Our organisation

The Port Macquarie-Hastings region is one of the fastest growing urban centres in Australia.

Our Local Government Area covers 34 communities spread across the coast and hinterland, in urban, suburban and rural environments. With pristine coastal and hinterland environments, world class restaurants and a vibrant community, the Port Macquarie-Hastings region is incredibly diverse, with huge opportunities for growth and development.

Our population is concentrated in the main centres of Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope. Smaller villages and neighbourhoods are important centres for people who live outside of the main centres.

Our region

Our progress on economic growth and increasing demand in health, education, construction and professional services sectors ensures business opportunities are surging.

Given our central location, we are strategically placed for easy travel to both Sydney and Brisbane. With an array of active business support networks in place to support innovation and entrepreneurship, it is an attractive region for both start-ups and major industry.

As our population is expected to continue to grow, we have some major projects on the horizon to expand our transport networks, housing estates and water systems.

Our organisation

Our community matters. It's where we live, it's who we serve and it's why we exist.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council takes a customer-first approach. Our team strives to deliver real solutions to promote a vibrant and thriving region. We believe in engagement, consultation and transparency – and we are focused on the future, with long term objectives and a modern business model.

Our organisational structure is comprised of an Office of the General Manager, and four divisions – Business and Performance, Community Utilities, Community Planning and Environment, Community Infrastructure.

The chart below outlines the structure of our organisation, and the key focus area of each division.

PMHC Organisation chart 2025.png

Our vision

Our Community Strategy Plan (CSP) is the overarching document that sets the direction for all of our subsequent plans, policies and strategies.

Our CSP, Imagine2050 describes our community's shared vision for the Port Macquarie Hastings future.

Our vision is to create the most liveable, sustainable and innovative place in Australia.

We are coordinating our business, activities, funding priorities, and services to achieve this vision by the year 2050. Under that vision, we have five strategic objectives which support our progress.

Imagine 2050 Strategic objectives.png

 

While we take a lead role in the development and implementation of Imagine2050 - as it is a shared vision and plan between the community, there is a shared responsibility for achieving our long-term objectives. This rests with the collective commitment of all levels of government, businesses, industry groups, community organisations and individuals.

To learn more about our vision, and the path we are taking to get there, read Imagine2050 in full.

Our Council

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is represented by 9 Councillors, including the Mayor, who are elected for a 4-year term.

Learn more about our Mayor & Councillors and their role.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW)

Local Government NSW is an independent organisation that exists to serve the interests of New South Wales general and special purpose councils.

Importantly, they are not a government department or agency. Instead, they support and advocate on behalf of member councils to help strengthen and protect an effective, democratic system of local government across NSW.


LGNSW Campaigns and Initiatives:

Cost Shifting

LGNSW works hard to identify and oppose any cost shifting that impacts member councils. For further information please visit: Cost Shifting | LGNSW