Thursday 9-May-24 was a red-letter day for the people of Manning Great Lakes in their struggle for a fair and equitable health funding distribution across NSW. Tanya Thompson, Member for Myall Lakes was handed a petition for increased funding for Manning Base Hospital, from the Manning Great Lakes Community Health Action Group on the steps of NSW Parliament House in Sydney.

The petition, reaching 12,000 signatures, calls upon the state government for increased funding to have stages two and three of the hospital’s redevelopment to be completed in their entirety, within the life of this current Parliament.

In response to receiving the petition signatures, Mrs Thompson said, “Our Action Group advocates so hard for health in our community, and I am proud to accept this petition on their behalf.

We must ensure that the Manning Base Hospital redevelopments are finished without further delay. It is so important that the hospital is equipped to serve our constituents effectively.”

Highlighting the funding challenges, Mrs Thompson said that while the Coalition Government had initially allocated $100 million for stage 2 of the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment in 2020, delays in the project starting has led to escalated construction costs.

“The original redevelopment plans can no longer be completed within the confines of the original funding.”

Expressing her full support for the Action Groups petition, Mrs Thompson said, “I have already requested more funding from the new Government in this year’s budget for Stage 2 and Stage 3 redevelopments.”

Twenty-two individuals attended the handover, among them were 5 representatives from the Action Group and 15 local supporters who travelled from Taree to Sydney, receiving support from local business, Eggins Comfort Coaches Taree. Mr. Richard Eggins provided a bus and driver to transport the Action Group representatives.

Manning Great Lakes Community Health Action Group stressed the urgency of their plea, highlighting the strain on healthcare professionals and the community due to chronic under-resourcing of the hospital.

“It is absolutely vital that this hospital, built in 1954, is brought up to the standard of a modern, efficient disburser of public health for the 100 000 people dependent upon its services.

“These signatures represent 13% of the total population and 18% of the voting population of this area.”

When collating these signatures, the Action Group said the message received was loud and clear. “The community is angry and bitterly disappointed about the poor standard of health care that is able to be delivered in our area because it is so chronically physically and financially under-resourced.

“Our wonderful doctors, nurses, allied staff and paramedics are being placed under enormous, unbelievable, and unnecessary stress because of this fact. They are over-worked, exhausted, and disheartened.

“Manning Base Hospital and this area remain in a crisis situation. Action is demanded and urgently required to rectify the lack of funding, building infrastructure, beds, theatres, staff and specialists,’ said the Action Group.

Mrs Thompson will formally table the petition by presenting it to the Clerk, after which the Speaker will announce receipt. A date will be scheduled for debating the petition in the Legislative Assembly, during which Mrs Thompson will participate, ensuring the voices of the Action Group and the Myall Lakes are heard.

The MidCoast Road Strategy was presented to Council this week, detailing the condition of Council’s road network as well as the challenges and opportunities for improving it.

“We have a very large road network extending 3,600km, with roughly equal parts sealed and unsealed,” said Mayor Claire Pontin.

“Our community has consistently identified the need to improve our roads.

“We have prioritised road maintenance, investing around a quarter of our annual budget on our road network as well as seeking State and Australian Government grant funding.

“However, we recognise there’s more work to do. The Road Strategy provides us with an in depth understanding of the condition of our roads and what it will take to bring our network up to a condition that meets community expectation.”

The Strategy shows that more than a quarter of the sealed road network has significant cracking. Timely maintenance is fundamental to ensure a road can achieve its useful life. Decades of historically poor bitumen resealing frequencies by local governments on the MidCoast means the underlying road structure has been inadequately protected over many years. This makes it more susceptible to potholes and leads to more costly repairs.

Extreme weather, including heavy rain and flash flooding has also put pressure on the road network. Inflation and the related increases in material and labour costs are among other challenges Council faces.

A key part of the solution is fully funding the resealing cycle annually. The estimated shortfall is $26 million, with a further $8.5 million for additional maintenance. Without this investment, our road network will deteriorate a further 25% over the next ten years.

Current maintenance funding is not keeping pace with inflation or traffic and infrastructure growth. Addressing this funding shortfall forms part of the Financial Sustainability Action Plan which was also adopted at this week’s Council’s meeting.

The MidCoast Road Strategy identifies a range of actions that are required to ensure the road network doesn’t deteriorate further as well as actions required to improve the network. The extent to which these can be applied will depend on funding.

“The Strategy will form the basis of discussions with the community around funding and desired levels of service,” explained Mayor Pontin.

“It will also form the basis of continued lobbying to other levels of Government for a better roads deal for Councils. We now have the data to support our arguments.”

“We need a more sustainable model that allows a strategic and proactive approach to management and care of our network in the short and long term.”

The MidCoast Road Strategy is available on Council’s website at https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/road-strategy.

Musicians in the Myall Lakes electorate are encouraged to pack their bags and get on the road, taking advantage of the Sound NSW Touring and Travel Fund.

Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson said the $2 million program offers quick response grants of up to $2,500 per person for domestic activity and $7,500 per person for international activity.

“Touring gives artists an opportunity to connect with fans from across the state, helping build their career while offering their artistry to new and unique audiences,” Mrs Thompson said.

“From Jimmy Barnes to INXS, Troy Cassar-Daley to Ashleigh Dallas, every iconic Australian artist has earned their stripes on tour, playing in venues along the Eastern Seaboard and throughout inland NSW.

“Having artists tour our regional towns and cities also adds vibrancy to the cultural makeup of our state and gives audiences across the state access to new experiences.

Mrs Thompson is encouraging artists in the Myall Lakes to start the planning now.

“If you meet all eligibility criteria, you will receive funding, this is a non-competitive grant. Get in early and apply now before the funding is exhausted.”

Matty Zarb, talented local musician said, “This is a fabulous opportunity for our local regional artists to reach international audiences, which is extremely exciting for those who are yet to play for tourists from overseas.”

Applications for the Sound NSW Touring and Travel Fund are open now and will close on May 20, or until the funding is exhausted.

Councillors are determined to tackle long term economic challenges head on, adopting a Financial Sustainability Action Plan at today’s Council meeting.

“The action plan is in response to an independent review we commissioned last year,” said Mayor Claire Pontin.

“The review showed that while Council’s cash position is sound, we are currently not in a position to keep up with the long-term maintenance on our $5 billion worth of assets and infrastructure.

“We are not going to leave this issue to future generations.  We’ve sought this review to help us understand our position and determine a way forward.”

The issue of long-term financial sustainability is not new or unique to MidCoast.  A growing number of regional and urban Councils are facing the challenges of inflation, higher interest rates, and sustained lower-than-average residential and business rates.

Financial sustainability is a historic issue, inherited from previous councils. Current financial reporting standards require Councils to take asset deterioration into account, which while good practice is difficult, Mayor Pontin commented.

MidCoast Council has joined calls for broader reform to ensure that adequate resources are provided when the State Government shifts responsibility for infrastructure, services, and regulatory functions to local government. 

“We want to ensure we can maintain our infrastructure over the long term and also have sufficient cash reserves for unexpected events,” explained Mayor Pontin.

“The five-part action plan includes continuing to ensure we use our limited funds efficiently; ensuring our operations are lean and efficient and deliver value for money to the community; managing our assets across their life cycle; reviewing revenue sources to align with expenses and service levels; and generating sufficient unrestricted cash.”

The Financial Sustainability Action Plan 2024 – 2027 and the full AEC Financial Sustainability Review are both available on Council’s website at https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/financial-sustainability

The volume of stormwater entering MidCoast Council’s sewerage system has dropped considerably thanks to a positive response from homeowners.

Stormwater entering the sewer through private properties has long been an issue during wet weather, with the excess water putting the system under strain and at times causing sewage to overflow into the environment.

However, a noticeable reduction has occurred as a result of residents fixing defects on their properties.

Council’s Executive Manager of Water and Systems, Marnie Coates, praised the response from homeowners to help address this important issue.

“Over the last few years our Inflow and Infiltration Reduction team has been working to identify defects on private properties where stormwater is getting into our system, whether through unauthorised plumbing connections, poorly designed landscaping or broken or missing sewer shaft caps,” said Ms Coates.

“We’ve been really impressed with the effort from the community to rectify these defects, with close to 90 per cent of homeowners who’ve been notified about an issue proactively taking steps to fix them.”

Ms Coates said the work was ongoing and the team would continue to look for defects that allowed stormwater to enter the sewer, both on private properties and in Council’s network. She hoped homeowners would continue to play their part in reducing the issue.

“It’s important we continue to reduce stormwater in the sewer because the system isn’t designed to handle such large volumes. Not only does it pose potential health and environmental risks, it increases the amount of resources we’re having to use at our sewage treatment plants, which is already a resource-intensive part of our operations,” she said.

Residents will be notified via mail before any inspections occur in their neighbourhood.

Ms Coates urged people not to be alarmed if they saw Council staff conducting these inspections.

“Our team uses a number of methods to identify where stormwater is getting in, including smoke testing, dye testing, visual property inspections and CCTV sewer inspections,” said Ms Coates.

“It’s important people understand that a non-toxic gas is used for the smoke testing and we notify the fire service before we complete the work.

“However, if you do have any concerns, feel free to give us a call on (02) 7955 7777.”

To find out more about how you can help reduce stormwater in the sewer system, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/smoketesting

MidCoast Council is currently reviewing proposals received from ageing and disability providers interested in taking on the future delivery of MidCoast Assist services to the community.

There has been a strong response to the request for proposals and Council is confident a good outcome for both the community and staff of MidCoast Assist will be achieved.

A formal decision on the future of MidCoast Assist is expected to take place at the ordinary meeting of Council on 22 May 2024.

It is important that clients, participants, families and carers understand that no decision has been made at this point in time.

Council assures all clients and participants that they are working towards an outcome that will mean as little change as possible, and that services will continue to be delivered to and they will be contacted in advance of any changes. 

Learn more about the decision

There are many ways to tell a tale and the MidCoast Festival of Stories plans to uncover them.

The Festival of Stories is the perfect opportunity for storytellers of all ages to share their tales and even learn new skills and techniques.

The two-week extravaganza runs between 11 and 26 May and includes a variety of different attractions.

Express your creativity through song writing, illustration, dance and poetry workshops. Share a story behind a cherished cooking recipe. Join local authors and industry creatives to hear stories of inspiration and gain insights into the writing scene, including headline events from the prestigious Sydney Writers Festival.

MidCoast Council’s Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services, Alex Mills, said workshops and events are completely free of charge, allowing all participants to unleash their creativity.

“We’ll be in schools, libraries and campuses all around the region, and the Tales, Twists and Turns day at Forster Civic Centre on the 18 May is sure to be a highlight,” he said.

For more information and a detailed list of all the events go to library.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/mcfos

MidCoast Council is seeking community feedback on a new draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP). A Local Environmental Plan provides the framework and planning controls that guide development in the region.

Currently the MidCoast has three Local Environmental Plans (from the former Council areas) that have different approaches resulting in an inconsistent planning framework across the local government area.

Having one MidCoast LEP will provide a consistent direction on how development in the MidCoast will occur, Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell explained.

“A single LEP will provide more certainty for the community and the development industry and is intended to achieve better planning outcomes.”

Mr De Szell said Council had worked with the community, development industry and NSW Government over the past four years to identify existing challenges and means to address them.

“During this time, we have developed a Housing Strategy, a Rural Strategy and undertaken a number of zoning reviews to guide our future direction and have checked in with the community through extensive consultation.

“We have also drawn controls from recently approved Local Environmental Plans across NSW to provide the most up-to-date provisions and have included recent NSW Government reforms.

“All of this has provided the foundation for the draft MidCoast LEP. “

The new draft MidCoast LEP is something that everyone should take some time to check out, as it impacts all land in the local government area.

“All land in the MidCoast has a land use zone, ranging from residential to rural, employment, conservation, recreation and waterways. These zones apply to where we live, work, shop and play.

“Zones dictate what can (and can’t) be done in your neighbourhood – from the way the land can be used and the size of lots, to the types of buildings and heights.”

Mr De Szell said almost all of our zones are changing in some way, so it is important the community understands the controls in place in their zone and the impact the proposed changes will have.

“In some areas this impact will be very minimal, and may only be a zone name change, with some residential areas changing from a ‘general residential’ zone to a low or medium density residential zone.  This is happening because not all of the current plans used the full suite of zones available and the new draft MidCoast LEP does.”

Rural zones are also changing to meet NSW Government requirements and Council is keen for feedback from landholders on these new rural zones.

Residents can find out more by going to Council’s website www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/lep

and using the mapping tool available to zoom in on your land or by attending a drop-in session to talk to Council’s planners about the impact on your property. These are happening across the region at:

• Taree: Taree Central Shopping Centre – 23 May 9am-7.30pm, 24-25 May, 9am-4pm

• Gloucester: outside Art Gallery -  20 May 9am-noon

• Forster:  Stocklands  -  30 May 9am-7.30pm, 31 May -1 June 9am-4pm

• Harrington: Harrington Waters Shopping Centre – 3 June 9am-noon

• Hallidays Point: Hallidays Point Library – 5 June 2pm-5pm

• Old Bar: Lauders Real Estate carpark – 7 June 2pm-5pm

• Bulahdelah: outside IGA – 11 June 10am-noon

• Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens: Hawks Nest Community Centre – 12 June 3pm-6pm

• Pacific Palms: community centre, 14 June 3pm-6pm

• Taree: Envirofair – 15 June 9am-4pm

• Wingham: outside Wingham Library – 17 June 9am-noon

• Stroud: outside museum – 19 June 9am-1noon

• Nabiac: markets – 29 June 8am-noon

Phone appointments with planners are also available by calling 7955 7777 or by registering for a callback at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/lep

Council is accepting community feedback on its Draft Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan for the 2024-25 financial year until 7 June.

“The Delivery Program describes Council’s activities over a four-year period, while the Operational Plan 2024-2025 details our proposed activities for next financial year,” said Mayor Claire Pontin.

These actions are all linked to the MidCoast Community Strategic Plan, MidCoast 2032: Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility.

Next year Council will continue to focus on seven key areas of community importance: climate change, customer service, development assessment, economic development, cultural planning, local and regional roads, and financial sustainability, whilst also providing core services.

“Because we service a large area with a comparatively small population, we face the challenge of making a small budget go a long way,” explained Mayor Pontin. 

“This year, Council commissioned an independent review of Council’s financial sustainability and has developed a Financial Sustainability Action Plan. The Plan has five key actions that will help us do better at maintaining our $5 billion asset base and help us remain economically sustainable over the long-term,” said Mayor Pontin.

The 3,600km road network will remain a priority for Council in 2024-25, with $68 million to be allocated for transport infrastructure assets such as roads, bridges, drainage, and footpaths. This includes a final $11.5 million of works under the $100 million Road Program that Council is undertaking in partnership with the State Government. The program includes the Thunderbolts Way Corridor Strategy, the Bucketts Way upgrade, and construction of a new bridge over Cedar Party Creek into Wingham. Council has also allocated $17 million for road maintenance for our local roads in 2024-25.

Council is continuing its work to ensure water security, with implementation of the Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy (IWCM) 2050. Expenditure of $35 million on sewer infrastructure and $27 million on water infrastructure is planned for 2024‐2025. Council will undertake a preliminary Environmental Planning Assessment for Peg Leg Creek Off-River Storage Dam as well as a detailed design for an off-water storage for the Gloucester water supply.

Council obtained Australian and NSW Government grant funding for infrastructure projects in 2024-25, including, library, playing courts, hall and amenity upgrades at various locations. Council will also be finalising its accessibility grant project at the Manning Entertainment Centre.

Council’s general rate income will increase by 5.2% under the rate peg which is set by the NSW Government’s Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Council is also bringing its Schedule of Fees and Charges more into line with the cost of delivering the services. Water access charges will increase by 7%. Water usage will increase by 8.5% on the first step and 8.7% on the second step. The sewer access charge will increase by 2%. The domestic waste management charge will increase by approximately 5.3%.

You can view the Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2024-25 which includes the annual budget and fees and charges at https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/DPOP-2024. The closing date for submissions is Friday 7 June 2024.

Hi Friends,

I'm thrilled to invite you to our upcoming joint fundraiser event with First Steps Count - Dance Through the Decades, brought to you by Stacks Law Firm. A fundraiser like no other with people cutting the rug from the 50s right through to the noughties!

Dance Through The Decades will be FUN (there’s no doubt about that) – but it’s primary purpose is to raise funds for two essential pillars of our community: First Steps Count Child and Community Centre and Taree Universities Campus.

• Friday 14 June 2024

• 5.30pm to 10.30pm

• Waterfront Pavilion, Taree.

• $100 per ticket - includes finger food and a drink on arrival.

Each hour will feature music from that decade. Plus, there’ll be a live auction and a silent auction.

The night will see the Pavilion transformed and there will be a complimentary drink on arrival and canapes served throughout the night.

Join us in making a difference and leaving a lasting impact on our community. Together, we can empower children and families to work collaboratively with services, as well as financially assist local uni students for greater educational opportunities, and create a more vibrant and inclusive future for all in the Manning Valley.

Get Your Tickets Here Now!

We look forward to working together and making Dance Through the Decades a resounding success.

Warm regards,
Donna Ballard
CEO
Taree Universities Campus

Recognise an outstanding young person in our community by nominating them for a MidCoast Youth Award.

MidCoast Youth Awards nominations are open for young people aged 12 to 24 years old living, working or studying in the MidCoast local government area.

A new award category has been included this year to expand the program and celebrate even more outstanding young people and their achievements. The new Team Award has been added to recognise a group of young people who have demonstrated teamwork in areas such as sports, school, clubs or community groups.

“MidCoast Youth Awards are an excellent way for us to celebrate a wide range of achievements from young people in the community,” said Alex Mills, MidCoast Council’s Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services.

“If you are a sports coach, teacher, year advisor, career advisor, team leader, mentor or anyone who knows a young person who is doing great things in our community, nominate them for a youth award to show them that their hard work is being recognised.”

All categories except the entrepreneurship and team award are split into two age groups, 12-17 years and 18-24 years. The entrepreneurship award is open to young people aged 18-24 and the team award is open to young people aged 12 – 24.

Each award includes a certificate, a $250 gift card, and recognition that can help underpin future career ambitions. The team award will have a $500 gift card as the prize.

The categories are:

1. Team Award - acknowledges a group of young people who have worked well together as a team.

2. Sports Award - recognises a young person who has successfully represented the community in their chosen sport.

3. Leadership Award - acknowledges young people who display or sustain positive leadership qualities or positions within the community.

4. Wellbeing and Resilience Award - celebrates young people who have bounced back from tough times to accomplish a positive outcome.

5. Community Service Award - recognises young people who have volunteered their time to give back to our community.

6. Entrepreneur Award - acknowledges individuals who have exhibited innovation, motivation, vision and creativity to establish a business venture or new start up business.

7. Arts Award - is given to young people who have excelled in their chosen field within the arts including visual arts, literary arts, and the performing arts.

For more information and to nominate a young person for a MidCoast Youth Award, head to https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/YouthAwards. Nominations are open from 11 April to 23 June 2024.

The final Awards Ceremony will be held in August at MidCoast Council’s MEC.

The MidCoast Youth Awards are a partnership between PCYC Taree, MidCoast Council, LJ Hooker Taree and Grow A Star and prizes are sponsored by these and other local organisations.

Young people can also come together to celebrate Youth Week at a range of different free activities around the MidCoast region from 11 to 21 April including the Beats on the Bank – Live & Loud, Youth Arts Festival, painting workshops, resume writing workshops, sushi making workshop, trivia nights and outdoor movies. https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/YouthWeek2024.

Young people can also enter in a Youth Week photography competition with a $100 voucher awarded for first prize. Submissions are already open and close Sunday 21 April. https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/YouthWeek2024.

Youth week activities coincide with the autumn school holidays, during which MidCoast Council has a range of events and activities for kids of all ages. Check out the events here: https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/school-holiday-activities.

Council is also seeking young people to join the MidCoast Youth Action Collective which is an action group to help with planning and implementing youth-led activities, events and initiatives across the MidCoast region. https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Community/Community-support-and-statistics/Youth/MidCoast-Youth-Action-Collective.

MidCoast residents are invited to help shape the strategic direction of their region by reviewing the Community Strategic Plan.

“Our Community Strategic Plan sets the direction for our community for the next 10 years and we want to hear from MidCoast residents to make sure we are on track,” said MidCoast Council’s Mayor, Claire Pontin.

This plan sets out the community’s long-term vision and the outcomes that matter to them. The plan is used by Council and community, State and Federal Government agencies to plan for our region’s future.

The community is asked to review the plan every four years to ensure when new Councillors come on board after a Local Government election, there is a clear direction from the community on what is important.

The community’s priorities are captured in the plan, and help Council prepare its annual plans for implementation. Other agencies will also use the plan to deliver outcomes in the areas of their responsibility.

“We know things change over time, so we want to know if there are emerging priorities for our region that need to be included in our plan,” said Mayor Pontin.

You can have your say online at https://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/CSP by completing a short survey and quick poll. You can also come and have a chat with our staff at several workshops and pop-ups planned across the region. The consultation is open until Sunday 30 June.

There will be four workshops held across the MidCoast, with people able to register to attend any one, no matter where on the MidCoast they live.

Workshops will take around two hours and participants will identify MidCoast priorities across the four key areas in the community strategic plan:

• a resilient and socially connected community

• strategic management of our built and natural environments

• a thriving and strong economy

• strong leadership and good governance.

If you can’t make a workshop, there are pop-up sessions planned between 30 April and 15 June at Pacific Palms, Wingham, Forster, Bulahdelah, Old Bar, Harrington, Hallidays Point, Stroud, Nabiac and Taree.

Head to the link above to have your say, register for a workshop, or find a pop-up happening near you before Sunday 30 June.

If you’re not online, and can’t make any events, we’d still like to hear your feedback. Call us on 0419 980 566 and leave a voicemail with your feedback.

Schools, community groups and other organisations across the MidCoast that are keen to bring a great water conservation or sustainability initiative to life are encouraged to apply for a Water Wiser Grant.

The new grant program from MidCoast Council offers eligible organisations up to $10,000 in co-funding to undertake projects and activities that increase water conservation or sustainability through education, efficiency improvements or awareness-raising initiatives.

Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said Council was excited to launch the program and hoped it would help deliver a variety of benefits across the community.

“One of the key commitments we made in our latest long-term water plan, Our Water Our Future 2050, was to improve water efficiency and resilience across the region through a range of initiatives,” said Mr Scott.

“We’re already doing a number of things to assist our residents and large users to save water, but this new initiative targets a diverse and influential group of users whose actions can have a really positive impact on water conservation and sustainability in the area.

“We know these organisations aren’t always in a position to do the things they’d like to do, so we’re encouraging them to take advantage of the one-off financial contributions available through this program and make a meaningful difference.” 

Applications for the Water Wiser Grants program are open from Wednesday 1 May to Sunday 30 June 2024.

Only legally constituted community groups, industry-related organisations, local government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and incorporated groups are eligible to apply.

Applicants are encouraged to read the full guidelines for eligibility and criteria before submitting their applications.

To find out more, or to apply, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/water-wiser-grants