Introduction
Port Macquarie Hastings Council is the local government authority responsible for municipal services, community development, infrastructure and strategic planning across Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Camden Haven and surrounding communities in New South Wales, Australia.
The Council provides roads, water, wastewater, waste management, planning, environmental protection, recreation, libraries, cultural facilities and community support. It also distributes grants to local organisations, events and sporting initiatives.
History and Background
The local government area took its modern form through an amalgamation in 1981. The authority adopted the name Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in 2005.
The Council operates under the New South Wales Local Government Act 1993 and represents communities across a geographically diverse coastal and hinterland region.
Port Macquarie Hastings is located on the Mid North Coast between Sydney and Brisbane. Its major population centres include Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton and surrounding rural and coastal settlements.
The Council acknowledges the Birpai people as the Traditional Owners of the land and recognises their continuing connection to the region’s lands and waters.
The Council’s long-term direction is guided by Imagine2050, its highest-level Community Strategic Plan. Originally developed through community consultation in 2021 and adopted in 2022, the plan has been revised to guide regional priorities from 2025 to 2035.
Mission and Purpose
Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s community vision is to make the region the most liveable, sustainable and innovative place in Australia.
Its strategic priorities focus on connected places and reliable infrastructure, inclusive and resilient communities, environmental protection, economic opportunity and trusted local leadership.
The Council plans, maintains and improves roads, bridges, footpaths, cycleways, public spaces, water infrastructure, wastewater systems and stormwater networks.
It manages development and land-use planning to balance population growth, housing, environmental sustainability and community needs.
Environmental responsibilities include protecting bushland, biodiversity corridors, native plants and animals, beaches, rivers, lakes and drinking-water catchments.
The Council also supports public libraries, cultural facilities, sporting grounds, parks, community events, tourism, local businesses and emergency preparedness.
Its role extends beyond direct service delivery. The Council works with state and federal governments, nonprofit organisations, businesses and community groups to address public health, education, transport, economic development and community safety.
Governance and Structure
Port Macquarie Hastings Council is governed by a popularly elected Mayor and eight councillors who serve four-year terms.
Adam Roberts serves as Mayor. The current Council was sworn in following the September 2024 local government elections and will serve until the next elections in September 2028.
Councillors represent community interests, establish strategic priorities, approve budgets, adopt policies and monitor the Council’s performance.
Robert Fish serves as General Manager. The General Manager leads the administrative organisation, implements Council decisions and oversees employees, services, operations and financial management.
Council meetings, public consultations and the Have Your Say platform provide opportunities for residents to participate in decision-making.
Governance and accountability mechanisms include annual reports, financial statements, council meeting agendas and minutes, policies, registers and statutory planning documents.
The Council’s Community Strategic Plan is supported by a four-year Delivery Program, annual Operational Plans, a Long-Term Financial Plan, Workforce Management Strategy and Asset Management Strategy.
Funding and Grants
Port Macquarie Hastings Council finances its operations through general rates, water and sewer charges, waste charges, fees, government grants and other income.
General rates support core services and infrastructure. Water and sewer charges fund water-security and wastewater projects, while waste charges support collection, environmental compliance and future waste infrastructure.
Grants from the Australian and New South Wales governments help the Council deliver infrastructure, community facilities and public services. The Council publishes a register of its external funding applications and outcomes.
The Council also provides direct financial assistance to community organisations and events. Its Community Grants Program has a total funding allocation of $180,000 for the 2026–27 financial year.
Funding is distributed through two major grant rounds, while Micro Grants are available throughout the year.
Eligible applicants generally include incorporated nonprofit organisations, community groups and organisations operating under an eligible auspice arrangement. Proposed activities must benefit people and communities within the Port Macquarie Hastings local government area.
The Council also provides Major Events Grants, sporting scholarships and assistance through the Port Macquarie-Hastings Sporting Fund.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Community Project Grants provide up to $7,000 for projects and programmes that strengthen participation, social inclusion, resilience, connection and well-being.
Creative Community Grants provide up to $7,000 for cultural and artistic activities. Eligible initiatives can include visual arts, performance, music, dance, storytelling and digital media.
Community Event Grants provide up to $5,000 for inclusive local events that encourage participation, connection and community well-being.
Micro Grants provide up to $2,000 for unexpected opportunities that help community organisations improve local people, places and spaces.
Major Events Grants provide up to $5,000 for events that attract visitors to the region. Priority is given to activities with the potential to generate overnight visitation, contribute to the regional economy and develop into sustainable major events.
The Council’s grant programmes support volunteering, cultural celebration, community participation, creativity, inclusion and improvements to local facilities and public spaces.
The Council also operates a Grant Finder that helps individuals and organisations identify funding programmes offered by government agencies, foundations and other providers.
Major Council infrastructure initiatives include the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme, Thrumster Wastewater Scheme, Beechwood Road upgrades, Maria River Road upgrades and continuing improvements to roads, bridges and stormwater systems.
Its strategic programmes also address housing, active transport, coastal management, economic development, environmental protection and community resilience.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
The Community Grants Program supports projects that bring residents together, expand participation, improve local spaces, celebrate culture and strengthen community well-being.
In a funding round announced in May 2025, the Council allocated $55,000 to 16 community groups and $20,000 to six local events.
A supported initiative highlighted by the Council is the Dippers Autism Swim Program, which provides inclusive swimming opportunities and demonstrates the programme’s focus on participation and well-being.
Community funding has also supported creative activities, volunteer-led programmes, cultural projects, local celebrations and initiatives that improve community facilities.
The Major Events Grants Program helps attract visitors, strengthen the visitor economy and promote the region as a destination. Council data valued the economic contribution of regional events at $35.3 million in 2024.
The wider regional economy recorded approximately 1.7 million visitors in 2024. Tourism, healthcare, education, construction and professional services are important elements of the local economy.
Environmental programmes seek to reduce household waste, improve stormwater management and protect natural areas. The Council reported 89% community satisfaction with waste collection and disposal and 83% satisfaction with disaster management and preparedness in its 2024 Community Satisfaction Survey.
Major infrastructure projects are intended to improve water security, wastewater capacity, transport connectivity and public facilities as the regional population grows.
Conclusion
Port Macquarie Hastings Council is responsible for managing essential services and guiding sustainable development across one of New South Wales’ major coastal regions.
Its work combines elected governance, infrastructure delivery, environmental management, community engagement and economic development.
Through Community Project Grants, Creative Community Grants, Community Event Grants, Micro Grants and Major Events Grants, the Council supports nonprofit organisations and community-led initiatives that improve inclusion, creativity, participation and regional well-being.
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