WE have reached the last week of November and summer starts next week with a wet one still forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology.

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This is due to the effect of ‘La Nina’, a natural cycle that warms the northern waters and increases rainfall, at least until February.

So, more summer storms on the way.

Onto the beach and more dingoes are out and about, including in picnic and residential areas.

Dingoes are still classified as wild dogs by the NSW State Government.

The management of dingoes seeks to balance the risks they pose with the need to preserve their important ecological role, such as eliminating feral pests.

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment advises that feeding dingoes does not help, so let others know, especially visitors to our beaches and parks.

Around to North Arm Cove, and ‘Cove Coffee’ opened at the community centre last Saturday 21 November, selling locally made hot drinks, scones and cakes.

Volunteers will serve coffee and cakes every Wednesday and Thursday between 10am and 12 noon (cash only).

‘Cove Coffee’ is an initiative of the local 355 Committee and aims to enhance community life in the Cove and to raise funds for local activities and projects.

Talking cakes, the Tea Gardens Lions Club have another round of their delicious Christmas Cakes for sale at The Grange, Woody’s Building and Garden Centre, Hawks Nest newsagency or text 0423 691 488 – be quick as going fast, and support local Lions projects.

Cakes are also going at the Two Fat Bakers in Tea Gardens, which has an ever expanding and detailed mural of the Myall Coast on their wall (pictured) thanks to local artist and Barista, Paris Battle, so drop in for an update with coffee.

Lastly there will be lots (more) parcels sent this silly season, so be ready early with domestic delivery almost confirmed by Australia Post  if sent before 12 December.

To Council matters, and note that on 28 and 29 November, the Tea Gardens – Hawks Nest Progress Association will be operating a pop-up shop front at the Hawks Nest IGA to elicit and coordinate community consultation about the MidCoast Council Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan / Bike plan (or PAMP).

The purpose of the PAMP is to provide a strategy to deliver improved pedestrian access, accessible footpaths, shared pathways, cycleways, bike facilities and community pedestrian / cycle systems to ensure effective links for our community.

The Association is concerned that not all local access needs are being met and community support is critical to get needs identified and met, so call into the pop-up shop to support.

Submissions to the Council about the PAMP close 11 December.

Other matters:

• Council has postponed the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks events in Taree and Forster due to the ongoing risks associated with large gatherings and COVID-19.
• Council is seeking nominations from members of the Bulahdelah community who would like to become part of the Bulahdelah Highway Service Centre Planning Agreement Reference Group – go tomidcoast.nsw.gov.au/bulahdelahreferencegroup before 4.30pm, 2 December.
• Bulahdelah Post Office lodged a petition at the last Council meeting, with 403 residents requesting the option to pay their MidCoast Land Rates at the Post Office (as do the ratepayers of the Former Greater Taree, Gloucester Shires and MidCoast Water Rates); NOTA understands that Tea Gardens – Hawks Nest residents may have the same issue and would value hearing from the community to inform and improve.
• The MidCoast Annual Report was tabled, and the last Council meeting for 2020 is 16 December.

Remember anyone can make a written submission in relation to any item in the Council’s Business paper; email dl.corporatesupport@midcoast.nsw.gov.au and let them know your issues and ideas.

By Sandra MURRAY