A break provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the year that was, to learn, and look ahead to the many opportunities and challenges the new year will bring.

During 2018, I as your mayor, councillors and our many passionate staff will remain committed to listening to our community, representing your best interests, and building upon what was a very busy and productive 2017.

To kick things off, many projects will soon get underway including work to construct a new roundabout at the Newport Island Rd/Hastings River Drive intersection, and important bridge replacements in Kendall and Comboyne that will improve safety and access.

Not only this, works are progressing to ease congestion along Lake Rd in Port Macquarie, and safety upgrades to Beechwood Rd between Riverbreeze Dr and Rosewood Rd in Wauchope will be completed mid-year.

Our region continues to jump in leaps and bounds, with housing development, health and education precinct’s and new sporting facilities all planned to cater for the many new residents and visitors flocking to our beautiful part of the world.

As usual, we’ll be focused on rejuvenating our many community assets, delivering a range of infrastructure projects and developing strategies that continue to support this growth.

During 2018 I encourage everyone to get involved and ‘have your say’ on the many projects planned by submitting feedback via Council’s website and Customer Service Centres. Let’s do this together!

We are here to work hard on your behalf, and it’s important that everyone has the opportunity to participate in ensuring our region remains an attractive place to live, work, play and invest. I look forward to seeing many of you out and about in the year ahead.