communitynow N E W S L E T T E R S p R i N g 2 0 1 6

pm

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nsw

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.au

w a t e r o u r v a l u a b l e

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> Delivering for our growing community

> Jenny finDs a home

> swim safe this summer

From the Mayor

Welcome to the spring edition of the Community Now newsletter.You may notice a different name and format to

the newsletter this quarter, and we hope you enjoy the changes. If you have feedback or suggestions on how you would like to be kept informed on the many things happening across our region please let us know.

It’s hard to believe how quickly 2016 is disappearing, and it has been a particularly busy year for us all. Your Council has been focussed on continuing to deliver many major projects, including the construction of the new Stingray Creek Bridge, upgrade of the Wauchope Pool, the Indoor Stadium redevelopment and of course the upgrade to

Hastings River Drive. As a community, it’s also been a year of major happenings.

From a federal election, to voting for those representing you on local council, through to us all losing a little sleep as we cheered on the Aussies at the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our local Port Macquarie-Hastings athletes certainly performed with passion and spirit, and we are so proud of you all.

As we reflect on the year that was and the many achievements, there is still much work to be done. Your Council will continue to focus on delivering value for money services for our community in the most efficient and effective way possible.

It is certainly a prosperous time for our region, and we look forward to working with the entire community to enhance the great life we live, in this beautiful part of the world.

Peter Besseling Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor

community now tv hits the screen

Keeping you up to date with things happening in your community.

Check it out at our YouTube channel: youtube.com/pmhcouncil

and Facebook page: facebook.com/pmhc2444.

> Cover: Jaimie Harrison, Library Assistant (Wauchope) at Rawson Falls.

pmhc.nsw.gov.au/community

Delivering for our growing community You can’t help but notice lots happening across our region and we are certainly a growing community. Here’s a snapshot of some of the great projects and initiatives.

Jetgo> Starting in November we welcome direct flights to

Melbourne thanks to an agreement between Council and regional aircraft provider JETGO. To book visit jetgo.com.

Port macquarie indoor stadium> The expanded indoor stadium is taking shape and will be

ready for play in January. Check out the time lapse video of construction at pmhclistening.com.au.

>

community grants > Local community groups have benefitted from $164,000 in

Council grants. For more information or to apply visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/communitygrants.

events> Locally grown events are taking off thanks to Council’s Event

Sponsorship Program. Find out more at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/eventsponsorship.

wauchope Pool > The refurbishment of the Wauchope Olympic Pool is going

swimmingly, and will be open prior to Christmas.

houston mitchell Drive > The major upgrade to the ‘ghost road’ to improve safety is

set for completion by the end of 2016.

Rain

PumpingStation

Treatment Plant

Reservoirs

Port Macquarie andCowarra Storage Dams

Your Home

how does water that starts as a trickle make its way to our homes everyday?

It’s a great question, and one that was asked when we joined year 12 chemistry students from Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie

Campus on their recent field trip of Council’s water supply facilities.

The students began their day at Council’s Environmental Laboratory, where they met with staff from the chemistry and microbiology sections.

Here they experienced a working laboratory first hand before travelling

out to the Hastings River, the source of our drinking water. Perhaps the most important lesson learnt by

the students was that water is a finite resource, and we all

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have a responsibility to use water wisely to ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The students now understand the importance of how saving water becomes a life-long habit and there isn’t an endless supply.

Our region’s drinking water is collected from the Hastings River at Koree Island, 5km south-west of Wauchope. Here the quality of the raw water is tested for turbidity and nutrient levels to ensure it meets set criteria before being pumped to the Wauchope Water Treatment Plant.

Fast fact > On average each person

uses about 200Litres of water a day ... that’s about 20 buckets (this may be more for teenagers!)

> If your school or group is interested in a free water tour let us know.

Rain

PumpingStation

Treatment Plant

Reservoirs

Port Macquarie andCowarra Storage Dams

Your Home

w a t e r O u R v A L u A B L E

r e s o u r c eThe water is then conditioned with the addition of lime and carbon dioxide. This two part process helps to increase the alkalinity, stabilises the pH of the raw water and improves effectiveness of the disinfection

process at the Rosewood Reservoirs. It is then gravity-fed to Council’s off-creek storage dams: Port Macquarie Dam (2,500 megalitres) and Cowarra Dam (10,000 megalitres).

During periods of low river flows, drought or poor water quality from the river, Council relies on these storage dams to meet usage demands.

From the dams, the water is then transferred to reservoirs throughout our region before travelling through a network of pipes to reach our taps as crystal clear water.

Did you know?> Council has recently adopted uniform

water restrictions along with other councils on the mid north coast. While we are not currently in water restrictions, you can find out more at our website.

> Get your free water restrictions magnet from Council today.

> For tips on saving water at home visit our website.

It’s quite a process, and Council is responsible for providing a safe, clean water supply to our community. Programs are in place to check water quality at every stage of the supply system to ensure good quality drinking water for all.

If we are to maintain a sustainable water supply and lessen the impact on the environment education is key. Ensuring future generations value, conserve and protect our most precious resource starts with us.

Have you considered how you use this valuable resource?

pmhc.nsw.gov.au/water

our region’s Drinking water is collecteD from the hastings river at koree islanD, 5km south-west of wauchoPe.

two years ago robyn and John fisher made the decision to move from the hunter valley to Port macquarie. like so many of us they fell in love with the region and now call sienna grange retirement village ‘home’.

Over a delicious orange and pineapple tea cake we recently spent an entertaining morning with Robyn and John, as together they shared their stories of their move up the coast. We also heard of their profound love of dogs, in particular their beloved rescue dog; ‘Beau’, a long-haired rough collie who has now passed away.

“I learnt a lot from Beau, he was my mate,

and I would talk with him for hours,” piped up John, who was struggling to get a word in edgeways.

Having now settled into the Port Macquarie community they knew the next stage of their lives needed to include a pet as part of their family, and whilst it was always going to be impossible to replace Beau that’s where the adventure began.

“There are only two things I need to make me happy ... a fire and a dog,” said John as he reminisced over another cuppa.

With a spanking new fire already adorning the living room, there was only one thing to do, and the ever attentive Robyn arranged a number of impromptu visits to the RSPCA to begin the long search for their new buddy.

P E R F E C T

m a t c h

> You can register your pet and complete a lifetime registration form at Council offices or by visiting our website.

LOSTRegister

and microchip

your dog so it c

an be

FOUND!

there are only two things i neeD to make me haPPy ... a fire anD a Dog‘ ‘

P E R F E C T

m a t c hThey would drop in to meet all creatures great and small, chat to the staff, and most importantly have a yarn with the dogs. It was important for them both to get the right fit.

“What we realised having had rescue animals before, is that the animal also has to feel comfortable–they actually pick you,” said Robyn.

“After a couple of months, the phone rang whilst we were out enjoying the Westport Markets. It was Jo from the RSPCA and all she said was “I think we might have the right dog for you”.

“We both eagerly headed to the RSPCA Shelter to meet our potential new family member, and we knew immediately ... hello Jenny.”

Jenny, a red Kelpie looked at John with eyes that would melt anyone and there was no two ways about it ... ”right, we’re taking you home young lady,” sang out John.

Jenny coming into their lives has given both Robyn and John a new lease on life.

“She has a lovely character and it’s like she almost talks to us. She relates to

we spoke with the team at

the Port macquarie rsPca who told us that before buying a new pet it is important to understand the amount of dedication that goes into caring for animals, particularly dogs and cats.

You need to have time, as dogs are so reliant on you for their happiness. They need interaction

with people and to be part of the family, not something that you just put

in the backyard.

Port Macquarie’s RSPCA is a small shelter which allows us to get to know all our animals and match their personality with potential families.

When purchasing an animal from the RSPCA they are ready to go, with vaccinations, micro-chipping and de-sexing all taken care of.

Of course all animals need to be registered and RSPCA purchased pets receive half price registration from Council.

The Port Macquarie RSPCA is located at 10 Karungi Crescent Port Macquarie. Opening hours are Monday, and Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-3.30pm.

For more information visit RSPCA’s website rspcansw.org.au.

pmhc.nsw.gov.au/pets

humans (actually she thinks she is human!), loves the car, adventures, walks and doggie stories.

“I have a million stories ... and Jenny gets to hear them all,” explained John.

“Every day we feel like we have won the lottery since moving to Port Macquarie. Everything just fell into place and Jenny has been the cherry on top of the cake,” Robyn said with an infectious enthusiasm.

“We feel alive, we always have a laugh and are both getting exercise. The responsibilities of having Jenny has given our lives new purpose, and let’s be honest animals just have a way of making us feel good.”

Thanks Robyn and John for a wonderful morning of laughter and licks!

There’s nothing better than a cooling swim on a hot day, and with the weather warming up it’s time to make sure your pool is fit and ready for the swimming season.

This includes ensuring the pool is safe and secure, with pool fencing and gates being in perfect order, the display of an approved resuscitation sign and ensuring the whole family swim safe and always swim with a buddy.

If you’re looking to sell, buy or lease a property with a pool, there are new laws that apply in NSW. The new laws mean you need a valid Certificate of Non-compliance, a Compliance Certificate or a Final Occupation Certificate and that you register your pool or spa on the State Swimming Pool Register.

We chatted with one family who recently had their pool approved when they moved into their new home.

They told us how easy it was to register their pool. “All we had to do was go to the website, put in our address, size of our property, the type of pool (whether it was in-ground or a spa), how old the pool is and if any work had been done on the pool fence.”

If you’ve got a pool, you can register it at swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au.

For more information and to download your pool barrier checklist visit our website.

17 Burrawan Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

49 High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446

9 Laurie Street, Laurieton NSW 2443

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pmhc.nsw.gov.au/events

t: 02 6581 8111 e: council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au

S W I M

s a f e T H I S S u M M E R

Did you know?> A portable or temporary

swimming pool where the depth is greater than 30cm must by law be fenced.

pmhc.nsw.gov.au/swimmingpools