Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams led a delegation from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to meet with eight state government ministers over two days.

“I was very pleased to arrange these meetings for our new mayor Peta Pinson, council’s general manager Craig Swift-McNair and director of strategy and growth Jeffery Sharp,” Mrs Williams said.

The group met with Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey, Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton, Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair, Minister for Lands Paul Toole, Minister for Tourism Adam Marshall, Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts and Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward.

Cr Pinson said the meetings were really positive. “I think down the track we are going to see the fruits of those discussions,” she said.

The meetings discussed a cross section of topics.

“I think the take-home message for all of us was the importance of partnering,” Cr Pinson said about working together.

The mayor said she felt really positive about the future.

“We came back energised, and will have discussions moving forward with the other councillors, and keep working towards a good outcome for our community,” Cr Pinson said.

Mrs Williams said giving the council delegation the opportunity to discuss a broad range of issues with the ministers was invaluable to them, as well as providing the ministers with issues important to the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area.

Issues discussed included the sealing of Maria River Road, the proposed upgrade of Boundary Street, Ocean Drive duplication, highway destination signs, the future of the Plaza car park site, the Beach to Beach shared walkway, the Lake Cathie revetment wall, feral deer management and public transport needs.

“Whilst I had previously discussed many of these issues with ministers, it was important that they meet with the council delegation to hear their concerns first-hand,” Mrs Williams said.