Camden Haven News Of The Area

THE rugby league community has rallied to support the Lake Cathie Bonny Hills Raiders under 15s player who was seriously injured during a match against the Old Bar Pirates on Saturday, 22 June.

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League community rallies to support Raiders junior injured in tackle - News Of The Area THE rugby league community has rallied to support the Lake Cathie Bonny Hills Raiders under 15s player who was seriously injured during a match against the Old Bar Pirates on Saturday, 22 June. The teenager, whose given name is Mason, sustained suspected spinal injuries during a tackle in the final....

A PLAN to power Australia with nuclear energy has been condemned by former prime minister Paul Keating, who labelled it as climate change denialism in disguise.

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'Climate denialist': former PM goes nuclear on Dutton - News Of The Area A PLAN to power Australia with nuclear energy has been condemned by former prime minister Paul Keating, who labelled it as climate change denialism in disguise. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to build seven nuclear plants across five states on the sites of coal-fired power stations if th...

DESPITE a touch of cool in the air, the Mid North Coast saw a fantastic week of fishing, with some bragging-worthy catches reported across various locations.

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Hooked on Camden Haven: Mid North Coast fishing frenzy continues - News Of The Area DESPITE a touch of cool in the air, the Mid North Coast saw a fantastic week of fishing, with some bragging-worthy catches reported across various locations. Here’s a breakdown of what’s biting and where to cast your line for success. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for yo...

EARLIER this month the Mid North Coast Porcelain Painters Association held an exhibition of their work at the Laurieton United Services Club.

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Porcelain painters display fine skills in Laurieton - News Of The Area EARLIER this month the Mid North Coast Porcelain Painters Association held an exhibition of their work at the Laurieton United Services Club. “The display included a variety of styles and subjects,” said Dianne Holyman. “Four members of the group belong to the Australasian Porcelain Art Teache...

THERE’S a new boss in charge at the Comboyne Rural Fire Station.

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Comboyne’s first female RFS captain following in dad’s footsteps - News Of The Area THERE’S a new boss in charge at the Comboyne Rural Fire Station. Not only is Linda Sanders the brigade’s first female captain, she’s now officially authorised to tell her father, mother and daughter what to do. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message u...

Letter To The Editor: MY family and I have been residents of Camden Head for 50 years.

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Letter to the Editor: Your chance to enhance the headland - News Of The Area DEAR News Of The Area, MY family and I have been residents of Camden Head for 50 years. The Headland, including the Pilot Station Lookout, was once a well maintained pristine vista, accessible to not only residents but many from the community and buses of tourists visiting particularly for the view....

STUNNING drone shots of a humpback whale playing with a pod of dolphins off Lighthouse Beach are the perfect reminder to get involved in this Sunday’s 25th ORRCA Census Day.

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Flukes, fins, lobtails and lunges: get ready to count whales - News Of The Area STUNNING drone shots of a humpback whale playing with a pod of dolphins off Lighthouse Beach are the perfect reminder to get involved in this Sunday’s 25th ORRCA Census Day. Professional photographer Alex McNaught regularly shares a selection of his work with the community but even he was amazed b...

IN CHILLY conditions the Camden Haven Redbacks mixed under 16s side overpowered their Wauchope rivals at the Vince Inmon Sporting Complex at Laurieton last Friday, securing their first win of the season.

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Camden Haven mixed under 16s claim first win of season - News Of The Area IN CHILLY conditions the Camden Haven Redbacks mixed under 16s side overpowered their Wauchope rivals at the Vince Inmon Sporting Complex at Laurieton last Friday, securing their first win of the season. Both teams came out fast and furious and ready to play, but it was the Redbacks who turned up th...

FIVE local Landcare groups have collaborated to organise a day of nature-based workshops on Saturday 13 July at Laurieton United Services Club from 10.30-3.30 pm.

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A day of nature-based workshops at LUSC - News Of The Area FIVE local Landcare groups have collaborated to organise a day of nature-based workshops on Saturday 13 July at Laurieton United Services Club from 10.30-3.30 pm. The workshops, a morning cuppa and lunch will be free. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message ...

THE June ordinary meeting of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council saw fierce debate over the proposed rate freeze for the 2024/25 Operational Plan, and it began in the Mayoral Minutes.

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Mayoral Minute debate reflects mounting fiscal debate - News Of The Area THE June ordinary meeting of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council saw fierce debate over the proposed rate freeze for the 2024/25 Operational Plan, and it began in the Mayoral Minutes. Mayor Peta Pinson initiated the discussion, emphasising that despite feedback from 75 percent of respondents opposing th...

THERE are just days left for Camden Haven residents to have their say on the future of one of the area’s most neglected reserves.

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Time for Camden Head residents to decide between vegetation or view - News Of The Area THERE are just days left for Camden Haven residents to have their say on the future of one of the area’s most neglected reserves. Since the 2000s, the Camden Head Lookout Reserve has been the source of bitter contention between those who want to preserve its wildlife habitat and those who want to ...

PRINTED EDITION: June 28, 2024

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Camden Haven News Of The Area 28 June 2024 - News Of The Area Camden Haven News Of The Area 28 June 2024 Camden Haven (Printed Edition) by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 28, 2024

TO say it has been a tumultuous week in local government politics would be an understatement.

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Rates to stay frozen after week of political toing and froing - News Of The Area TO say it has been a tumultuous week in local government politics would be an understatement. Following Port Macquarie–Hastings Council’s (PMHC) decision on Thursday, 20 June, to adopt a zero rate peg for 2024-25, a heated and public tug-of-war has played out between those councillors who suppor...

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has approved a 0.0 percent rate peg for the 2024/25 Operational Plan, rejecting a council staff recommendation of a 4.6 percent rate increase.

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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council approves controversial rate freeze for 2024/25 - News Of The Area PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has approved a 0.0 percent rate peg for the 2024/25 Operational Plan, rejecting a council staff recommendation of a 4.6 percent rate increase. Significant debate unfolded in Council’s 20 June meeting, where Mayor Peta Pinson moved the motion for the rate freeze, whi...

A NUMBER of local youth athletes have been offered opportunities to train and play at the elite level, however with most top performance programs located in capital cities, the strain on players and their families can be immense.

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The opportunities and sacrifices of pursuing elite sport out of the Camden Haven - News Of The Area A NUMBER of local youth athletes have been offered opportunities to train and play at the elite level, however with most top performance programs located in capital cities, the strain on players and their families can be immense. Dunbogan’s Reeve Simmons had his AFL talents identified after Brent ...

IT was a tough day at the office on the weekend for the Camden Haven Redbacks Ladies side, who strapped on the boots for the first time in three weeks after washouts and long weekends.

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Hard fought draw for Camden Haven Redbacks Ladies - News Of The Area IT was a tough day at the office on the weekend for the Camden Haven Redbacks Ladies side, who strapped on the boots for the first time in three weeks after washouts and long weekends. Keen to stake their claim as Premier contenders, the Redbacks took to the field at home against first-placed Willaw...

RECENT Camden Haven Eagles recruit Nadia Bligh has been selected for the Group 3 Junior Rugby League (JRL) Academy.

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Camden Haven Eagles junior Nadia Bligh earns representative selection - News Of The Area RECENT Camden Haven Eagles recruit Nadia Bligh has been selected for the Group 3 Junior Rugby League (JRL) Academy. A former Taree junior, Nadia is no stranger to representative action. Last year, she was selected in the under 13s Group 3 Academy, trialling successfully again this year for the under...

WELCOME to your new home in the well-established and highly regarded Waterview Heights Estate, West Haven.

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9 Koonwarra Street, West Haven is on the market with Professionals Laurieton - News Of The Area 9 Koonwarra Street, West Haven NSW 2443 Price: $820,000 Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2, Car Spaces: 2 Land Size: 744m² WELCOME to your new home in the well-established and highly regarded Waterview Heights Estate, West Haven. This property is not only well positioned but also ready for its new owners to...

FEMALE rugby league players from Camden Haven High School (CHHS) were out to impress when they took the field for the Lower North Coast Country Cup at Regional Stadium, Port Macquarie.

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Camden Haven High rugby league girls shine at Country Cup - News Of The Area FEMALE rugby league players from Camden Haven High School (CHHS) were out to impress when they took the field for the Lower North Coast Country Cup at Regional Stadium, Port Macquarie. CHHS entered teams in under 14s, under 16s and under 18s divisions. Despite facing strong opposition all three team...

THE Camden Haven Netball Club hosted our fundraiser day during Round 10 of the netball season.

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Camden Haven Netball Club raise key funds - News Of The Area THE Camden Haven Netball Club hosted our fundraiser day during Round 10 of the netball season. After weeks of rainy weather, it was great to see teams and supporters enjoying the sun and clear skies on and off the court. The fundraiser, aimed at raising funds for our clubs’ activities and equipmen...

THE Quarter Final of the Club Championship Mixed Pairs saw some close encounters and fantastic games.

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Kew Bowling Club - News Of The Area THE Quarter Final of the Club Championship Mixed Pairs saw some close encounters and fantastic games. The results were: – M.Cini/P.Cini def. J.Wellard/S.Wellard 19-14 – S.Hardwicke/W.Thrussell def. Marg.Ashford/Mick.Ashford 20-18 – W.Isaac/B.Isaac def. W.Barnes/I.Bruno 22-13 – J.Turnbull/P.G...

Stargazing: THE Moon’s influence on human behaviour and physiology has been a subject of fascination and debate for centuries.

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Stargazing: Don’t be a luna-tic - News Of The Area THE Moon’s influence on human behaviour and physiology has been a subject of fascination and debate for centuries. While many beliefs about lunar effects remain rooted in folklore, recent scientific research has provided some insights into the Moon’s potential impact on various aspects of human ...

DISCOVER the epitome of coastal living with our exclusive three-bedroom haven, perfectly tailored for first home buyers seeking a blend of comfort, style, and affordability.

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32 Alfred Street, North Haven is on the market with LJ Ho**er Laurieton - News Of The Area 32 Alfred Street, North Haven Open house: 9:30am – 10:00am Saturday 29 June DISCOVER the epitome of coastal living with our exclusive three-bedroom haven, perfectly tailored for first home buyers seeking a blend of comfort, style, and affordability. Nestled in the heart of a serene coastal communi...

THE Kendall Blues delighted fans in attendance at their annual charity round on Saturday, running out big winners over local rivals the Lake Cathie Raiders.

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Kendall Blues secure big win over the Lake Cathie Raiders - News Of The Area THE Kendall Blues delighted fans in attendance at their annual charity round on Saturday, running out big winners over local rivals the Lake Cathie Raiders. Blues winger Jye Rousell ran in three brilliant tries at the Kendall Showground, with his first coming in the opening minutes of the match. Jus...

‘On The Couch’ With Jasminda: I’ve started going to soccer matches with a good friend and our sons, who are both in the same class at school. We thought this was a great way to save fuel and catch up.

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda - News Of The Area DEAR Jasminda, I’ve started going to soccer matches with a good friend and our sons, who are both in the same class at school. We thought this was a great way to save fuel and catch up. The problem is, I’ve now discovered my friend is highly competitive when it comes to sport. She yells...

Urgent bid to reverse rate freeze

(Story updated at 12:55pm Tuesday 25 June)

By Sue STEPHENSON

FOUR councillors have launched an urgent bid to thaw the rate freeze adopted as part of Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s 2024-25 Operational Plan.

Councillors Rachel Sheppard, Nik Lipovac, Lauren Edwards and Lisa Intemann have lodged a Notice of Rescission to overturn both the zero rate peg and the removal of the Town Centre Master Plan (TCMP) component of the Port Macquarie CBD Business Rate.

They voted against the proposals at the ordinary meeting of 20 June, however Mayor Peta Pinson used her casting vote to push them through.

An extraordinary meeting will now be called to vote on the rescission motion.

“It is almost certain that a special rate variation, [which is] a much higher increase in rates, will be required in the near future to recoup the revenue lost,” Cr Lipovac warned in a joint statement to media on Monday night.

He and councillors Sheppard, Edwards and Intemann argue that while a rate freeze will save the average residential ratepayer $60 a year, already depleted General Fund Reserves will have to be used to offset the impact on road resealing, parks and recreation maintenance, and building maintenance.

Any shortfall, they say, will have to come out of funding for community activities, tree maintenance and staff hiring.

“We have clear advice against a rate freeze from relevant authorities including the Office of Local Government Deputy Secretary Brett Whitworth and council’s own directors’ risk assessments, as well as independent financial specialists,” Cr Sheppard said.

“We also have the community raising concerns through the engagement process, only for this to be ignored.”

Cr Intemann said the rescission motion is about good financial management and ensuring council meets its responsibilities under the Local Government Act.

“What’s at stake here is council’s financial sustainability and maintaining public trust in the council and its operations,” she said.

Cr Edwards said a rate freeze is far from defensible, according to “every source of advice available to councillors”.

“While a clause was adopted to suggest that rate freeze mitigations would not include community grants, there are no funding allocations [for these] from any source for the 2024-25 financial year.

“This rate freeze decision has been made by the Mayor using a casting vote, which continues an ongoing pattern of decision-making that does not pass the ‘pub test’.”

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams has launched a stinging attack on the councillors who approved the rate freeze.

“Councillors Pinson, Roberts, Slade and Maltman need to explain why they put their own political agenda ahead of the community by ignoring the hundreds who participated in the recent consultation on the Draft Operational Plan Budget.

“They are overseeing the council plunging into a net deficit of approximately $8 million from a reported surplus in 2023 of $6.5 million, but this advice was totally disregarded.”

Cr Sheppard said if the rescission is successful, a new motion will be put forward to adopt the full 4.6 percent rate peg; retain the TCMP; and to reclaim the $1.3 million earmarked for the early repayment of the TCMP loan.

“Council holds multiple other loans with higher interest rates…why choose the TCMP loan?” she said.

“This was not good process, and not a good use of funds.

“Like the rate freeze, it is hard to defend.”

On Tuesday, Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson released a joint statement in response to the criticism.

The Mayor’s statement reads, in full:

'Team Pinson went to the 2021 election with a policy position to freeze rates for the full term of Council on the basis of assisting our local economy to recover after bushfires, floods, a COVID lockdown and a cost of living crisis, whilst also putting pressure on the Council organisation to be more efficient when using ratepayer funds on operational practices.

'The decision to freeze rates this year was delivered at the June 20 council meeting, knowing full well that with more than $400 million in council cash reserves, it can be afforded at this time.

'The budget position adopted at the June meeting protected Community Grant funding whilst also embarking on a record spend on infrastructure and projects to the tune of more than $205 million.

'The four councillors who are fighting so hard to raise the rates with the support of the State Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, voted against the budget and operational plan and in doing so signalled to the community their intention to continue to raise rates into the future should they be re-elected.

'Comments made by Leslie Williams, supporting councillors Lipovac, Sheppard, Edwards and Intemann, demonstrate a lack of understanding of council’s true financial position and amounts to deliberate and unnecessary political interference in the lead up to a Local Government election.'

“It would be more helpful to the people of the Port Macquarie region if the Member for Port Macquarie set her focus on fixing the traffic congestion gridlock on the Wrights Road Roundabout and Lake Road intersection and also let the community know when they can expect an overpass at the Houston Mitchell Drive intersection, with both projects seemingly not on the Member’s current priority list,” Cr Pinson said.

MEET Rob Dwyer, this week’s Heart of the Haven.

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Heart of the Haven: Rob Dwyer - News Of The Area MEET Rob Dwyer, this week’s Heart of the Haven. Rob grew up in several regional towns before graduating from high school in Forster. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – [email protected] After comp...

NEW SOUTH WALES has seen a significant increase in four major criminal offences over the past five years, according to a recent report by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

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Significant rise in major criminal offences in NSW over five years - News Of The Area NEW SOUTH WALES has seen a significant increase in four major criminal offences over the past five years, according to a recent report by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. Between March 2019 and March 2024, incidents of domestic assault, non-domestic assault, sexual assault, and motor...

THE latest Port Macquarie-Hastings Council report reveals significant updates on the natural resource management of Lake Cathie, Lake Innes, and Cathie Creek, outlining a range of ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at improving the waterways.

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Major Lake Cathie updates included in monthly waterway management report - News Of The Area THE latest Port Macquarie-Hastings Council report reveals significant updates on the natural resource management of Lake Cathie, Lake Innes, and Cathie Creek, outlining a range of ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at improving the waterways. A comprehensive 212-page document, the ‘Lake Cathie...

CONFIRMED by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation as the oldest active Dragon Boat Club member in Australia, at 90 years young Fran Jordan keeps powering along.

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At 90 years young, Camden Haven’s Fran Jordan keeps paddling on - News Of The Area CONFIRMED by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation as the oldest active Dragon Boat Club member in Australia, at 90 years young Fran Jordan keeps powering along. Fran represents the Laurieton-based Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club (CHDBC), whose 83 members enjoy the region’s spectacular waterways whi...