What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Port Macquarie-Hastings' direction is set out in its Community Strategic Plan 'Imagine 2050' and a Delivery Program 2025–2029 with an annual Operational Plan and budget, shaped by population growth, coastal and river management, and renewal of the Port Macquarie city centre.
The council manages local roads, waste, water and sewer, libraries, parks, beaches and planning across a large Mid North Coast LGA that combines the regional centre of Port Macquarie with rural towns and coastal villages. Its Delivery Program is the elected council's statement of commitment for its term, funded through a Long-Term Financial Plan and Resourcing Strategy.
The 2026–27 Operational Plan funds a capital works program of more than $200 million, including major water and wastewater schemes (Cowarra Water Supply, Thrumster Wastewater) alongside roads, bridges and stormwater renewal.
Underway now
Port Macquarie City Heart renewal
Strategy & master plan on exhibition 2026A strategy and master plan to renew the Port Macquarie city centre — improving housing supply and activating the CBD through arts, culture, events and business support. The project is supported by funding under the Australian Government's Housing Support Program.
Source: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council — Have Your Say: Draft City Heart Strategy and Masterplan
2026–27 capital works program (water, wastewater, roads)
2026–27 Operational PlanThe adopted 2026–27 budget funds a capital works program of more than $200 million, including the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme, the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme, the Beechwood Road and Maria River Road upgrades, and continued investment in local roads, bridges and stormwater.
Planned / committed
Imagine 2050 Community Strategic Plan
2025–2035 (long-term goals to 2050)The council's top-level Community Strategic Plan, setting long-term goals for growth, environment, infrastructure and community wellbeing across the LGA, adopted alongside the Delivery Program 2025–2029.
Source: Port Macquarie-Hastings Council — Community Strategic Plan (CSP)