Mayor's Column: Working together for our communities

Published on 14 August 2025

On Monday, I joined my fellow Mayors from Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca and Port Macquarie to meet with our state and federal MPs. Our message was simple, that our communities need more for the Mid North Coast.

Together, we represent what I believe is the most beautiful region in Australia. From our coastline to our hinterland, our towns to our villages, we are united by a shared love for where we live. But while our natural beauty is undeniable, our communities face real challenges from housing shortages, infrastructure needs, transport connectivity, healthcare access and the pressures of a growing population.

We also share the reality of living in a region that has faced repeated disasters from bushfires to floods to major storms. Each event has tested us, but it has also revealed our greatest strength: our resilience. Our communities pull together, support each other and get back on their feet. But resilience can’t rely solely on community spirit. We need stronger investment in disaster preparedness, recovery support and infrastructure that can withstand the challenges ahead. Our Council is beginning to lead the way in this, with new infrastructure designs that include things like generators and building our roads back better.

When we speak as individual councils, our voices can be strong. But when we come together as a united Mid North Coast, we are powerful. We can present a shared vision for growth, opportunity and resilience. One that benefits the entire region, not just one LGA at a time.

This week’s meeting was about more than advocacy. It was about leadership. It was about showing that collaboration, not competition, will deliver the best results for our communities. It was about saying to government: Here is our vision, here are our priorities and here’s how you can partner with us to make them a reality.

Now is the time for growth. Now is the time to invest in the potential of the Mid North Coast. And now is the time to keep working together across council borders, across levels of government, and across our communities to make sure we secure the opportunities our region deserves.

Mayor Kinne Ring.