Port Macquarie Hastings Council met for the first time this year to consider more than 40 items spanning planning, infrastructure, finance, environment and strategic policy matters.
The extent of items listed reflect the scale of work underway across the Port Macquarie Hastings Region.
The 19 February meeting considered a wide range of topics from the agenda carried. Among the key strategic matters and items of community interest considered at last Thursday's meeting, were:
Draft City Heart Strategy & Master Plan
Council resolved to endorse the City Heart Strategy & Master Plan, a strategic document which has been prepared to guide the long-term vision of Port Macquarie's City Heart, as the civic, cultural and economic heart of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. This strategy will now be referred to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for endorsement.
Camden Haven River and Lakes System Flood Study Extension
Council resolved to endorse the extension of the Camden Haven River and Lakes System Flood Study to ensure the most up-to-date flood modelling and risk analysis informs future planning and mitigation works.
Town Beach Reserve Master Plan 2026
Council resolved to place the Draft Town Beach Reserve Master Plan 2026 on public exhibition to allow community feedback before final consideration.
Draft Economic Development Strategy 2025–2036
Council endorsed the Economic Development Strategy 2025–2036. The strategy sets the long-term direction for sustainable economic growth, investment attraction and employment opportunities across the region.
State Significant Development Declaration – Park Street
Council considered a Mayoral Minute relating to the State Significant Development declaration at Park Street and resolved to note the planning pathway and associated information provided in the report.
Draft Port Macquarie Town Centre Parking Precinct Plan
Council resolved to endorse the Draft Port Macquarie Town Centre Parking Precinct Plan for public exhibition, allowing residents, businesses and stakeholders to provide feedback prior to final adoption.
In addition to these items, Council also;
Considered the Settlement Shores Canal Maintenance Plan and resolved to endorse the plan for public exhibition. The plan provides a structured framework to ensure long-term functionality, safety and environmental management of the canal system.
Resolved to place the Draft Rainbow Beach Reserve Master Plan on public exhibition, enabling community feedback before to inform the final report to Council. The master plan outlines future improvements, recreational enhancements and environmental considerations to guide the long-term management of the reserve.
Resolved to proceed with the purchasing of biodiversity credits required to meet statutory offset obligations associated with the Cowarra Water Supply and Thrumster Wastewater Schemes. This decision ensures compliance with environmental legislation while enabling critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects to progress.
The full list of resolutions can be found in the minutes of the 19 February 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting available for viewing here; Agendas and minutes Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
