Councillor Nik Lipovac

Councillor Nik Lipovac

The views expressed and comments made on this social media platform are my own and not that of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

This page is moderated on a regular basis. Please do not post comments that are threatening, abusive, misleading, harassing, defamatory, obscene, hateful, racist, embarrassing or otherwise objectionable.

Official Event Video Coastal Walk Against Domestic & Family Violence 2023 06/11/2024

Liberty Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services Coastal Walk Fundraiser is coming up on Sunday November 24 starting from Westport Park and then heading south from 8.30am. Free Return Buses.
Register today via -
www.libertycoastalwalk.com.au

Official Event Video Coastal Walk Against Domestic & Family Violence 2023 More than 600 people walked in white along Port Macquarie's iconic coastline on Sunday 3 December, taking important steps towards a safer community and sayin...

Photos from Councillor Nik Lipovac's post 04/11/2024

UPGRADE WORK for NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC onto the DONUT:
Pacific and Oxley Hwy Safety Upgrade work begins this Sunday!

Work to improve safety and reduce queuing at the Pacific Highway/ Oxley Highway interchange near Port Macquarie will be carried out during November and December 2024.

This safety work will increase the capacity of the northbound off-ramp from the Pacific Highway from one to two lanes, between the existing 60km/h sign and the roundabout, while a more substantial upgrade continues to be developed.

To minimise impact to motorists, work will be carried out at night from 8pm to 5am and will be carried out in two phases.

The first phase of the work will be carried out between Sunday 10 November and Thursday 14 November to prepare the site, weather permitting.

Workers will be back on site to carry out the remainder of the work from Sunday 24 November to Friday 6 December, weather permitting.

To carry out the work during each phase, the northbound off ramp of the Pacific Highway / Oxley Highway Interchange will be closed. A detour will be in place, with motorists advised to use the Sancrox Road exit from the Pacific Highway at Fernbank Creek. Motorists should allow up to 10 minutes extra travel time during the work.

Photos from Councillor Nik Lipovac's post 04/11/2024

The new King Creek Bridge was officially launched today which puts the finishing touches on close to $20 million worth of bridge infrastructure upgrades across the LGA that were jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC).

These upgrades have seen 13 ageing timber bridges replaced with brand-new modern concrete structures over the past two years. The bridges were funded thanks to the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program, PMHC and the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

This involved over $18.7 million from the NSW Government, $385,000 from the Australian Government and $500,000 from PMHC.

The Australian Government’s contribution funded the Old School Road Bridge replacement at Herons Creek ($160,000) and Donkins Flat Bridge replacement on Wingham Road at Comboyne ($225,000).

PMHC engaged both EIRE Constructions and Saunders Civilbuild to replace the bridges, which now meet modern Australian Standards.

In attendance were NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, Regional Director North at Transport for NSW Anna Zycki, Member for Oxley Michael Kemp MP, Council Staff and Councillors.

__________

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams would like to remind residents that "Clubgrants Category 3" are now open. They're designed to deliver community infrastructure, arts, culture, community disaster readiness, sport and recreation for not-for-profit organisations.

Infrastructure Grants Sport and Recreation - Funding to support sport and recreation infrastructure such as sports centres, playgrounds and swimming pools.
Grant amount: from $50,000 to $300,000

Infrastructure Grants Arts & Culture - Funding to support arts and culture infrastructure such as museums, art galleries or cultural centres. Grant amount: from $50,000 to $200,000

Infrastructure Grants Disaster Readiness - Funding to support disaster readiness infrastructure such as evacuation centres, capital equipment or a multipurpose community facility.
Grant amount: from $50,000 to $200,000

Infrastructure Grants Community Infrastructure - Funding to support community infrastructure such as a multipurpose community hub or a service for an eligible community group.
Grant amount: from $50,000 to $250,000

https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/responsible-gambling-grants

Photos from Councillor Nik Lipovac's post 02/11/2024

I understand people can become emotional when they don't have enough information on why certain Council decisions are made, but even when those answers are provided, they continue to be upset because those details don't suit their own personal opinion.
Rock and a Hard Place.

Every moment of every day we see anti-social discussions on just about every single issue in the world via social media which unfortunately includes personal attacks. Freedom of Speech is alive and well in the 21st Century. The Divisive posts, often filled with misinformation, well and truly outnumber the Good News Stories.

So, depending on which side of the fence you sit on, you either approve of the new traffic lights being constructed at the intersection of Horton and Gordon Streets in the Port CBD or you don't. The new lights should be in operation sometime next month, weather permitting, with the additional turning lanes and improved pedestrian access.

This was not something that was suddenly decided during the pre-election campaign. Even current Councillors were surprised by the construction announcement.

Here's a Brief History of this Project:
*During 2015/16 Council received funding from Roads and Maritime Services to undertake a Port Macquarie CBD – Pedestrian Facility Investigations Study. The study was undertaken by consultants AECOM with a final report provided to Council on 11 August 2016 recommending development of concept designs and engagement with the wider community. A Council resolution was passed in December 2016 to undertake community engagement.
*In 2017/18 Council received $75,000 in RMS Active Transport funding to further investigate and prepare a suite of design drawings and cost estimates.
*Submissions closed July 1, 2018.
*Some of the considerations included making the entire CBD a 40km/h zone, several new pedestrian refuges and zebra crossings, traffic lights replacing the roundabout at William and Short Streets, the Gordon Street pedestrian underpass beneath the Kooloonbung Creek Bridge and traffic lights at Gordon and Horton.
(There's a gap in the timeline here but that could be due to a number of factors including finalizing plans between Council and TfNSW, Covid, Sourcing Funding, Tender Process etc.)
*In August 2024 the $2.4m Project was announced.

What are we getting?
New Traffic Lights: replacing the roundabout.
Enhanced Pedestrian Pathways: The current brick paver path will be upgraded to a 2.5m wide concrete shared path, improving accessibility for pedestrians.
Upgraded Infrastructure: New street lighting, additional stormwater drainage, and new pedestrian crossings will be installed to enhance safety and efficiency.

Regardless of comments currently being made by some residents who claim the lights are not needed, many more are in fact in favour.
The population and the number of vehicles has increased dramatically and therefore upgrades and improvements are required.
I've added an image of the William and Horton Street roundabout... which was replaced by traffic lights many years ago. The Palm Tree was also removed as was the case at Gordon and Horton.
I scratch my head sometimes when people become outraged over removing 1 tree. However, you do realize many hectares of native trees are removed to build new homes on a regular basis.

For those saying the roundabouts at Lake Rd and Wrights Rd along the Oxley Highway are a greater priority. No argument here, but that is a State Government responsibility. As is the Southern Breakwall Upgrade... it's Crown Land and a State Govt funded project.

The new Traffic Lights Decision has been made which included community consultation and the project is heading towards completion.
TopFans

Photos from Councillor Nik Lipovac's post 27/10/2024

During the Election Campaign I had a number of people mention they were surprised by the increase in their rates considering they were frozen (or set at 0.0%) this financial year. Keep in mind that Residential Rates are frozen, however there was an increase in the Waste Water and Waste Management. Those Fees form part of your Rates Notice.

The following information is for your knowledge and consideration so please don't shoot the messenger. I'm merely providing details for future reference and discussion. Any comments I find offensive or derogatory will be deleted and the person will be blocked.

If you require a more detailed explanation of your Rates click on these links -
https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Rates-charges
https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Rates-charges/About-your-rates

The NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has set the council rate pegs for the 2025-26 financial year. Each of the 128 Councils has a separate rate peg amount. The rate pegs for 2025-26 range from 3.6% to 5.1% before adjusting for each council area’s population growth. When this adjustment is made, the total rate pegs range from 3.7% to 7.6%. Each council’s rate peg is the maximum percentage by which the council can increase their general income. Councils decide whether to implement either part or the whole recommended increase, delay it or seek a special rate variation (*an amount higher than the recommended rate peg).

Recommended Rate Pegs for 25/26:
PMHC 4.1%
Kempsey 3.9%
Mid Coast 3.8%
Coffs 4.6%
Clarence Valley 4.3%
Bellingen 4.2%
Nambucca 4.6%
Tamworth 3.8%

For e.g. if PMHC were to implement a 4.1% increase in 25/26 and you're paying a Residential Rate of $750 per quarter that equates to an extra $30.75 per quarter or an additional $123 per year.

$123 equates to buying 3 packets of ci******es or 3 cartons of beer or 24 standard cups of coffee.

*For transparancy, I'm not in favour of a Special Rate Variation.

Photos from Councillor Nik Lipovac's post 25/10/2024

Big thank you to the Port Macquarie Basketball Association for inviting me to their State League Basketball Team Awards Presentation at the Settlers Inn Hotel last weekend where I was recognised for staying off the court.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my volunteer Emcee role over the past 2 seasons and certainly appreciate that players from the mens and womens teams have not complained (as far as I'm aware) about the nick names I've given them.

To the parents, partners, committee, officials, sponsors and fans thank you for supporting local basketball and getting behind your mighty Dolphins!

Congrats to the Major Award winners - Zac Campbell, Georgie Salinger, Caleb and Luca Prior, Kobe Pattison, Mary-Ann Porter (now Alexander), Zayn Galea and Deanne Hudson.

Sport is the heart and soul of the community. We need to protect it, grow it and provide new and upgraded facilities for an expanding population. Most importantly we must work together to keep it affordable so that no child misses out on trying new things. There are many life lessons to be learnt in competing individually and/or as part of a team.

Photos from Port Macquarie Hastings Council's post 22/10/2024

Big News! Another step forward for the proposed Aquatic Centre.

I understand not everyone is a fan however the Regional Planning Panel resolved to approve the development application for the new Port Macquarie Aquatic facility at a determination meeting on Tuesday afternoon. There were no registered public speakers at the meeting and the Panel were unanimous in supporting the proposal. This represents a major milestone for this longstanding $67 million-dollar project. Whilst the project is currently unfunded, Council staff are already investigating possible grant opportunities.

It is expected that the formal determination notice from the Regional Planning Panel will be published on the Department’s Planning Portal early next week. A link to the assessment report, plans and supporting information is available via the following link for information:

https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/planning-panel/port-macquarie-aquatic-facility

21/10/2024

As always, the following details are my personal notes and opinions and not that of PMHC.

Ordinary COUNCIL MEETING: OCTOBER 2024

Item 10.01 - Deputy Mayor:
It was unanimously agreed to reinstate the position of Deputy. The position would be recontested every 12 months. Myself, Councillors Sheppard, Tubman and Hornshaw nominated Cr Edwards. It was the only nomination and there was no opposition to it.

Item 10.04 - Meeting State & Federal Government Ministers:
A Notice of Motion from Deputy Mayor Edwards to arrange an invitation on behalf of Councillors to meet with the following Ministers: Rose Jackson MLC (Housing), Jenny Aitchison MLA (Roads), Clare O’Neill MP (Housing) and Catherine King MP (Infrastructure) was carried.

Item 10.05 - Library Books/Facilities Review:
A Briefing will be presented to Councillors in December.
After much discussion this was passed 5 votes to 4.
An amendment that removed Point 2 of the original Motion referring to the implications of a recent Court Decision relating to one specific publication was defeated 5 votes to 4.
I voted against the Motion and the Amendment as I don’t believe any Review is required. In my opinion this could potentially lead to censorship and the banning of educational material.

Item 10.06 - Referendum Outcome:
We were simply “noting” the result. This was not an opportunity to overrule it, and I’ve made my thoughts clear on how disappointing this is for the greater community moving forward.

10.07 - Countback Election:
Bit of a grey area with this one. Although the Staff Recommendation was passed 7-2, a Motion from Cr Intemann noted that under Clause 294 of the Local Government Act, a countback would actually not be permitted this term to replace the first two Councillors who may leave within 18 months of the Election due to the result of the Referendum. Therefore, a request was to be made to the OLG Minister to consider changing this mechanism. The motion was defeated 4-5. The Referendum which specifically relates to reducing Councillor numbers in 2028 now comes into effect this term.

10.08 - Council Committees:
*Cr Sheppard will Chair the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee. (Alternative – Edwards)
*Cr Roberts will Chair the Traffic Committee.
*I will Chair the Sports Council. (Alternative – Intemann).
Surprisingly with 9 Councillors there were no takers for the Development Assessment Panel, Hastings Youth Voice or the PMH (Mayor’s) Sporting Fund. Authority of the Sporting Fund has been delegated to the CEO and options will be considered on the best way forward at a future Council Meeting.

10.10 - Annual Local Govt Conference in Tamworth:
No Councillors were available to represent at this Event being held Nov 17 to 19. Staff may decide to attend.

10.18 - Opportunity for Local Firms to do Business with Council:
Over the past 3 financial years local tenders have been successful acquiring on average 36% of Council projects. In comparison to Councils of a similar size Port-Hastings is a leader in this field. I look forward to seeing these results continue to grow for the benefit of our local economy.

11.01 - Sporting Fund Update:
$2000 has been shared between 4 local athletes over the past 2 months to assist with the financial costs of competing at National and International Events. I also chose this moment to acknowledge Lachlan Morton and his record-breaking bike ride around the country over 30 days whilst also raising money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

13.01 – Traffic Congestion Report:
Unanimous Decision for Councillors to receive an update on our biggest transport/traffic concerns at the December Meeting.

fans

19/10/2024

Item 10.06 Referendum Outcome -

In my opinion, Council and Councillors during the previous term failed to provide the community with enough information on the YES and NO case which resulted in a less than convincing outcome. As Councillor Intemann indicated on the floor of the Chamber the OLG must review and update what constitutes a majority vote and 60% should be the pass mark for a Referendum Result. Here's what I had to say about this item:
https://youtu.be/PzhQPnaEbd0?list=PLlkuwc5RsgcqX1td3dhvj4okiVjh9E6RO&t=3525

19/10/2024

Item 10.05 Library Facilities -

I stand by my pre-Election promise that I won't support Censorship and the Banning of Library Books because some members of the community feel uncomfortable or offended by certain publications. Libraries only stock approved material as per specific guidelines and standards.

Prior to amending or softening his Recommendation, the original Motion from Cr Hornshaw specifically named titles "Gender Q***r" and "Welcome to S*x" as options to be removed by Council. In particular he makes reference to an image involving what appears to be an adult and an adolescent. An Adolescent is considered to be a young adult up to 19 years of age. However Cr Hornshaw is adamant it depicts a 12-year-old even though the book itself does not mention any ages.

In my opinion it is hypocritical to have a "Libertarian" view of not allowing Government interference in day-to-day life and then demanding the Government interfere.

Here are my Questions and Argument from the Council Meeting against the Notice of Motion calling on a Review and/or Briefing:
https://youtu.be/PzhQPnaEbd0?list=PLlkuwc5RsgcqX1td3dhvj4okiVjh9E6RO&t=2310

17/10/2024

...and so it begins!

Port Macquarie-Hastings Councillors for 2024-2028.

I'll provide my summary of the First Council Meeting in the next couple of days.

(*Picture by Ruby Pascoe - Port News).

14/10/2024

Not Council related, but this just popped up on my Facebook Memories proving that I once had a full head of hair!

*Remember the Good Old Days when Radio Announcers were known as Disc Jockeys as they played Vinyl Records (instead of clicking a mouse) pushed giant cartridges into machines to make the Ads play (instead of clicking a mouse) and when young local presenters worked weekday evening shifts through until Midnight and on both days of the Weekend to gain their experience... well, this was me at 2GN Goulburn 1990.

10/10/2024

The Agenda for the Thursday October 17 Ordinary Meeting at the Port Macquarie Council Chambers will be available to the public later today. Some of the items of interest include:

*Election of Deputy Mayor
*Whether we decide on a Countback Election using recent results or a By-Election should a Councillor stand down within the first 18 months of this term.
*Election of Councillors to the 5 Sub-Committees & Groups.
*Deciding on which Councillors will attend the Local Government Conference in Tamworth next month.
*Several Reports to be viewed and approved including the latest on the opportunity for Local Firms to do (more) Business with Council.
*A request for an update on the progress of improving congestion on local roads.
*Round 1 of Major Events Grants.

The meeting will commence at 10am, and a live stream of the meeting will be available via Council's YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/pmhcouncil
A link to the live stream will be posted to Council's page prior to the commencement of the meeting.
https://www.facebook.com/pmhcouncil

https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-meetings/Agendas-and-minutes

*A swearing in ceremony to welcome our newly elected members will be held prior to the meeting from 9am.

The first Public Forum of the new term will also be held next week on Monday 14 October at 5pm. Public Forums provide members of the community an opportunity to speak on items related or unrelated to the Ordinary Council meeting agenda. Speakers must register their interest prior to 9am Monday.
https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-meetings/Speak-in-a-Public-Forum

Photos from Councillor Nik Lipovac's post 05/10/2024

Congratulations to the RECLAIM THE NIGHT Committee for putting together the RTN Event (Oct 4) for the first time since pre-Covid and following 2 washouts last year. Jade Chelman and Jordynn Kiem in conjunction with numerous volunteers invited Guest Speakers, put on a Free BBQ and organised Fundraising through the sale of merchandise to assist YPSpace MNC. Those attending were then invited to go on a short walk from the Town Green to the Footbridge and back. The message was all about the right to feel safe in your community, no matter who you are or what you're wearing or what time it is. We heard from Birpai Elder Aunty Rhonda Radley, Jill Wong (Acting Chief Executive MNCLHD), Deb Tougher (YPSpace), Tim Preston (NSW Police Crime Prevention Officer) and Brooke Maggs (Liberty Domestic Services). Thank you for the opportunity to Emcee. This was supported by PMHC with Sam Johnson in attendance.
Mid North Coast Health
Yps Mnc Liberty Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services Port Macquarie Hastings Council TAFE NSW - Port Macquarie MakerSpace St Agnes' Catholic Parish Hastings Secondary College

On Saturday Sept 28 I was invited as the unofficial Council Representative to attend the Team Dinner at Panthers for the North Coast Academy of Sport Netball Challenge. It was a fancy dress event for the teams and officials but fortunately not for invited guests.

The 3-Day Tournament was a resounding success, bringing together more than 400 athletes from the Regional Academies of Sport across NSW providing a platform for young netballers to showcase their skills, with all 11 Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) represented, along with the Sydney Netball Academy.

This year’s Challenge marked the third and final time Port Macquarie hosted the event which is heading to the Illawarra for the next 3 years. The tournament offers talented young athletes a high-level competitive environment, with many demonstrating impressive skills and determination throughout the weekend. It was proudly supported by PMHC and Regional Australia Bank.

Photos from Councillor Nik Lipovac's post 03/10/2024

Just a few interesting facts and figures from the recent Election.

The NO Vote in the Referendum was actually successful at 20 of the 28 Polling Booths on Sept 14. However, the YES Vote (to reduce Councillor Numbers in 2028) was significant at all the Pre-Polling Booths Sept 7 to 13 as well via the Postal Votes which was enough to get it over the line. However, this indicates to me those who chose to vote early didn't fully comprehend the Question due to the perceived lack of information about it.

It took 25 Rounds of preference voting to determine the final two Councillors (21 Rounds in 2021) with my Group Ticket members in with a chance until late in the count. Jon Bailey through until Round 24, Luke Garel 19 and Ellen Crepaz 18. That is an outstanding achievement as we actually encouraged people to vote Above the Line and not consider preferences.

We won Polling Booths at Bonny Hills, Kendall and at St.Peter the Fisherman, Laurieton and did extremely well at Emerald Downs, Lorne and North Haven (pre-poll). It was no surprise without a Wauchope representative, and we asked several people, that we struggled in Wauchope and surrounds. Good results at the various Port Macquarie Polling Booths but the votes were split across the Tickets.

Team Lipovac Group Ticket 2021 v 2024 comparison.
2021 - 4398 votes / 2024 - 8326 votes (increase of 47%).

Entirely different team of course and the results indicate, in addition to other factors, our personal network of friends and supporters contributed to this accomplishment with Jon, Luke, Ellen and myself (and volunteers) working our backsides off at the Booths. Which is why people tend to work together as a Group Ticket as compared to running solo.

However, running with a Ticket of 6 people for a 9 person Council seems a little extreme and if we only have 7 Councillors to elect in 2028 then red flags are raised about how you prevent a bloc voting scenario from re-emerging.

On this occasion 4 of the 6 Group Tickets could only manage 1 member being elected.

01/10/2024

Finally, some good news with the Election of Councillors confirmed.
Positive outcome for the Hastings Community and Democracy.

LIPOVAC (Independent, but a Liberal Member).
SHEPPARD (Ind).
EDWARDS (Greens).
INTEMANN (Ind).
TUBMAN (Labor).
ROBERTS x 3 (*supported by the Nats).
HORNSHAW (Libertarian).

fans

01/10/2024

Referendum Question has been confirmed with 52% voting YES to reducing the number of Councillors from 9 to 7 at the 2028 Election.

30/09/2024

The Mayoral Results are in.

I have to say I'm a little disappointed there weren't more preference votes to close the gap.

Regardless, we move ahead knowing there has been a significant change in voting patterns since December 2021.

Although there are some factors to take into account, only 4 Candidates running this time instead of 5 including popular options Rachel Sheppard and Lisa Intemann not contesting, my First Preference votes increased 316% from 3 120 votes to 12 972.

Pinson's First Preferences as compared to Roberts (29 928 down to 21 080) dropped 30%.

We should find out tomorrow the make-up of the 8 Councillor positions.

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Videos (show all)

TODAY IS THE DAY TO GET BEHIND YOUR COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS!LIPOVACBAILEYCREPAZGAREL#nik4mayor #GroupD #teamlipovac #committ...
Q & A with a Mayoral Candidate.*Authorised by Nik Lipovac, 116 Lord St Port Macquarie.#nik4mayor #GroupD #committedtoour...
Pre-poll Voting is open today 9am to 6pm in 6 locations and will continue Monday to Friday at different times... but not...
We're proud to have LUKE GAREL on the "Team Lipovac" Group Ticket. He's an advocate for Small Business and Community Spo...
If you can help out for a few hours at a local Polling Booth between Sept 7 and 14 please let me know.Here are your Pre-...
We're lucky to have ELLEN CREPAZ as part of our "GROUP D" Ticket who is regarded by many as a Community Champion with he...
Who are you?There's a question I've heard a few times so allow me to introduce myself...Vote 1 LIPOVAC Nik for MAYOR.Vot...
Vote 1 Above the Line GROUP D.An Independent Ticket with Independent thinkers!#nik4mayor #GroupD #teamlipovac #committed...
Vote NO to the Referendum Question about reducing Councillor Numbers.*Authorised by Nik Lipovac, 116 Lord St Port Macqua...
JON BAILEY is Committed to our Community!#teamlipovac #nik4mayor #GroupD #committedtoourcommunity*Authorised by Nik Lipo...
#teamlipovac #nik4mayor #GroupD #committedtoourcommunity*Authorised by Nik Lipovac, 116 Lord St Port Macquarie.
Vote 1 GROUP D.Vote 1 LIPOVAC Nik for MAYOR.On the Referendum Paper to Reduce Councillor Numbers tick the "NO" Box.#team...

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