Practice Note on Planning Agreements published by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Industry and Environment. VPA means a voluntary planning agreement between a Developer and a planning authority for the provision of public benefits referred to in section 7.4 of the Act.	· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements. New definition added: Planning Agreement means a voluntary planning agreement between a Developer and a planning authority for the provision of public benefits referred to in section 7.4 of the Act. Planning agreements maybe referred to as planning agreements in other documentation. Definitions amend: February 2021 May 2025’ and the draft Practice Note on Planning Agreements published by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Industry and Environment. VPAs is the abbreviation other documents may utilise to refer to a voluntary planning agreement between a Developer and a planning authority for the provision of public benefits referred to in section 7.4 of the Act.
28 Disclaimer		· Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
29 Periodical Updates	· Paragraph 2 - Point ‘c’ when the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (or equivalent) initiates any changes to the relevant legislation or guidelines that affect VPAs to enable incorporation into this Policy.	· Paragraph 2 - Point ‘c’ - Change of wording: Industry · Wording changed - VPA or VPAs has changed to planning agreement or planning agreements.
30 Implementation	· Change of approval date upon adoption of draft policy. · Planning Agreements Policy 2024 to be superseded.	· Change of approval date upon adoption of draft policy. · Planning Agreements Policy 2024 to be superseded.
31 Responsible Officer		New clause
Appendices		No changes.

If adopted, the existing Policy will be replaced by the draft Policy.

The current adopted Policy is included here as Attachment 3 and the proposed draft Policy is included here as Attachment 1.

3. Conclusion

The Planning Agreements Policy has been reviewed in accordance with clause 29(a) being within 12 months of any general election of Council and to amend minor errors. The draft Policy has been updated in Council’s standard policy template.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

The provisions within planning agreements are to be wholly related to the proposed development and are to meet the demands created by that development for new or augmented public infrastructure, amenities and services. The planning agreement shall clearly detail and justify these costs.

Planning agreements should not be used as a means of general revenue raising or to overcome revenue shortfalls or deliver infrastructure that is not related to the development.

The new Policy will continue to provide clear and concise details on negotiating and entering planning agreements, with positive financial and economic implications, through the orderly coordination of infrastructure to serve the development, in accordance with the current legislative framework.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

The draft Policy proposes minor changes that will become new policy subject to Council’s decision on the matters raised in this report. The proposed changes will comply with clause 29(a) of the Policy, which requires review within 12 months of an election of Council. The draft Policy will also amend several minor grammatical errors.

6. Strategic Context and Implications

The draft Policy review is consistent with clause 29(a) of the Policy, which requires review within 12 months of an election of Council.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

The draft Policy will still require the developer to take out and keep current insurance to reduce any risk of providing the infrastructure, as well as injury to workers or the public.

The developer will also be required to provide security to cover the developer’s obligations under the draft Policy. This security for the works is in the provision of a bond that is 130% of the agreed value of each of the works in the draft Policy.

8. Engagement and Consultation

Community Engagement

It is recommended that this draft Policy be placed on public exhibition for not less than 28 days.

Internal Consultation

The following internal stakeholders will be engaged during the public exhibition period:

· Business Performance.

· Community, Infrastructure, Planning and Design.

· Development Assessment Team.

· Development Engineering Team.

· Utilities, Planning and Design.

9. Civic Leadership

A critical aspect of public sector governance is the establishment of key policies that are clear, accessible, regularly updated, and monitored for compliance. This approach helps manage risks and provides guidance to Council staff in fulfilling the needs of both the Council and the community.

The draft Policy continues to manage risks for the Council while offering clarity to developers and the community regarding the effective delivery of infrastructure in the planning agreements, especially in relation to future development.

Options

Council has the options to:

1. Endorse the draft Planning Agreements Policy for exhibition; or

2. Request or make further amendments to this Policy, noting this may delay exhibition; or

3. Not endorse the recommendation and resolve in some other manner.

This report recommends Option 1. Endorsement of the draft Policy for the purposes of public exhibition.

Attachments

1. Draft Planning Agreement Policy 170725

2. Planning Agreement Template

3. Planning Agreement Policy 2024

Agenda Community Planning and Environment

Item: 13.03

Subject: Post Exhibition - Places to Play Plan

Presented by: Community, Planning and Environment, Melissa Watkins

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Adopt the Places to Play Plan which includes the following new sub plans

a) Skate Spaces Plan

b) Outdoor Fitness Equipment Plan

c) Outdoor Courts Plan

d) Off-Leash areas and Designated Dog Parks Plan

e) Watercraft Access and Fishing Areas Plan

f) Community Gardens Plan

2. Note the information contained within the Places to Play Plan Community Engagement Report - May 2025.

3. Thank submitters and advise them of the outcome of Council’s consideration.

4. Note that Places to Play Plan, Sport Field Facilities Plan will be reported to Council for consideration in 2025-2026.

Executive Summary

The Places to Play Plan was identified as an immediate priority, strategic planning project, in Council’s Recreation and Open Space Action Plan 2024-2029.

The Places to Play Plan is a comprehensive strategy composed of various smaller plans and reviews combined, forming a unified and all-encompassing approach. This report recommends the adoption of the Places to Play Plan (Attachment 1) with the publishing of additional sub plans.

· Skate Spaces Plan

· Outdoor Fitness Equipment Plan

· Outdoor Courts Plan

· Off-leash Areas and Designated Dog Parks Plan

· Watercraft Access and Fishing Areas Plan

· Community Gardens Plan

Report

1. Background

At the Ordinary Council meeting held on 20 March 2025 (item 11.05), Council resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Place the latest draft sub plans of the Places to Play Plan, namely the:

· Watercraft Access and Fishing Areas Plan and

· Community Gardens Plan

in conjunction with the following previously adopted draft sub plans:

· Skate Spaces Plan

· Outdoor Fitness Equipment Plan

· Outdoor Courts Plan

· Off-leash Areas and Designated Dog Parks Plan

on public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

2. Note that a further report will be tabled at a future meeting of Council, detailing the submissions received from the public during the exhibition period of all six draft sub plans as follows:

· Skate Spaces Plan

· Outdoor Fitness Equipment Plan

· Outdoor Courts Plan

· Off-leash Areas and Designated Dog Parks Plan

· Watercraft Access and Fishing Areas Plan

· Community Gardens Plan

This report provides information on the public exhibition on the above-mentioned sub plans of the Places to Play Plan.

2. Discussion

The Places to Play Plan serves as a key tool for effectively guiding the development, implementation and sustainable management of spaces and places throughout our region.

A place to play is a designated area that facilitates different forms of play, both structured and unstructured. The Places to Play Plan encompasses:

· Play Spaces

· Outdoor Courts

· Sport Field Facilities

· Indoor and Aquatic Facilities

· Skate Spaces

· Outdoor Fitness Equipment

· Water Access and Fishing Areas

· Off-leash Areas and Designated Dog Parks

· Community Gardens

· Bike Spaces

· Youth Spaces

The Places to Play Plan is included as Attachment 1.

Places to Play Plan - Public Exhibition

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 20 March 2025, Council resolved to place the draft Places to Play Plan with the following sub plans, on public exhibition.

· Skate Spaces Plan

· Outdoor Fitness Equipment Plan

· Outdoor Courts Plan

· Off-leash Areas and Designated Dog Parks Plan

· Watercraft Access and Fishing Areas Plan

· Community Gardens Plan

The plan was subsequently placed on public exhibition from Monday 7 April 2025 to Monday 12 May 2025. The public exhibition period is now complete with the outcomes of the exhibition process discussed below. There is an Engagement Summary Report provided for this exhibition included here as Attachment 2.

These six plans were placed on public exhibition for 35 days (from 7 April to 12 May 2025), with the aim of informing the community and seeking feedback that will help protect, enhance and maximise the use of existing public spaces and expand in line with community needs.

The engagement process included four pop ups and extensive communication via several channels, including direct communication with more than 60 clubs, groups and current users of public spaces. This yielded 24 Have Your Say surveys, two submissions and six email submissions. Valuable user and ‘on the ground’ feedback was also recorded at the various pop-up sessions (see Appendix of Attachment 2).

Detailed information can be found under Results Summary/Conclusion, however, key themes from all forms of community engagement included:

· Strong support for an ocean pool (although not part of this engagement exercise)

· High demand for off leash dog parks, particularly in Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and Port Macquarie

· Calls for outdoor sports to be addressed in the plan

· Calls for transparency on user fees, funding models and maintenance cost comparisons between sporting fields and other open spaces

· Upgrade requests for local parks and skate spaces at Crestwood Park, Rainbow Beach Reserve and Bonny Hills Skate Park

· Suggestions for more diverse, age-inclusive and evenly distributed play and fitness equipment

· Praise for Council’s support of community gardens, particularly “The Lost Plot” and the Lake Cathie Community Garden

· Calls for investment in multi-use venues

· General advocacy for greater equity across the LGA, better co-ordination in growth areas and Council decision making aligning with long-term plans such as this.

The detailed responses to all submissions can be found in Attachment 2.

Minor amendments have been made to the Play Spaces Plan; a summary of the amendments made in response to community feedback is below.

· Minor changes to the Key Findings in the Skate Space section, specifically for the Town Beach Skate Space. Recommendations made to improve user safety and spectator experience.

· Additional boat ramp proposal added for North Shore - Council to investigate the feasibility of a boat ramp.

· Noted that further assessment of the site's suitability for proposed Dog Off Leash area at John Downs Park. Council will continue to progress the planning and concept design of the proposed dog park but will undertake a further round of Have Your Say community engagement on the proposed design before any final decision is made on the site.

3. Conclusion

The Plans received strong community interest from community groups, sporting organisations and local stakeholders, with submissions reflecting a high level of interest in inclusive, accessible and future-focused recreational spaces.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

Projects identified in the Plan will be investigated for delivery from 2025-2026 onward and are subject to priority review and budget endorsement through subsequent Operational Plan development, they will also be identified in the 10-year Works Program.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

There are no legislative or policy implications related to this report.

6. Strategic Context and Implications

The Places to Play Plan Asset Management data will determine 10 years works program for play.

The adoption of the Places to Play Plan will be followed by a review of the Recreation Action Plan 2025-2030 priority projects.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

There are no risk and insurance implications related to this report.

8. Engagement and Consultation

Details of the external consultation is detailed in Attachment 2.

Ongoing Internal Consultation has occurred with:

· Group Manager Liveable Communities

· Manager Spaces and Places

· Recreation and Open Space Planner

· Parks and Open Space Coordinator

· Education Coordinator

· Facilities Coordinator

· Recreation and Community Initiatives Coordinator

· Recreation and Community Strategy Coordinator

· Asset Officer

· Community Engagement Officer

· Parks Technical Officer

· Future Landscape Architect

· Future Asset Planner

9. Civic Leadership

The Places to Play Plan demonstrates Council’s civic leadership through proactive, transparent, and evidence-based planning that supports the health, wellbeing and inclusion of the community. By adopting a strategic and coordinated approach to public recreation spaces, Council is reinforcing its commitment to shaping a more connected, equitable and liveable region.

Options

Council can opt to:

1. Adopt the Places to Play Plan as presented, which includes minor changes based on feedback provided during the exhibition period, as outlined in this report; or

2. Request modifications be made to the Places to Play Plan.

This report recommends option 1.

Attachments

1. Places to Play Plan_July 2025

2. Places to Play Plan_Engagement Report May 2025

Agenda Community Planning and Environment

Item: 13.05

Subject: Community Grants 2024-2025

Presented by: Community, Planning and Environment, Melissa Watkins

Recommendation

That Council note the report on Community Grants awarded for 2024-2025.

Executive Summary

Council’s 2024-25 Community Grants Program was adopted at the 15 August 2024 Council Meeting. The Program has a total budget of $200,000 for the 2024–2025 financial year, delivered in accordance with Council’s Policy on Providing Funding and Support to the Community.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 15 August 2024 (Item 11.05), Council resolved:

That Council:

1. Adopt the proposed funding criteria for the 2024-2025 Community Grants Program.

2. Receive a report to the July 2025 Council meeting on the outcomes of the 2024-2025 Community Grants program.

This report responds to this resolution.

Report

1. Background

Council allocates up to $200,000 annually through the Community Grants Program to support local not-for-profit organisations in delivering community development programs and events. The program gives priority to community-led initiatives that align with the objectives of Council’s Community Inclusion Plan, Disability Plan, and Cultural Plan.

For the 2024–25 financial year, a total of $164,683 was awarded to 39 local charities and not-for-profit organisations through two funding rounds (September 2024 and February 2025) and the ongoing Micro Grants Program.

All applications were subject to eligibility and completeness checks, and were assessed by an independent Assessment Panel, in accordance with the program’s funding guidelines.

The Community Grants Program remains dedicated to fostering inclusive, accessible, and culturally rich community initiatives across the Port Macquarie Hastings.

2. Discussion

The guidelines provided funding for projects and activities that:

· Celebrate creativity and heritage through arts and cultural initiatives

· Enhance learning and skills through educational programs

· Bring people together through local community events

· Address disadvantage to promote equity and inclusion.

The Community Grants Program was launched on Council’s website in August 2024 and included supporting information such as Funding Guidelines, grant writing tips and examples of previously funded projects. When each funding round was opened Council promoted these through:

· Social media posts (Round 1: 2 & 20 September, Round 2: 14, 17, 24, 25 February & 12 March)

· Radio advertising through the Southern Cross Austereo network

· Community Grants information sessions

· Direct mail to community organisations (including youth, seniors, disability, First Nations, and welfare sectors)

· Mail-out to previous grant applicants, Council-Community Action Teams and Progress Associations

· Presentations at interagency meetings

· Advertising in multiple e-Newsletters, including Have Your Say, iCreate, Environment Matters, and Artwalk newsletters

Council received a total of 75 Community Grant applications for 2024–25, with 45 applications submitted in Round 1 and 30 in Round 2. Of these, 20 applications were successful in Round 1, and 11 in Round 2. In addition, 8 micro grants were awarded, bringing the total number of successful Community Grants applications to 39 for the year.

The Community Grants Program continues to be a positive tool in supporting local initiatives that create real and lasting impact. The program enables the delivery of projects that foster inclusion, celebrate culture, support youth and wellbeing and build stronger connections within and across our communities.

The grants program goes far beyond funding individual events - they help Council deliver more than we could alone, particularly in the areas of access and inclusion, First Nations engagement and cultural activation. Whether it is supporting art therapy for people with a disability, cultural camps for Aboriginal boys, or youth-led music gigs, the program brings people together and supports grassroots leadership.

Many of the grant-funded projects have also enriched Council-led initiatives, including participation in ArtWalk, Youth Week and the Seniors Festival, helping to expand their reach, relevance, and community ownership.

From villages to town centres, creative spaces to community halls, the program empowers local groups to respond to local needs, test ideas, and spark change. It is helping to shape a more inclusive, connected and vibrant Port Macquarie-Hastings.

Applicants were requested to submit grants applications across three categories: Community Projects, Creative Community and Community Celebrations, while micro grants were awarded to specific areas of need. Below are the successful applications for Rounds 1 and 2 across these categories and for micro grants:

Round 1 - Community Projects (Round 1 total: $105,119)

Target Area	Project	Grant Amount
Disability	Creating a Safe Haven A 12-week art therapy program linking disability needs with suicide support services through a 12-week recovery-oriented program and major artwork for the Safe Haven premises at the hospital.	$2,400
Mental health	Front Line Listeners Mental Health First Aid training for volunteers of the Self Seen Men’s Program.	$3,000
Domestic violence	Pathways to Healing Trauma, culture and life skills recovery workshops for women and children residing in Liberty’s refuge and crisis accommodation.	$10,000
Youth, creative industries	Creative Sparks Career development workshops on earning a living in the creative industry, held at CSU and PCYC for 13–25-year-olds during Youth Week.	$10,000
At-risk youth	Rise & Shine Breakfast Club Funding for Term 1 2025 to maintain an existing free breakfast for disadvantaged students at Hastings Secondary College Westport and Port Macquarie campuses.	$5,000
First Nations, villages, youth, careers	Camden Haven Cultural Camps Cultural immersion camps bring Elders and Aboriginal boys together. Imparting skills and knowledge to youth to give career opportunities in cultural tourism.	$10,000
	TOTAL	$40,400

Round 1 - Creative Community (Round 1 total: $105,119)

Target Area	Project	Grant Amount
Creative industries	Hastings Art Trail The arts trail engages local artists to exhibit their work in open studios across Port Macquarie, Wauchope, and outlying villages. Bringing residents and visitors to these areas ending in a feature showcase at Artwalk 2025.	$13,769
Youth, creative industries, careers	Cage the Night This program of 10 free, youth-led community events provides safe, supportive, and paid performance opportunities for emerging young musicians. Featuring events during Youth Week and Artwalk, it helps young creatives build confidence and gain real-world experience in the live music industry	$15,000
Creative industries	One Act Play Festival This event that has run for over 10 years, brings together theatre groups from NSW, QLD, and Victoria on the June long weekend. An important competition that connects our local theatre community with diverse performances and playwrights.	$5,000
LGBTQIA+, Youth	Queer Screen Film Festival In its 3^rd year Queer Screen Film Festival in Port Macquarie celebrates LGBTQIA+ stories. A low-ticket price event showing 7 films from Mardi Gras as part of a regional roadshow, speakers, performances, and a local photography showcase. A partner event between CSU, Queer Screen Australia, Cheers Queers, Out Loud & Proud, and Headspace.	$5,000
Creative industries	Hastings Valley Open Art Prize An all-age and ability artist competition and exhibition at Port Macquarie Bowling Club in April 2025.	$1,000
	TOTAL	$39,769

Round 1 - Community Celebrations (Round 1 total: $105,119)

Target Area	Project	Grant Amount
Connected communities	Splashfests Free family friendly events at Port Macquarie, Kendall, Laurieton and Wauchope pools on Australia Day. Music, BBQ, prizes, and water play.	$8,950
Seniors, connected communities	Seniors Day at the Vineyard As part of the NSW Seniors Festival program, seniors are invited to Douglas Vale for a day of local performances, vineyard tours, and a community picnic.	$2,000
Villages, families, placemaking, connected communities	Christmas in Lorne A free Christmas event at the Lorne Recreation Centre on 21 December, featuring a visit from Santa on a fire truck, food, and a performance by a local band.	$2,000
Villages, families, placemaking, connected communities	Christmas in Byabarra A fee village Christmas at the Byabarra Hall and Recreation Reserve on 14 December. Volunteer club catered meal, kids’ games, social sport games, visit from Santa and a movie.	$2,000
Villages, families, placemaking, connected communities	Christmas in Beechwood A free village Christmas event at Byabarra Hall and Recreation Reserve on 14 December, featuring a catered meal by the volunteer club, kids' games, social sports, a visit from Santa, and a movie.	$2,000
Villages, families, placemaking, connected communities	Christmas for Bunyah LALC A free Christmas event to be held at Wildnets on 11 December bringing Wauchope Aboriginal families together through this event hosted by their Elders and Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council.	$2,000
Villages, families, placemaking, connected communities	Christmas in Pappinbarra A free, family-focused Christmas event at Hollisdale Hall for the Pappinbarra community, featuring Santa, live music, and lunch.	$2,000
Villages, families, placemaking, connected communities	Christmas in Bonny Hills Carols on the grass at Rainbow Beach Reserve brings residents together to enjoy carols, local bands, and performances beachside.	$2,000
Volunteers, placemaking	A Decade of Bloom Mrs Yorks Garden A free community event on 15 February 2025 that celebrates the 10-year achievements of volunteer group Friends of Mrs Yorks Garden. Guest from Gardening Australia, historical and indigenous activities, dance, music, weaving, bush tucker, art, garden tours and practice workshops.	$2,000
	TOTAL	$24,950

Round 2 - Community Projects (Round 2 total: $47,426)

Target Area	Application	Offer
First Nations	Strong Spirit Men’s Program The Aboriginal Men’s Cultural & Social Support Program (June–December 2025) is a community initiative in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region that fosters cultural reconnection, wellbeing, and leadership among Aboriginal men through workshops, mentoring, and on-country experiences.	$7,200
Place based Heritage	Tacking Point Lighthouse Signs This project will replace outdated signage at the Lighthouse with accessible, informative panels that enhance the visitor experience and share the site's cultural, historical, and environmental significance for both locals and tourists.	$9,142
Volunteer Support	The Acoustic Vineyard Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard is seeking funding for sound equipment to enhance its free monthly live music program.	$4,000
	TOTAL	$20,342

Round 2 - Creative Community (Round 2 total: $47,426)

Target Area	Application	Offer
Heritage	Bringing Our History to Life An interactive projection experience for Artwalk 2025 that will illuminate St Agnes’ Church with historic images, audio, and artefacts, creatively sharing Port Macquarie’s heritage.	$2,000
Social Connection	Kendall Music Exchange A free, monthly all-ages event at the community hall that fosters social connection and inclusion through music, open mic performances, and shared meals, offering a safe, alcohol-free night out for the Kendall community.	$4,184
Arts & Culture	Church Light Display As part of ArtWalk, St Thomas Anglican Church will host free 30-minute light shows transforming Church Hill into a vibrant cultural gathering with projections, music, food trucks, and local artists.	$2,000
	TOTAL	$8,184

Round 2 - Community Celebrations (Round 2 total: $47,426)

Target Area	Application	Offer
First Nations	NAIDOC Week Two free NAIDOC Week events - an Opening Ceremony at Town Green & Family Fun Day at Westport Park—celebrating culture, community, and connection through Aboriginal performances, activities, and displays.	$4,000
Community Events	New Years Eve Fireworks The 2025 Port Macquarie New Year’s Eve Fireworks will feature two family-friendly displays along the CBD foreshore.	$7,000
First Nations Environment	Reconnecting with Nature - Cultural Intelligence A free Reconciliation Week initiative by Landcare to build cultural knowledge of volunteers and the wider community by engaging a cultural teacher to share Aboriginal stories, language, and food through interactive sessions.	$3,900
Social Connection	Christmas Carols at the Beach A free Christmas event at Rainbow Beach Reserve that brings together local communities for a joyful evening of music, connection, and celebration featuring choirs, school groups, and Santa.	$2,000
Disability - Social Connection	Memories in Melodies A free weekly music therapy program starting 3 June 2025 at the Salvation Army Hall, supporting people with dementia, Parkinson’s, and other cognitive conditions.	$2,000
	TOTAL	$18,900

Micro grants - (2025-26 total: $12,138)

Target Area	Project	Grant Amount
Intergenerational	Seen & Heard 2.0 This 8-week program bridges the generation gap by bringing together teenagers and seniors for storytelling, games, digital, and outdoor activities across various locations. A partnership with Griffith University will produce a scholarly paper on the program's outcomes.	$2,000
Multicultural	Diwali Festival A multicultural festival on 2 November on Town Green. Includes food, dance, music and fireworks showcasing diverse cultures of the Port Macquarie Hastings and celebrating Indian Festival of Lights.	$2,000
STEM, youth, careers	Hastings Robotics Team Team uniforms for students excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, representing the Port Macquarie Hastings region in an interstate robotics competition.	$2,000
Volunteers	Lost Plot Spring Fair Hire of disability toilet for the Community Garden’s Spring Fair.	$755
Social Connection	Pappinbarra Valley Bush Dance A free community event at the Hollisdale Hall, a much-loved evening that brings locals together for music, dancing, and shared meals.	$2,000
Homelessness	Our Place The Shade & Shelter project will enhance the Our Place Homelessness Hub with shaded outdoor seating, creating a safer, more accessible, and calming space for visitors, including those with mobility aids or experiencing stress.	$1,312
Heritage Activation	Museum After Dark Portable stage lights to enhance night-time exhibitions, improving safety, accessibility, and visitor experience and participating in creative cultural events including Artwalk 2025.	$1,571
Health & Wellbeing	Parkinson’s Day The Port Macquarie Parkinson’s Support Group seeks funding for a World Parkinson’s Day event at the library, offering expert talks, resources, and connection to support people with Parkinson’s, their carers, and families.	$500
	TOTAL	$12,138

3. Conclusion

Community grants play a vital role in strengthening social cohesion, empowering local groups and delivering meaningful outcomes across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. The program continues to support a diverse range of initiatives - from grassroots arts and cultural activities to programs promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

Feedback from recipients and measurable project outcomes demonstrate that the grants foster innovation, build community capacity, and create lasting local impact.

Continued investment in the Community Grants Program is not only cost-effective, but essential in enabling community-led solutions that enrich our region and reflect the values of connection, diversity, and resilience.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

There are no financial and economic implications to this report other than the details provided in respect of the grants awarded.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

There are no legislative implications associated with this report.

6. Strategic Context and Implications

Community grants are a key mechanism through which Council delivers on its strategic objectives for community wellbeing, inclusion, and resilience. Aligned with the Port Macquarie-Hastings Community Strategic Plan, the grants program enables direct investment in local community groups, empowering organisations, volunteer groups, and individuals to lead initiatives that reflect local needs and aspirations.

In an environment where cost-of-living pressures, social isolation, and changing demographics impact community wellbeing, targeted grant funding ensures resources reach those best placed to make a difference. Community Grants support Council’s role as an enabler - strengthening partnerships, enhancing social infrastructure, and encouraging innovation at the grassroots level.

By funding projects that align with strategic priorities, the grants program delivers measurable outcomes and fosters a more connected, creative, and resilient region. This strategic investment not only leverages local knowledge and passion but also maximises impact by building capacity within the community to deliver sustainable benefits over time.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

There are no identified risks specifically associated with this report.

8. Engagement and Consultation

There was no internal engagement required for the generation of this report.

9. Civic Leadership

Community grants are a powerful tool for fostering civic leadership by empowering individuals and organisations to take initiative, drive positive change, and contribute to the wellbeing of their communities. By supporting local projects that reflect shared values and address identified needs, community grants help cultivate a culture of active citizenship and collaboration.

The Community Grants program encourages emerging leaders, builds the capacity of grassroots organisations, and strengthen the connection between Council and the community. Through transparent and inclusive grant-making, Council demonstrates responsive governance and a commitment to enabling community-driven solutions, key hallmarks of effective civic leadership.

Options

This report is provided for information only.

Attachments

Nil

Agenda Community Planning and Environment

Item: 13.06

Subject: Scoping Proposal - Land within Yippin Creek Structure Plan

Presented by: Community, Planning and Environment, Melissa Watkins

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Endorse the Scoping Proposal (Attachment 1), to facilitate a pre-lodgement meeting with the Department of Planning, Housing and Industry.

2. Endorse the preparation of a Council-initiated Planning Proposal for the land within the Yippin Creek Structure Plan under section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Executive Summary

Council is progressing a Council-initiated Scoping Proposal to rezone land identified in the Yippin Creek Structure Plan adopted by Council at the 15 March 2017 Ordinary Council meeting. The Scoping Proposal outlines the necessary investigations, infrastructure coordination and planning process, required to prepare a formal Planning Proposal for Gateway determination under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the Act).

The Yippin Creek Structure Plan area forms part of Wauchope’s designated urban expansion area under the North Coast Regional Plan 2041 and Council’s Urban Growth Management Strategy 2011-2031. The Structure Plan was adopted by Council in March 2017, following extensive consultation and technical analysis and provides the basis for this rezoning. It aims to accommodate approximately 1,050 dwellings and a future population of around 2,300 residents through a balanced approach to housing supply, infrastructure delivery and environmental conservation.

The 175-hectare precinct currently comprises a mix of rural holdings, cleared grazing land and ecological corridors. While the precinct presents a logical expansion for urban development, it is also affected by significant environmental and physical constraints, including high ecological value vegetation, flood-prone land, bushfire risk, and subsoil limitations for stormwater infiltration. These constraints necessitate a careful and staged approach to land use planning.

The precinct is currently not serviced, requiring major upgrades to water, sewer, drainage and road networks. A new 450mm trunk water main is proposed from Rosewood Reservoir, while three sewer catchments will be supported by new pump stations and rising mains. Stormwater detention will be designed to address runoff risks associated with clay soils and altered hydrology. Beechwood Road and Oxley Highway intersections will need to be upgraded to support access, and new pedestrian and cycle links will improve local connectivity. These works will be sequenced in line with development staging and partly funded through Council’s Development Servicing Plan, Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan and voluntary planning agreements.

The rezoning will apply a revised suite of zones, in accordance with the Standard Instrument, to implement the Structure Plan, including R1 General Residential, C2 Environmental Conservation, C4 Environmental Living, RE1 Public Recreation and retained RU1 Primary Production. A Locality-specific Development Control Plan will be developed to accompany the rezoning to guide subdivision layout, urban design, environmental buffers and public open space provision. Detailed built form and infrastructure controls will respond to the precinct’s unique context and constraints.

A comprehensive gap analysis has been completed to confirm the technical studies required to support the Planning Proposal. While several key studies, such as biodiversity, transport, contamination, and cultural heritage, have been completed, further work is required to update flood and bushfire assessments, confirm servicing strategies, and finalise the zoning and subdivision layout. This information will underpin the Planning Proposal and inform the statutory Local Environmental Plan mapping suite.

Engagement with landowners will be a priority, particularly in relation to servicing coordination and subdivision intentions. Broader community consultation will occur as part of the statutory public exhibition period, and Council will continue to liaise with State agencies to resolve any technical or policy matters ahead of a Gateway submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Industry.

The Yippin Creek precinct offers a strategically endorsed opportunity for urban expansion in Wauchope. The rezoning process, as outlined in the Scoping Proposal, will ensure development occurs in a coordinated, environmentally responsible, and infrastructure-led manner. Following the scoping proposal process Council will be required to progress the required investigations to prepare a comprehensive Planning Proposal. It should be noted that the comprehensive studies and the stages beyond the Scoping Proposal are not presently funded in the 2025-2026 budget.

The progression of the planning process for this precinct was identified in 2020 as being contingent upon the completion of the Beechwood Road upgrade to ensure flood evacuation and access of emergency services in a flood event. Until Council had confidence that this project would proceed, the Planning Proposal process could not continue. Now with confidence that critical infrastructure is being delivered by Council, the Planning Proposal process can commence with the Scoping Proposal outlined in this report.

Report

1. Background

The Yippin Creek Structure Plan area (the precinct) has been consistently identified as a logical extension of Wauchope’s urban footprint, underpinned by both regional and local planning strategies. In anticipation of future population growth, Council prepared the Yippin Creek Structure Plan in 2017 to provide a coordinated framework for the future rezoning and development of the precinct.

The Structure Plan was developed over a two-year period through a rigorous process of technical assessment, interagency collaboration, and community consultation. It was formally adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 15 March 2017.

The Structure Plan identifies approximately 175 hectares of land on Wauchope’s western edge for low-density residential development, public open space, infrastructure corridors, and environmental conservation. The area is recognised in the North Coast Regional Plan 2041 (Regional Plan), the Urban Growth Management Strategy 2011-2031 (UGMS) and the Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040 as a growth area aligned with long-term urban planning and infrastructure delivery.

The Structure Plan establishes a strategic framework to accommodate approximately 1,050 new dwellings, housing an estimated 2,300 residents. It promotes a place-based planning approach and embeds key principles in the Structure Plan including protecting significant ecological values, managing hazard risks (such as flooding and bushfire), and delivering infrastructure in a coordinated and financially sustainable manner.

Since the Structure Plan’s adoption, Council has undertaken several technical studies to refine its understanding of site constraints and servicing requirements. These include biodiversity assessments, Aboriginal heritage due diligence, land contamination testing, transport modelling, flooding and preliminary bushfire analysis.

2. Discussion

The Scoping Proposal represents the next phase in implementing the Structure Plan. It defines the scope of additional technical studies, statutory planning work, and engagement activities required to support a Council-initiated Planning Proposal.

Site-specific and Environmental Considerations

The precinct is currently zoned part RU1 Primary Production and part R1 General Residential under the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Environmental Plan 2011 (LEP). The precinct and its surrounds exhibit several key features, opportunities, and constraints that must be further investigated as part of the Planning Proposal process to confirm the precinct’s suitability for rezoning and development. These considerations include:

Existing and Surrounding Land Uses	The precinct comprises rural grazing land, detached dwellings, home businesses, rural activities and patches of remnant vegetation. It is bounded by new and existing residential areas to the east and south, and bushland to the north and west, creating a transitional edge that presents both urban and rural interface challenges and opportunities for buffer treatments.
Topography and Contamination	The precinct features undulating terrain and low-lying areas with poor-draining clay soils, which constrain stormwater management. Council will require integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) solutions and detention basins tailored to local catchment conditions. The land contamination assessment found the precinct suitable for residential use with no remediation required, subject to standard construction-phase protocols.
Ecology and Biodiversity Offsets	The ecological assessments have confirmed the presence of high ecological value (HEV) vegetation, threatened species habitat, and an Endangered Ecological Community (Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest). The biodiversity studies have recommended development avoidance in key areas and proposed offset strategies.
Flood Prone Land	Flood modelling indicates that while most of the precinct is elevated, portions near Yippin Creek are flood-affected in 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) and Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) events. Flood risk limits developable land, restricts access during major flood events, and highlights the need for updated stormwater and flood impact assessments to inform zoning boundaries and emergency access planning.
Bushfire Hazard	The precinct is bushfire-prone due to adjacent unmanaged vegetation. A preliminary assessment supports future development, provided Asset Protection Zones, dual access roads, and appropriate water infrastructure are incorporated. A refined bushfire assessment will be required to confirm compliance with the Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019 guidelines.
Vehicle Access and Connectivity	Vehicle access to the Precinct is proposed via Beechwood Road to the north and the Oxley Highway to the south. Yippin Creek Road and Glenview Drive will be upgraded to provide direct access to the internal road network. Several key intersection upgrades have been identified to support future traffic volumes, including: · Beechwood Road / Glenview Drive: upgrade to a roundabout to accommodate increased through traffic and turning movements, · Beechwood Road / Yippin Creek Road: upgrade to a roundabout to improve safety and capacity, · Oxley Highway / Beechwood Road / Allan Road: signalisation and left-in/left-out restrictions at Allan Road to reduce conflict and improve capacity, · Oxley Highway / Yippin Creek Access: no further upgrades required beyond those proposed under the approved MHE development. These upgrades are not solely attributable to the Precinct but will be partially funded through development contributions, coordinated under Council’s Contributions Plan and infrastructure servicing framework. Council is currently upgrading Beechwood Road between Waugh Street and Glenview Drive (Stage 6) including replacing the existing timber bridge (named Steels Bridge) at Yippin Creek. Planning is now well progressed for the upgrading of Beechwood Road including the replacement of Steels Bridge. A transport study by Bitzios Consulting (2020) confirms that, although the current network is functional, upgrades including new roundabouts, restricted turning movements, and improved active transport links are necessary.
Heritage and Cultural Landscape	A due diligence assessment determined that the Yippin Creek precinct has low to moderate potential for Aboriginal cultural heritage. No Aboriginal objects or sites were identified, and further assessment is not required unless new evidence emerges during future planning or development stages. There are no known European heritage items within the precinct. However, the existing semi-rural character of the area will require sensitive treatment in future urban design, particularly in relation to visual impacts and the integration of public open space.
Infrastructure and Servicing Capacity	Water supply is a critical constraint, with a new pipeline required from Rosewood. Sewer capacity is available, but delivery will require new pump stations and staging. Electricity and NBN can be extended from adjacent developments. A coordinated servicing strategy will be essential to align infrastructure delivery with land release sequencing.
Fragmented Land Ownership	The central and north-eastern areas of the precinct are fragmented, complicating stormwater drainage and infrastructure staging. A coordinated approach, including landowner agreements and shared infrastructure corridors, will be necessary to facilitate equitable and functional development across multiple parcels.

The Proposal

The Scoping Proposal seeks to rezone approximately 135 hectares of land (from the 175 hectares precinct area) to enable the development of a new low-density residential neighbourhood. The proposed zone map is based on the Structure Plan and has been informed by site constraints, servicing capacity, and strategic growth directions under the Regional Plan and the UGMS (refer to Attachment 2).

The Scoping Proposal put forward, strictly aligns with the original precinct boundary as endorsed by Council in 2017. No expansion beyond this footprint is proposed. This approach ensures a clear alignment with regional planning policy and avoids inappropriate land use conflicts or environmental impacts in areas not earmarked for growth.

Indicative Land Use Breakdown

The proposed land use distribution within the precinct reflects a balanced approach to housing supply, environmental conservation, and infrastructure delivery. Table 1 shows the approximate breakdown.

Table 1 - Indicative Precinct Land Use Breakdown

Land Use	Area	%	Description
Residential	83 ha	54%	Low Density Dwellings
Open Space	1 ha	1%	Neighbourhood Park
Conservation	41 ha	24%	Riparian buffers, corridors and ecological conservation areas
Infrastructure	10 ha	7%	New local roads, detention basins, and utility corridors
SUB-TOTAL	135 ha	-	-
Rural - no change	25 ha	14%	Retained areas and buffers.
SUB-TOTAL	160 ha	100%	-
The Oxley Club - no change	15 ha	-	Manufactured Home Estate which is subject to an existing development consent.
TOTAL	175 ha	-	-

Residential land will comprise approximately 83 hectares (54%) of the precinct, excluding the adjoining 15-hectare Oxley Club estate. Open space (1 ha) and conservation areas (41 ha) account for 1% and 24% respectively, with the latter preserving ecological corridors and HEV vegetation. Infrastructure, including roads and stormwater management, is approximately 10 hectares (7%). A further 25 hectares (14%) will remain zoned rural.

Proposed Zones

The Scoping Proposal introduces a revised zoning framework to support the transition from rural land to urban residential and conservation uses, aligned with the Structure Plan. Key zoning changes include:

1. R1 General Residential (Pink)

Located in the central, west and southern portions of the precinct, this zone facilitates low-density housing. It is strategically placed adjacent to existing residential areas to the east and south for efficient infrastructure delivery. Smaller pockets of R1 are also located in the north-west and south-west.

2. C2 Environmental Conservation (Orange)

Concentrated along the western boundary and riparian corridors, particularly in the north-west and south-west of the precinct. This zoning preserves HEV vegetation and some flood-prone areas to the north.

3. C4 Environmental Living (Peach)

Located in the southern edge of the precinct, this zone allows for limited, low-impact residential development integrated with natural features and biodiversity values.

4. RE1 Public Recreation (Bright Green)

A small area centrally located within the western portion of the precinct, adjacent to R1 and C2 zones. This area provides for a neighbourhood park and contributes to walkable green corridors.

5. RU1 Primary Production (Light Beige)

Positioned in the north-east portion of the precinct, retained to accommodate existing rural uses and as a protection area for identified HEV vegetation.

Indicative Dwelling Yield

The proposal estimates an indicative yield of 1,050 dwellings, accommodating around 2,300 residents, subject to detailed subdivision design. This includes 323 manufactured dwellings already approved in the southern part of the precinct, with additional lower-density yields dispersed throughout i.e. 727 new dwellings are proposed in the balance area.

New Locality-specific Development Control Plan (DCP)

A Locality-specific DCP will be critical to implementing the Structure Plan by providing detailed, site-specific development controls that the LEP alone cannot deliver for the precinct. It will address environmental constraints, fragmented land ownership, and urban-rural interfaces through tailored guidance on subdivision layout, built form, landscaping, and infrastructure coordination.

The Locality-specific DCP will promote walkable, connected neighbourhoods with active transport links, diverse housing, and accessible public open space. Incorporating principles like Healthy Streets and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), it will support safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

To be incorporated into Part D of Council’s Development Control Plan 2013, the Locality-specific DCP will include sections on the precinct’s objectives, site context, character, zoning, urban design, public domain, access, environmental management, infrastructure, and staging. It will provide a clear and consistent framework for assessing future development in the precinct.

Essential Services Infrastructure

Currently, the precinct is not serviced, however, it is strategically located near existing water, sewer, electricity, and telecommunications networks. A coordinated infrastructure delivery approach will be essential to facilitate development and manage demand as the area urbanises.

Access, Traffic and Transport

A detailed Transport Study by Bitzios Consulting in 2020 supports the precinct’s rezoning, forecasting over 1,050 dwellings and peak-hour traffic volumes of 793 (AM) and 872 (PM) trips at full build-out. The proposed internal road network includes distributor, collector, and local roads designed for efficient traffic distribution, active transport, and emergency access.

External access will be via Beechwood Road and the Oxley Highway, supported by intersection upgrades at Glenview Drive, Yippin Creek Road, and Allan Road. Beechwood Road is currently undergoing staged upgrades and planning is well progressed for these works including the replacement of Steels Bridge.

Active transport will be improved through shared paths, cycle lanes, and enhanced pedestrian connectivity, including a key link over Yippin Creek to Duncan Street. Public transport planning will be considered in later stages with Transport for NSW.

Transport infrastructure delivery will be staged and funded via Section 7.11 contributions and voluntary planning agreements (VPAs), aligned with traffic growth and development sequencing.

Public Open Space and Conservation Areas

The precinct prioritises public open space and environmental conservation to enhance liveability, recreation, and biodiversity protection. The Structure Plan identifies a green network comprising a 5,000m² neighbourhood park, riparian corridors, and ecological buffers. While the originally proposed park site at 92-98 Yippin Creek Road was withdrawn, an alternative location in the northeast of Lot 2 DP 1036844 has been identified for its accessibility and integration with stormwater infrastructure.

Riparian corridors along Yippin Creek will provide passive open space, walking trails, and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) features, forming a connected green infrastructure network. Overall, the Structure Plan includes 1 hectare of active open space and 41 hectares of conservation land.

A Public Open Space and Recreation Strategy will accompany the Planning Proposal to confirm the park’s location, design standards, funding (via Section 7.11 and PAs), and options for dual-use stormwater-recreation areas.

Studies and Supporting Documentation Required

To progress the Planning Proposal and rezone land in accordance with the Structure Plan, several key studies must still be completed or updated. While some can be prepared in-house by Council staff, others will require external technical input to address more complex or specialist matters. These are not deficiencies, but standard next steps to meet Gateway determination requirements. The gap analysis in the Scoping Proposal identifies what was undertaken in earlier phases and what remains outstanding (refer to Attachment 1). These include:

Prepared by Council

1. Planning Proposal Report: Strategic Planning team	Required to demonstrate strategic justification and consistency with State and local planning frameworks.
2. Updated Zone Map: Strategic Planning team + GIS team	Needed to reflect final land uses and align with the Structure Plan ‘Vision.’
3. Indicative Subdivision Layout: Strategic Planning team + GIS team	Provides spatial detail to test dwelling yields, infrastructure staging, and road layout.
4. Locality-specific DCP: Strategic Planning team	Translates the Structure Plan into detailed built form, open space, and infrastructure controls.
5. Staging and Delivery Plan: Strategic Planning team + GIS team	Aligns infrastructure delivery with land release timing and forecast dwelling take-up. Supports the coordination of servicing and development sequencing.
6. Infrastructure Funding Strategy (s7.11 / VPAs): Strategic Planning team, Infrastructure team + Utilities team	Establishes the contributions framework to fund infrastructure delivery, including potential amendments to existing s7.11 / s7.12 plans or the preparation of VPAs.
7. Electricity and Telecommunications Servicing Assessment: Strategic Planning team + GIS team	Validates the feasibility of extending power and telecommunications infrastructure to the precinct, including service availability, upgrade requirements, and delivery timing.
8. LEP Amendment Mapping Suite: GIS team	A full LEP Amendment Mapping Suite will be produced, covering proposed zoning, minimum lot size, building heights, floor space ratios etc.

Prepared by external specialists

9. Updated Flood Impact Assessment:	Ensures zoning and development avoids flood-prone areas and complies with updated flood modelling. This assessment must be informed by current hydraulic modelling standards and statutory flood planning requirements.
10. Updated Bushfire Hazard Assessment:	Assesses bushfire risk and defines Asset Protection Zones in accordance with Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2019. This report must be prepared by a certified practitioner.
11. Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) Strategy:	Outlines how sustainability principles will be embedded in the precinct design, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and urban resilience measures. This requires multi-disciplinary expertise.
12. Stormwater and WSUD Management Plan:	Identifies stormwater detention areas, manages runoff, protects water quality, and addresses site-specific constraints such as clay soils and topography. The plan must incorporate best practice WSUD principles and integrated catchment modelling.
13. Social Infrastructure Needs Assessment:	Identifies future demand for schools, health services, libraries, and community facilities based on projected population growth. Requires specialist input in demographic modelling and service benchmarking.
14. Public Open Space and Recreation Strategy:	Confirms the location, design standards, and delivery mechanisms to deliver the neighbourhood park and recreation areas.
15. Development Feasibility Assessment:	Tests the financial viability of future subdivision and development and assesses the capacity of the precinct to fund infrastructure contributions. Requires detailed economic modelling and scenario testing.
16. Urban Design Study:	Supports the preparation of a subdivision layout, public domain strategy, and built form controls. Informs the Locality-specific DCP and ensures consistency with the Structure Plan.

Consultation and Engagement

A clear and transparent consultation process will underpin the Planning Proposal, process ensuring that landowners, the broader community, and State agencies are engaged at key stages. The strategy will aim to build trust, clarify the planning process, and ensure local knowledge and concerns are meaningfully considered.

Given that land ownership and expectations may have changed since the Structure Plan was endorsed in 2017, Council will undertake proactive engagement with landowners. This will involve direct correspondence, targeted briefings, and one-on-one meetings (if required).

The purpose of this engagement will be to:

· confirm landowner interest or concerns regarding zoning, dwelling yields, infrastructure staging, and development potential,

· clarify the Planning Proposal process and anticipated LEP amendment timeline,

· seek input on local matters, such as public open space locations, road alignments, and site-specific development considerations.

This stage will help ensure that the Planning Proposal reflects current landowner positions and addresses any unresolved issues from the original Structure Plan process.

Broader community consultation will occur during the formal public exhibition period of the Planning Proposal, in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act). The exhibition will provide the community with an opportunity to review the full proposal and associated technical studies. This will include:

· public notification on Council’s website,

· access to the full Planning Proposal documentation and supporting technical studies,

· drop-in sessions or Q&A events to explain the proposed changes,

· a formal submission process, allowing residents and stakeholders to express views, identify issues, or support elements of the proposal.

Feedback received during this phase will be reviewed and may result in amendments to the proposal prior to finalisation.

In parallel with community consultation, Council will continue to liaise with relevant State agencies to resolve technical issues and ensure consistency with agency policies and infrastructure requirements. This process will support the integration of agency feedback into the final Planning Proposal and facilitate a smoother path to Gateway determination.

Timing and Delivery of the Planning Proposal

Table 2 provides an indicative program outlining the expected timing and key milestones associated with finalising the required technical studies, preparing the Planning Proposal, and progressing through the LEP plan-making process. This timeline assumes adequate resourcing, sufficient budget, timely agency input, and resolution of key technical matters identified through this scoping stage.

Table 2 - Indicative Delivery Program

Milestone	Timeframe
Pre-lodgement Meeting with Department	Q3 2025
Engage consultants and complete required studies	Q4 2025
Prepare draft Planning Proposal, LEP maps and DCP content	Q1/Q2 2026
Report to Council to endorse Planning Proposal	Q3 2026
Submit Planning Proposal to Department for Gateway determination	Q3 2026
Gateway determination received	Q4 2026
Public exhibition, agency referrals, landowner engagement	Q4 2026
Consideration of submissions and finalisation report	Q1 2027
Council adoption and submission to Minister to finalise LEP	Q2 2027
LEP Amendment gazettal and DCP adoption	Q2/Q3 2027

3. Conclusion

The Scoping Proposal provides a clear and strategically aligned pathway for progressing the rezoning and future urban development of a key growth precinct on the western edge of Wauchope. As outlined throughout this report, the Yippin Creek Structure Plan is grounded in strong strategic merit, consistent with the North Coast Regional Plan 2041, Council’s Urban Growth Management Strategy 2011–2031, and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040. It delivers on State and local planning objectives to accommodate population growth through sustainable, infrastructure-ready, and environmentally responsible urban expansion.

The Yippin Creek Structure Plan was adopted by Council in March 2017. The progression of the planning process was identified in 2020 as being contingent upon the completion of the Beechwood Road upgrade to ensure flood evacuation and access of emergency services in a flood event. Until Council had confidence that this project would proceed, the Planning Proposal process could not continue. Now with confidence that critical infrastructure has been funded and is being delivered by Council, the Planning Proposal process can commence with the Scoping Proposal outlined in this report.

Comprehensive technical assessments have been undertaken to inform the Structure Plan and this Scoping Proposal. These confirm that, while the Precinct contains areas of environmental sensitivity and servicing complexity, it also presents a viable opportunity to deliver over 1,000 new dwellings supported by a robust framework of public open space, transport connections, conservation outcomes, and infrastructure delivery. Site-specific challenges, such as fragmented ownership, bushfire risk, stormwater constraints, and ecological values, can be appropriately managed through further investigations, targeted design responses, and implementation of best practice planning and infrastructure strategies.

The Scoping Proposal defines the extent of the Precinct to be rezoned, sets out a clear land use and zoning framework, and identifies the scope of work required to prepare a Council-initiated Planning Proposal. Key land use components include approximately 83 hectares of residential development, 41 hectares of environmental conservation land, and dedicated areas for public open space and infrastructure. These land use allocations have been determined based on updated technical evidence, refined policy alignment, and practical infrastructure servicing constraints.

To progress to Gateway Determination, Council will complete a range of outstanding technical studies as identified in the gap analysis. These include updates to hazard assessments, detailed infrastructure servicing strategies, social infrastructure planning, and financial and economic feasibility studies. A Locality-specific Development Control Plan will also be prepared to translate the Structure Plan’s vision into tailored built form, subdivision, and infrastructure delivery provisions. This will ensure that future development is responsive to the unique character and constraints of the precinct and aligned with Council’s broader urban design and public domain objectives.

Importantly, Council remains committed to a transparent and inclusive planning process. The next phase will include targeted landowner engagement, formal community consultation, and ongoing collaboration with State agencies to ensure the Planning Proposal reflects the views of stakeholders and complies with all statutory requirements. The intent is to maintain strategic integrity while ensuring flexibility to respond to new information and evolving conditions as the Planning Proposal progresses.

In conclusion, the Scoping Proposal establishes a solid foundation for managing Wauchope’s urban growth in a planned, sustainable, and coordinated manner. It provides the necessary evidence and strategic justification to support the preparation of a Planning Proposal that will deliver much-needed housing, protect environmental assets, and guide long-term infrastructure investment. Subject to the completion of identified studies and agency engagement, Council will prepare and submit a Planning Proposal for Gateway Determination in accordance with section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

Preparation of the Planning Proposal will require both internal resourcing and external specialist input to complete the technical studies, mapping, and documentation identified in the Scoping Proposal.

Where feasible, Council teams will lead workstreams (e.g. GIS mapping, infrastructure coordination), however external consultants will be engaged to deliver specialist assessments such as flood modelling, bushfire risk, ESD, WSUD, and development feasibility. Currently the external studies are unfunded and not budgeted for in 2025-2026 with the table below outlining the indicative costs of these studies.

Estimated Indicative costs for each study are:

· Updated Flood Impact Assessment		$30,000 – $50,000
· Updated Bushfire Hazard Assessment		$12,000 – $20,000
· Ecologically Sustainable Development Strategy		$20,000 – $35,000
· Stormwater and WSUD Management Plan		$30,000 – $60,000
· Social Infrastructure Needs Assessment		$15,000 – $30,000
· Public Open Space and Recreation Strategy		$15,000 – $25,000
· Development Feasibility Assessment		$25,000 – $40,000
· Urban Design Study		$25,000 – $45,000
Total Estimated Range:	$172,000 – $305,000 (ex. GST)
Total Estimate + 10% Contingency	$189,200 – $335,500 (ex GST)

Longer term, the successful rezoning of the precinct is expected to enable the delivery of over 1,000 new dwellings and generate indirect economic benefits through construction activity and local service demand.

Infrastructure funding to support development will be secured through a combination of Section 7.11 contributions, VPAs, State infrastructure programs (such as the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund, State Voluntary Planning Agreements (SVPA) Funding Program, Infrastructure Grants: Community Infrastructure Program etc.) and State improvement programs (such as Open Streets Program, Streets as Shared Spaces Program, Places to Love Program etc.), to be outlined in the Infrastructure Funding Strategy. The Development Feasibility Assessment and Staging Plan will ensure the financial viability and orderly rollout of infrastructure is appropriately aligned with development uptake.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

The Scoping Proposal represents the first step in the formal LEP plan-making process as set out in the Department’s LEP Plan-Making Guideline, including the requirement to engage in pre-lodgement consultation with the Department. This Scoping Proposal is intended to inform the preparation of a Planning Proposal under Section 3.33 of the Act, to be submitted to the Department for Gateway determination under Section 3.34 of the Act.

The proposed rezoning will require an amendment to the LEP, supported by associated mapping and a new Locality-specific DCP. These instruments will ensure future development aligns with the adopted Structure Plan, relevant State and regional planning policies, and Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework.

The proposed changes are consistent with the strategic planning framework including the Regional Plan and the UGMS. Additionally, the Scoping Proposal does not introduce new policies but implements an existing Council-endorsed Structure Plan through statutory mechanisms.

From an Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) perspective, the Planning Proposal will promote environmental protection through C2 zoning and WSUD principles, supports social equity via public open space and diverse housing, and ensures transparency in planning and infrastructure funding. It demonstrates Council’s commitment to sustainable, infrastructure-led growth that balances development with long-term environmental and community outcomes.

6. Strategic Context and Implications

Planning Proposals are assessed in accordance with the strategic planning framework of NSW which includes both State and local legislative requirements, strategies and planning controls.

This strategic planning framework establishes the vision for NSW into the future with alignment between planning priorities identified at a state, regional or district level with finer-grained placed-based planning at the local level.

The framework sets out the principles and outcomes for meeting the needs of communities and the environment now and plans for the needs of the future. It enables communities to assess the broader implications and consequences of identifying locations for growth and change.

Alignment across state and local strategic planning sets up a streamlined process for amending LEPs by having planning matters resolved early and setting a clear sequence, and greater confidence for all parties, for how communities will grow and change over time.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

The key risks associated with proceeding to the Planning Proposal stage relate to planning uncertainty, infrastructure delivery, stakeholder expectations, and legal compliance.

· Planning risk - there is a moderate risk that the Planning Proposal may not proceed to Gateway determination if the required strategic justification or supporting studies are not undertaken. This will be mitigated by ensuring the proposal aligns with adopted regional and local planning strategies, securing sufficient budget, seeking Council’s internal team comments on the Scope of Works and draft reports and by completing all identified technical studies,

· Infrastructure risk - delays or gaps in infrastructure planning, funding, or delivery may affect development feasibility and staging. To reduce this risk, Council will prepare a Staging and Infrastructure Funding Strategy and coordinate early with service agencies and Council’s Utilities team,

· Stakeholder risk - divergent landowner expectations, particularly regarding dwelling yields or infrastructure costs, may lead to reputational or political pressure. Proactive engagement and transparent communication, as outlined in the consultation strategy, will mitigate this risk,

· Legal and Policy Compliance risk - there is a low risk of legal or procedural challenge if the Planning Proposal process does not fully comply with the Act or if community consultation is inadequate. This risk is minimised by following statutory procedures, including public exhibition and agency consultation, and documenting all decisions and inputs,

· Insurance risk - there are no direct insurance implications at this stage, as the work relates to statutory planning processes.

8. Engagement and Consultation

A comprehensive engagement strategy will be implemented to ensure landowners, community members, and key stakeholders are informed and actively involved throughout the Planning Proposal process.

· Landowner engagement - Council will re-engage with landowners within and adjacent to the precinct to confirm their positions on zoning changes, development potential, and infrastructure staging. This will include written correspondence, targeted briefings, and one-on-one meetings, where appropriate,

· Community consultation - formal public consultation will occur during the statutory exhibition of the Planning Proposal in accordance with the Act. The exhibition will include online access to documentation, drop-in information sessions, and a formal submission process to capture community feedback,

· Agency consultation - Council will continue to liaise with relevant State agencies to address technical matters and ensure consistency with policy and infrastructure delivery requirements.

9. Civic Leadership

The progression of the Planning Proposal demonstrates Council’s commitment to responsible civic leadership by delivering long-term, sustainable urban growth outcomes aligned with ESG principles.

The proposal prioritises environmental protection through the application of C2 Environmental Conservation zoning, integration of WSUD, and identification of riparian buffers and ecological corridors. These measures ensure that biodiversity, water quality, and flood resilience are embedded in the planning framework.

The precinct’s design promotes social inclusion by enabling a diverse housing mix, walkable neighbourhoods, and equitable access to public open space. A Social Infrastructure Needs Assessment will ensure service provision is aligned with future population needs.

Council is demonstrating transparent governance through a staged, evidence-based planning process that includes landowner engagement, public consultation, and inter-agency coordination. The integration of feasibility analysis, infrastructure funding strategies, and tailored planning controls into the statutory framework reflects a clear and accountable approach to growth management.

Attachments

1. Draft Scoping Proposal

2. Indicative Zone Map

Agenda Community Planning and Environment

Item: 13.08

Subject: Urban Growth Management Strategy Update

Presented by: Community, Planning and Environment, Melissa Watkins

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Note the progress of actions from Council’s Urban Growth Management Strategy as detailed within this report.

2. Note the information and associated timeframes contained within this report, in relation to the proposed continued progression of actions as detailed within Council’s Urban Growth Management Strategy.

Executive Summary

The Urban Growth Management Strategy 2017-2036 (UGMS) provides a framework for urban planning in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area (LGA), with a focus on key actions in the 5-year period from 2018-2019 to 2022-2023. The UGMS was adopted by Council in June 2018 and endorsed by the former NSW Department of Planning in November 2018.

The purpose of this report is to provide a status update on the progress of the implementation of the actions as detailed within the UGMS. This report also recommends re-evaluation of some actions based on current identified opportunities, constraints, and priorities.

Report

1. Background

Council at its meeting on 18 July 2024, considered a report on the status of the actions within the Urban Growth Management Strategy Update (Item 13.03) and resolved as follows:

“That Council:

1. Note the progress of actions from Council’s Urban Growth Management Strategy as detailed within this report.

2. Discussion

This report is intended to provide an annual update and demonstrate how Council has proceeded to action UGMS priorities.

Actions – Status Summary

The UGMS contains 33 Actions for delivery, indicatively over the life of the plan to 2036. The Actions relate to Housing, Economic Development and Making It Happen (i.e. the delivery of essential planning and services) to cater for forecast population growth in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

A summary of the actions, their current status and the proposed delivery in 2025-2026 are provided in the table below.

Note: Year 1 of the Strategy is 2018-2019. As stated in the UGMS, the timeframes shown are “indicative only and will be confirmed in Council’s annual operational plans.”

Housing Actions
UGMS Housing Actions have now been superseded by the Living and Place Strategy which are updated in a separate report.

Economic Development Actions
Action		UGMS Year	Status at July 2025	Proposed 2025-2026 Delivery
12	Review LEP and DCP provisions for the Port Macquarie CBD	3-4	City Heart Master Plan Project planning and scoping identified in the 2024/2025 and 2025/26 Operational Plan and will include consideration of planning controls in the Port Macquarie CBD.	Stakeholder meetings have been held in June and the consultant is drafting a master plan, which will be presented to Council at a future date.
13	Council led precinct planning for the proposed Health and Education Precinct	1-3	Alternative access to the Health and Education Precinct to be investigated. Modelling information gathered and concept design for alternative solutions commenced.	Review existing planning controls and make recommendations to Council. A Planning Proposal was lodged on 23 May 2025 for part of the HEP.
14	Develop a new Destination Management Plan (DMP) for the Port Macquarie-Hastings	1-2	Completed Report on progress of implementation presented to Council in June 2024.
15	Planning for the development of a Business Park at the Port Macquarie Airport	1	Completed
16	Planning for the ‘gateway sites’ at the intersection of the Pacific and Oxley Highways in Port Macquarie	1-2	Finalise Fernbank Creek and Sancrox Structure Plan.	The draft water and sewer servicing and transport reports have been received from the consultants and are being reviewed.
17	Investigate the capacity of land at the intersections of Ocean Drive with Houston Mitchell Drive for light industrial use and at the intersection of Ocean Drive with Bonny View Drive for light industrial development or for use as a school	1-2	Planning proposal has been submitted to the Department of Planning for a gateway determination. Once a Gateway determination is received Council staff will progress planning proposal.	Complete, LEP amendment (map only) was made on 17 April 2025.
18	Investigate options for future service industrial land in the Camden Haven	5	Further consideration of item will be undertaken as part of the UGMS and LSPS review process.	Further consideration of item will be undertaken as part of the UGMS and LSPS review process.
19	Review planning controls for rural and environmental areas in relation to recreation, agri-business and nature-based tourism	3-4	Completed

Making it Happen Actions
Action		UGMS Year	Status at July 2025	Proposed 2025-2026 Delivery
20	Council will review population statistics and growth forecasts annually	1-5	Ongoing	Ongoing.
21	Collaboration with the NSW government to prepare a Regional City Action Plan (RCAP) for Port Macquarie	1-2	Completed
22	Commence UGMS review to coincide with the next review of the North Coast Regional Plan	4-5	Continue with review of LSPS and UGMS as per OP item.	Continue with review of LSPS and UGMS. The next NCRP review is scheduled for 2027 and that is also the deadline for the LSPS.
23	Review Major Roads Contributions Plan	1-2	Progress and finalise Draft Contributions Plan.	Completed - The Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 19 June 2025.
24	Review Open Space Contributions Plan	5	Progress and finalise Draft Contributions Plan.	Completed - The Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 19 June 2025.
25	Review the Water and Sewer Development Servicing Plans (DSP)	2-3	Draft DSP is expected to be reported to Council’s July meeting.	Completed - The DSP was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 20 February 2025.
26	Preparation of a Regional Integrated Transport Strategy	1-2	Completed
27	Preparation of an Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy (IWCMS) for the Port Macquarie-Hastings	1-2	Completed
28	Complete Biodiversity Strategy and implement key actions	1-5	In relation to the implementation of key actions from the Biodiversity Strategy, Council will in 24/25: · Investigate need for management plans for specific fauna species of concern. Outcome of investigation reported to Executive team. · Implement Flying Fox Camp Management Plan Flying Fox Camp Management Plan reviewed. · Progress towards identifying and acquiring land for biodiversity offsets - Procedure developed for land identification and acquisition. · Council’s Koala Plans of Management – Council sites monitored and education · Koala Plan of Management compliance capital maintenance undertaken Number of Koala Plan of Management compliance actions completed. · Development of Biodiversity Management Strategy - New strategy developed and presented to Council.	The Biodiversity Strategy has been subsumed into the Environment and Sustainability Strategy, which was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 20 March 2025. · The Flying Fox Camp Management Plan has ongoing review. An updated plan will be presented to the Ordinary Council Meeting to be held in August. · A Draft procedure to identify and acquire land for biodiversity offsets will be presented to Exec for review. · The Koala Action Plan was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held in February 2024, and addresses the monitoring, education and maintenance relating to Koala Plans of Management.
29	Complete strategies in relation to koala populations and implement key actions	1-5	Key actions in relation to koala and their populations committed to in the 2024/2025 include: · Council’s Koala Plans of Management – Council sites monitored and education, percentage of Koala Management Plans sites monitored · Educational resources developed and implemented · Koala Plan of Management compliance capital maintenance undertaken · Number of Koala Plans of Management compliance actions completed.	The Koala Action Plan was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held in February 2024. The monitoring and education of Council sites, and resources has been delivered. Compliance actions relating to Koala Plans of Management are ongoing under the Koala Action Plan.
30	Develop Community Plans and Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) in consultation with key communities	1-5	LSPS review process to continue as OP item.	LSPS review process to continue.
31	Review the Port Macquarie-Hastings Heritage inventory	1-2	Review of the heritage inventory was not included the 2024/2025 Operational Plan.	Review of the heritage inventory was not included the 2025/2026 Operational Plan.
32	Complete a review of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Development Control Plan	1-2	Further DCP review is to be undertaken in accordance with the DCP review program.	Further DCP review is to be undertaken in accordance with the DCP review program which focuses on the residential controls in the 2025/26 FY
33	Preparation of a Coastal Management Program (CMP)	2-3	Finalisation of Stage 2 projects Commencement of Stages 3 and 4, including CMP options analysis and drafting of CMP for Council consideration and community engagement.	Council’s Coastal Management Program is nearing completion, with Stages 3 and 4 starting in Q1 2025/26. These will outline detailed actions and business cases, supported by extensive community consultation. Once certified by the Minister for Local Government, the CMP will guide coastal management for the next 10 years.

As shown in the table above, there are a range of land use planning actions related to economic development, infrastructure and service delivery that have been completed and are proposed for implementation in 2025-2026.

The delivery of these actions will generally be coordinated by Council’s Strategy Group, with input from other sections of Council.

The following section of this report provides further detail in relation to some key projects from the above table.

a. UGMS Review

The UGMS is reviewed on a five yearly basis. As such, it was required to be reviewed in 2022-2023. The review of the UGMS was delayed due to the review and subsequent finalisation of the North Coast Regional Plan 2041. A review has commenced on the strategic planning framework, including the UGMS.

A Planning and Land Use Discussion Paper was presented to the Ordinary Council Meeting of 20 June 2024, to commence the conversation with the community and industry regarding the review of Council’s two main land use planning documents, the LSPS and the UGMS.

A post-exhibition report and summary of submissions received during the public exhibition period was presented to the Ordinary Council Meeting of 20 February 2025. Council resolved to proceed with a review of the consolidation of the LSPS and UGMS and align the document with the Community Strategic Plan and Living and Place Strategy Local Housing Delivery Plan priorities.

The review will align the LSPS and UGMS with current relevant Council strategies, plans and policies. The review will also consider any new documentation or updates to relevant NSW Government strategies, plans and policies, such as the new North Coast Regional Plan 2041, highlights many issues, challenges, and opportunities across the LGA.

b. Living and Place Strategy

The Living and Place Strategy has replaced the housing section of the UGMS and was adopted by Council on 15 August 2024, supported by the Local Housing Delivery Plan and Affordable Housing Plan.

c. Contributions Planning

Council’s Contributions Planning Team have continued with the management of the existing contributions system over the 2024-2025 period, particularly development assessment and voluntary planning agreement (VPA) implementation. This work will continue throughout the 2025-2026 period.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 19 June 2025, the Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan was adopted.

3. Conclusion

A further update on the progress of the actions within Council’s Urban Growth Management Strategy will be reported to Council in July 2026.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

The implementation of Council’s strategic planning framework, including the UGMS, is intended to inform the sustainable cultural, economic, environmental, and social management of Council’s strategic planning activities and are included in the adopted Operational Plan and budget for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

The UGMS was adopted by Council in June 2018 and endorsed by the NSW Department of Planning on 2 November 2018. The continued implementation of the UGMS would ensure that Council continues delivery of work in accordance with the current applicable strategic planning framework.

6. Strategic Context and Implications

The UGMS provides a framework for urban planning in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area, within Council’s strategic framework.

The UGMS recommends 33 actions to be delivered relating to Housing, Economic development and Making it Happen, to cater for the forecast population growth in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

The risks to the natural and built environment associated with any of the actions within the UGMS are assessed and considered as part of the work associated with the actions being addressed.

8. Engagement and Consultation

Community engagement and internal consultation has been undertaken in relation specific projects on a case by case basis. Consultation with the NSW Government is also undertaken on an as needs basis in relation to specific projects.

The Strategic Land Use Planning Framework review and implementation will include a program of community and stakeholder consultation and workshop.

9. Civic Leadership

From an Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance perspective, the UGMS actions aim to support housing delivery, protection of ecological values, more efficient infrastructure planning, and better alignment of land use with strategic outcomes, to cater for forecast population growth in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area.

Options

A significant program of strategic and land use planning is proposed in 2025-2026 to deliver a variety of actions in accordance with the UGMS. Some of these actions are required to implement Council’s legislative responsibilities. Others are necessary to plan for coordinated housing, economic development and forecast population growth.

This report outlines the current status of these tasks and proposed delivery methodology and timeframes in order to ensure the practical and efficient achievement of tasks associated with the UGMS.

The update on the UGMS actions is for information only.

Attachments

Nil

Agenda Community Planning and Environment

Item: 13.09

Subject: Biodiversity Committee - Draft Charter

Presented by: Community, Planning and Environment, Melissa Watkins

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Note the information provided in this Report

2. Note the draft Charter for a potential Biodiversity Committee per Council resolution of 15 May 2025.

3. Defer consideration of the establishment of a new standing Biodiversity Committee until:

- a draft Policy for the Establishment of Committees is considered by Council at the August 2025 Ordinary Meeting, and

- the draft Community Engagement Policy and draft Community Engagement Strategy are adopted by Council

Executive Summary

This report presents the draft Charter for a standing Biodiversity Committee and the exploration of alternative approaches to the proposed committee, as requested by Council in response to a community petition and subsequent Council resolution from the May 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

This report considers the principles and guidelines provided in the Review of Disbanded Council Committees report that was presented to and endorsed by Council at the June 2025 Ordinary Meeting, as well as the recommendation within that report that a draft Council Establishment and Management of Committees Policy (Policy) be developed. This report also contemplates the need for the consideration of community feedback gathered during the current public exhibition of the draft Community Engagement Strategy (Strategy), which includes a specific question on the use of committees for consultation on key planning, policy, and strategic matters as requested by Council.

While the draft Charter has been prepared in accordance with the associated resolution, it is recommended that Council defer establishment of a new standing committee until the abovementioned policies and Strategy are progressed further and alternative approaches to committees are explored that align with the draft Community Engagement Strategy and which reflects the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) best practice framework. This approach focuses on project specific engagement actions that are short term and includes focus groups, workshops, surveys, and digital platforms, ensuring inclusive and transparent involvement.

Adopting a structured, policy-driven approach to committee formation will enhance governance, align with strategic objectives, ensure meaningful community engagement, and assist in developing better outcomes for our community.

Report

1. Background

Provided below is an outline of recent resolutions (or similar) that relate to this Report.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council in May 2025 (Item11.02) Council resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Note the petition lodged by Les Mitchell on behalf of members of the community,

2. Request the acting Chief Executive Officer to present a draft Charter for a standing Biodiversity Committee to be presented to the July 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council, noting that the accompanying Report may also include commentary about alternative formats or objectives of a Biodiversity Committee, and

3. Respond to the organiser of the petition with Council’s position in respect of this matter.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council in June 2025 (Item 11.11) and following a workshop with Councillors in March 2025, a desktop review of discontinued committees was presented, and a subsequent report titled Review of Disbanded Council Committees was considered where Council subsequently resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Note the information provided in the Report,

2. Endorse the principles and guidelines referenced in the Report for the establishment of future committees by Council, and

3. Request the acting Chief Executive Officer to develop a draft Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Establishment and Management of Committees Policy on the basis of the principles and guidelines referenced in the Report for the establishment of Council committees for consideration at the August 2025 meeting of Council.

In addition, at the Ordinary Meeting of Council in June 2025 (Item 13.01), Council resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Endorse the draft Community Engagement Strategy for the purpose of public exhibition,

2. Endorse the proposed Engagement Plan to support the public exhibition of the draft Strategy as included as Attachment 3 subject to the following:

a) The inclusion of an additional key message on "How do you want Council to engage with you?"

b) The inclusion of a specific question seeking community views on the use of committees as a means of consulting and collaborating on important planning, policy and strategic matters of Council.

3. Place the Community Engagement Strategy on public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

At the same meeting of Council in June 2025 Council also considered a report on the draft Community Engagement Policy (Item 13.02) and resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Note the information contained within this report relating to the review of the Community Engagement Policy.

2. Endorse the updated Community Engagement Policy for public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

3. Note that Council will receive a further report at future Ordinary Council meeting outlining community feedback received during the public exhibition period.

Accordingly, Council has now undertaken considerable work on community engagement and the review of committee structures, including the establishment and dissolution of committees, as well as their roles and functions. The June report, titled “Review of Disbanded Council Committees,” outlines this work in detail, including the types of committees used within local government and the objectives for establishing such committees. Given this context, it is considered appropriate to review the outcomes of this work, including the draft policies and strategy currently on public exhibition, before deciding on the formation of a new committee.

2. Discussion

Council is committed to fostering a culture of meaningful community engagement to deliver more sustainable, inclusive, effective and efficient outcomes for the community, including around the topic of biodiversity. Biodiversity is identified in Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy (March 2025) as an area in need of action within our Local Government Area (LGA) and projects identified to address related issues will require consultation with our community.

Provided below are potential avenues to ensure the associated actions from the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, and other works, are fit for purpose and consider community interest and expertise.

Potential Committees:

A standing committee could be established to provide oversight, advice, decision making support and/or to channel community engagement and sentiment in relation to biodiversity initiatives and actions and be guided by the Committee Charter.

A Draft Committee Charter has been prepared and is provided at Attachment 1.

Alternative Approaches:

Option 1:

Rather than Standing Committees, Special/Advisory Committees that are stood up in response to a specific need and for a specific period of time may provide for more streamlined and focused meetings and outputs. The development of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy’s Biodiversity Action Plan provides an example of when such a committee would be activated with members drawn from a pool of experts.

This is the preferred type of committee, were committees to be established.

Option 2:

Rather than any form of committee being established, and given that we have a Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plan and other supporting strategic documents such as the recently endorsed Environmental Sustainability Strategy that guide Council actions through supporting action plans that are to be developed (e.g., Biodiversity Action Plan) as well as those already in effect (e.g., Koala Action Plan), Council could instead rely on our ever improving and expanding community engagement activities to seek relevant input when undertaking our work. This is consistent with the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) best practice framework and the draft Community Engagement Strategy.

This would occur via the following means:

· Council Meetings

· Council Website

· Engagement with community groups

· Focus groups and workshops

· Drop in / pop up sessions

· Information and education initiatives such as newsletters and briefings

· Public exhibition and submissions

· Have Your Say Platform - surveys / questionnaires / polls / submissions

Defer decision:

The establishment of Standing Committees and the adoption of a Committee Charter prior to adoption of the Policy (Council Establishment and Management of Committees Policy) or Strategy (Community Engagement Strategy) is not recommended.

Instead, Council could defer a decision until the abovementioned Policy and Strategy are formalised before deciding on any potential committees or alternatives covered by this Report.

3. Conclusion

There are a number of options available to Council to consider with options provided later in this report which are listed in order of staff preference, and which take into consideration the factors outlined under “Key Considerations” below. Irrespective of the options provided, the principal recommendation is that a decision be deferred until the Policy and Strategy are finalised.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

Establishing or reinstating committees has financial implications, including internal staff resourcing, administration, stakeholder coordination, meeting facilitation (especially after-hours) and reporting. Future committees should be considered within the framework of existing budgets or require allocation of new funding. Any committee formed must clearly identify the funding source for operations. Where external expertise or extensive engagement is required, additional funding may be necessary.

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

This report aligns with requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), particularly regarding transparency, community participation, and sound governance. The proposed Policy for the establishment of committees would form a new Council policy and ensure consistency with statutory committees such as the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. Consideration has been given to the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework and the Office of Local Government’s Community Engagement Strategy Guidelines (2021).

6. Strategic Context and Implications

This report aligns with Council’s recently adopted Community Strategic Plan and supports the following key community outcomes:

· Leadership and Governance: Enhancing Council’s responsiveness, transparency, and accountability through clear committee structures and engagement mechanisms.

· Community: Promoting meaningful and inclusive community participation by ensuring committees provide diverse and representative voices.

· Infrastructure and Planning: Enabling evidence-based decision-making and community-focused development through structured advisory input.

The draft Strategy (currently on public exhibition) and related initiatives directly support the objectives of the IP&R Framework, providing a cohesive approach to governance and community collaboration.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications.

There is minimal insurance implications related to committee operation beyond standard public liability where members attend Council-facilitated meetings.

Key risks include:

· Governance Risk: Poorly defined committee roles or unclear delegations could lead to inefficiencies or legal exposure.

· Reputational Risk: Inadequate community representation or transparency could affect Council’s public trust.

· Resource Risk: Insufficient staff capacity to support numerous committees may impact service delivery.

These risks can be mitigated through the adoption of a structured Policy.

8. Engagement and Consultation

Engagement undertaken to date about the establishment of committees includes a Councillor Workshop (March 2025), previous reports and resolutions (February and December 2024), and review by the Review of Discontinued Committees Working Group.

9. Civic Leadership

Establishing well-structured and purpose-driven committees reflects strong civic leadership by ensuring community voices are heard and by promoting governance that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with strategic priorities. It supports ESG principles by fostering inclusive participation, social equity, and trust in Council’s decision-making processes.

Options

Council has the following options, provided in order of staff preference:

Option 1:

Council could determine to note the draft Charter and defer any decision regarding the establishment of a Biodiversity Committee until the Council Establishment and Management of Committees Policy and the Community Engagement Strategy are finalised.

Option 2:

Council could determine that any biodiversity initiatives such as, but not limited to, the development of action plans and similar relevant initiatives under the Environmental Sustainability Strategy follow best practice community engagement actions to ensure the community, including relevant experts, are afforded the opportunity to provide input into those action plans and initiatives, instead of via committees. Such community engagement actions must consider the following:

· Council Meetings

· Council Website

· Engagement with community groups

· Focus groups and workshops

· Drop in / pop up sessions

· Information and education initiatives such as newsletters and briefings

· Public exhibition and submissions

· Have Your Say Platform - surveys / questionnaires / polls / submissions

Option 3:

Council could resolve to establish a Special/Advisory Biodiversity Committee and request that a draft Charter be provided to the August 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council if this option is endorsed.

Option 4:

Council could also resolve to establish a Standing Biodiversity Committee per the attached Draft Committee Charter.

Option 5:

Alternatively, Council could resolve to take no further action in relation to this topic.

This report recommends option 1.

Attachments

1. Biodiversity Committee - draft Charter

Agenda Community Planning and Environment

Item: 13.10

Subject: Climate Change and Resilience Committee - Draft Charter

Presented by: Community, Planning and Environment, Melissa Watkins

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Note the information provided in this Report,

2. Note the draft Charter for a potential Climate Change and Resilience Committee per Council resolution of 15 May 2025.

3. Defer consideration of the establishment of a new standing Climate Change and Resilience Committee until:

- the draft Policy for the Establishment of Committees is considered by Council at the August 2025 Ordinary Meeting, and

- the draft Community Engagement Policy and draft Community Engagement Strategy are adopted by Council

Executive Summary

This report presents the draft Charter for a standing Climate Change and Resilience Advisory Committee and the exploration of alternative approaches to the proposed committee, in response to a community petition and subsequent Council resolution from the May 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

This report considers the principles and guidelines provided in the Review of Disbanded Council Committees Report that was presented to Council at the June 2025 Ordinary Meeting, as well as the recommendation within that report that a draft Council Establishment and Management of Committees Policy (Policy) be developed. This report also contemplates the need for the consideration of community feedback gathered during the current public exhibition of the draft Community Engagement Strategy (Strategy), which includes a specific question on the use of committees for consultation on key planning, policy, and strategic matters as requested by Council.

Report

1. Background

Provided below is an outline of recent resolutions (or similar) that relate to this report.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council in May 2025 (Item11.03) Council resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Note the petition lodged by Lynda McNeill on behalf of members of the community,

2. Request the acting Chief Executive Officer to present a draft Charter for a standing Climate Change and Resilience Advisory Committee to be presented to the July 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council, noting that the accompanying Report may also include commentary about alternative formats or objectives of a Climate Change and Resilience Advisory Committee, and

3. Respond to the organiser of the petition with Council’s position in respect of this matter.

That Council:

1. Note the information provided in the Report,

2. Endorse the principles and guidelines referenced in the Report for the establishment of future committees by Council, and

In addition, at the Ordinary Meeting of Council in June 2025 (Item 13.01), Council resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Endorse the draft Community Engagement Strategy for the purpose of public exhibition,

2. Endorse the proposed Engagement Plan to support the public exhibition of the draft Strategy as included as Attachment 3 subject to the following:

a) The inclusion of an additional key message on "How do you want Council to engage with you?"

b) The inclusion of a specific question seeking community views on the use of committees as a means of consulting and collaborating on important planning, policy and strategic matters of Council.

3. Place the Community Engagement Strategy on public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

At the same meeting of Council in June 2025 Council also considered a report on the draft Community Engagement Policy (Item 13.02) and resolved as follows:

That Council:

1. Note the information contained within this report relating to the review of the Community Engagement Policy.

2. Endorse the updated Community Engagement Policy for public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days.

3. Note that Council will receive a further report at future Ordinary Council meeting outlining community feedback received during the public exhibition period.

2. Discussion

Council is committed to fostering a culture of meaningful community engagement to deliver more sustainable, inclusive, effective and efficient outcomes for the community, including around the topic of our changing climate. Both climate change adaptation and resilience are identified in Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy (March 2025) as areas in need of action within our Local Government Area (LGA) and projects identified to address these issues will require consultation with our community.

Potential Committees:

A standing committee could be established to provide oversight, advice, decision making support and/or to channel community engagement and sentiment in relation to climate change initiatives and actions and be guided by the Committee Charter.

A draft Committee Charter has been prepared and is provided at Attachment 1.

Alternative Approaches:

Option 1:

Rather than a standing committee, Special/Advisory Committees that are stood up in response to a specific need and for a specific period of time may provide for more streamlined and focused meetings and outputs. The development of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy’s Sustainability Action Plan provides an example of when such a committee would be activated with members drawn from a pool of experts.

This is the preferred type of committee, were committees to be established.

Option 2:

Rather than any form of committee being established, and given that we have a Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plan and other supporting strategic documents such as the recently endorsed Environmental Sustainability Strategy that guide Council actions through supporting action plans that are to be developed (e.g. Sustainability Action Plan) as well as those already in effect, Council could instead rely on our ever improving and expanding community engagement activities to seek relevant input when undertaking our work. This is consistent with the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) best practice framework and the draft Community Engagement Strategy.

This would occur via the following means:

· Council Meetings

· Council Website

· Engagement with community groups

· Focus groups and workshops

· Drop in / pop up sessions

· Information and education initiatives such as newsletters and briefings

· Public exhibition and submissions

· Have Your Say Platform - surveys / questionnaires / polls / submissions

Defer decision:

The establishment of a Standing Committees and the adoption of a Committee Charter prior to adoption of the Policy (Council Establishment and Management of Committees Policy) or Strategy (Community Engagement Strategy) is not recommended.

Instead, Council could defer a decision until the abovementioned Policy and Strategy are formalised before deciding on any potential committees or alternatives covered by this Report.

3. Conclusion

There are several options available to Council to consider with options provided later in this report which are listed in order of staff preference, and which take into consideration the factors outlined under “Key Considerations” below. Irrespective of the options provided, the principal recommendation is that a decision be deferred until the Policy and Strategy are finalised.

Key Considerations

4. Financial and Economic Implications

5. Legislative and Policy Implications

This report aligns with requirements under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), particularly regarding transparency, community participation, and sound governance. The proposed Policy for the establishment of committees would form a new Council policy and ensure consistency with statutory committees such as the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. Consideration has been given to the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework and the Office of Local Government’s Community Engagement Strategy Guidelines (2021).

6. Strategic Context and Implications

This report aligns with Council’s draft Community Strategic Plan as exhibited and supports the following key community outcomes:

· Leadership and Governance: Enhancing Council’s responsiveness, transparency, and accountability through clear committee structures and engagement mechanisms.

· Community: Promoting meaningful and inclusive community participation by ensuring committees provide diverse and representative voices.

· Infrastructure and Planning: Enabling evidence-based decision-making and community-focused development through structured advisory input.

7. Risk and Insurance Implications

There is minimal insurance implications related to committee operation beyond standard public liability where members attend Council-facilitated meetings.

Key risks include:

· Governance Risk: Poorly defined committee roles or unclear delegations could lead to inefficiencies or legal exposure.

· Reputational Risk: Inadequate community representation or transparency could affect Council’s public trust.

· Resource Risk: Insufficient staff capacity to support numerous committees may impact service delivery.

These risks can be mitigated through the adoption of a structured Policy.

8. Engagement and Consultation

9. Civic Leadership

Options

Council has the following options, provided in order of staff preference:

Option 1:

Council could determine to note the draft Charter and defer any decision regarding the establishment of a Climate Change and Resilience Advisory Committee until the Council Establishment and Management of Committees Policy, and the Community Engagement Strategy are finalised.

Option 2:

Council could determine that any initiatives such as, but not limited to, the development of action plans and similar relevant initiatives under the Environmental Sustainability Strategy follow best practice community engagement actions to ensure the community, including relevant experts, are afforded the opportunity to provide input into those action plans and initiatives, instead of via committees. Such community engagement actions must consider the following:

· Council Meetings

· Council Website

· Engagement with community groups

· Focus groups and workshops

· Drop in / pop up sessions

· Information and education initiatives such as newsletters and briefings

· Public exhibition and submissions

· Have Your Say Platform - surveys / questionnaires / polls / submissions

Option 3:

Council could resolve to establish a Special/Advisory Climate Change and Resilience Advisory Committee and request a draft Charter be provided to the August 2025 Ordinary Meeting of Council if this option is endorsed.

Option 4:

Council could also resolve to establish a Standing Climate Change and Resilience Advisory Committee per the attached Draft Committee Charter.

Option 5:

That Council resolves to take no further action in relation to this topic.

This report recommends option 1.

Attachments

1. Climate Change and Resilience Committee - draft Charter

Item	Amount
Donation of Glasshouse Vouchers to Winter Wonderland Black & White Cocktail Fundraiser on 28 June 2028 by Steve Brbich - entrant in Stars of the Hastings 2025 (raising funds for the Cancer Council of NSW)	$200.00
Total allocation	$200.00

Industry and Award Category	Award Recognition
2024 Cemeteries and Crematoria Association of NSW - Award for Excellence Awarded for excellence in customer service delivery - Kimm Christie	Winner
2024 Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards - Ad Campaign of the Year · Awarded for PMHC ‘Where time does Wonders’ campaign - Breakthrough Destination of the Year Awarded for PMHC ‘Where time does Wonders’ campaign	Winner
2024 LearnX Awards - Diamond Award - Best eLearning Design Video Awarded for WHS Awareness eLearning Module	Winner
2024 National Local Government Customer Service Awards - National Innovation of the Year Awarded for sentiment analysis of customer contact	Highly Commended
2024 Crown Lands NSW and ACT Community Achievement Awards - Crown Land Management Excellence Award Westport Park - Waterplay and Boating Facilities Upgrade	Finalist
2025 StateCover Mutual Awards - Wellbeing: Best Strategic and Integrated Approach · Awarded for excellence in keeping our people safe, well, and working.	Winner
2025 CivicRisk Mutual Excellence in Risk Management Awards - Risk Initiative Category Rawdon Island Bridge Project	Winner
2025 LG Professional Awards - People, Workplace and Wellbeing Award (for populations under 150,000)	Highly Commended
2025 IPWEA NSW & ACT Engineering Excellence Awards - Environment & Sustainability Category Comboyne Land Slips Flood Repairs	Highly Commended
2025 LG Professional Awards - Rural Management Challenge Ryan Knott, Gessika Tame-Crowe, Jen McCullough, Gavin Hughes and mentor Blayne West	Runners Up
2025 LG Professional Awards - Innovative Leadership Award The Salary System Project - Organisational Diversity and Inclusion Award Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan - Special Project Initiative (Between 50K-150K Population) Award MyTech Support Program - Accelerated Digital Adoption - Asset and Infrastructure - Under $1.5 million Award Tacking Point Lighthouse Viewing Platform and Accessible Boardwalk - Asset and Infrastructure - Over $1.5 milion (Between 50K-150K Population) Award 13 Bridge Replacements - Fixing Country Bridges	Finalist
2025 Parks & Leisure Australia NSW/ACT Regional Awards of Excellence - Community-Based Initiative of the Year ArtWalk Coastal Nights 2024 - Community Facility of the Year Tacking Point Lighthouse Accessible Walkway - Playspace (Over $500k) Bain Park Revitalisation Project - Environmental Stewardship Award Friends of Mrs York’s Garden	Commendation
2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architect Awards - Parks and Open Space · Kendall Recreation Reserve	Finalist

Status	Number	%
Not commenced	3	14.3%
Public consultation	6	28.6%
Submitted to Exec	2	9.5%
Submitted to Council	2	9.5%
Review initiated	7	33.3%
Deferred	1	4.8%