4WD beach permit reminder
4WD owners planning to drive on the region’s beaches are being urged to ensure they hold a current permit before venturing out to the sand.
Owners are reminded that only registered vehicles can apply for beach driving permits, which must be clearly displayed on the windscreen.
Permits and Vehicles on Beach brochures providing information regarding the responsible use of vehicles are available at Council offices in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton and the Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre.
Each brochure includes maps outlining areas accessible to vehicles and prohibited locations.
Lock it or lose it
Residents and visitors alike can take steps to secure their valuables and belongings this holiday season.
While Port Macquarie-Hastings region has a relatively low crime rate and low thefts compared with the state’s average, Council’s Crime Prevention Officer Christine Bannister said residents set to travel this Christmas should take the time to lock away any precious or costly items in the home.
“If you are shopping or at the beach, keep valuables in your car out of sight and make sure the doors and boot are locked,” Mrs Bannister said.
Safe swimming warning
Hastings Lifeguards have issued a timely safety reminder to beachgoers, promoting this year’s simple message, “No Flags No Swim”.
Six beaches throughout the Port Macquarie-Hastings region will be patrolled throughout the summer, with full-time lifeguards and volunteer surf life-savers on hand to assist the holidaying public.
Patrolled beach times this summer:
Beach   Time
Town Beach   9am-5.30pm
Flynns Beach   9am-5.30pm
Lighthouse Beach   9am-4.30pm
Bonny Hills   9am-4.30pm
North Haven   9am-4.30pm
Lake Cathie   9am-3pm
Whizzy drops by
Water-saving ambassador Whizzy the Waterdrop has commenced an interactive conservation tour in January offering helpful water saving tips and hints to residents and visitors.
Whizzy and friends are hitting beaches, pools and shopping centres across the region each Wednesday throughout January encouraging residents and visitors to be water-wise and to be mindful of water consumption this summer.
Whizzy whereabouts:
Dates: Wednesday, January 18 and Wednesday, January 26.
Venues: Port Macquarie Town Beach, Town Green bottle-bubbler, Port Macquarie public pool, Flynn’s beach, Settlement City, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills surf beach, North Haven surf beach, North Haven tidal pool/park, Laurieton pool, Kendall pool, Wauchope pool.
Park properly or pay
A new parking facility within the Port Macquarie CBD has opened.
Ian Chetcuti, Team Leader of Ranger Services said the opening of Coles in Hayward St has created an additional 145 time-limited parking spaces on the lower parking level of the new complex.
“Pre-existing 154 all-day parking spaces are now available to the public on the top deck of the new centre, as well as time limited parking spaces on the lower level,” Mr Chetcuti said.
“This should ease some of the parking issues within the Port Macquarie CBD.”
Hastings Rangers are reminding people that while all parking within the Local Government Area is free, time-limited parking still applies within the Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope CBDs.
Parking at and around the popular beach areas will also be enforced to ensure the safety of all beach users and safe access to all areas for emergency vehicles is maintained.
