Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Score: 63/100 — What Residents Should Know
Port Macquarie-Hastings scores 63/100 overall, with its strongest performance in Lifestyle & Amenity (75/100). Ranked #8 of 79 regional councils in NSW.
Port Macquarie-Hastings records a composite score of 63/100 (solid), ranking 9th of 79 in its regional peer group and 17th of 128 across NSW. It sits in the top quartile of NSW's regional councils, serving around 87k residents in a regional centre.On Financial Sustainability, Port Macquarie-Hastings posts 58/100 (solid). That sits modestly above the regional peer average of 51 and sits modestly above the NSW state average of 51. It captures how well the council balances its books, manages debt, and funds future infrastructure without over-relying on rates increases.Community Services comes in at 64/100 for Port Macquarie-Hastings, rated solid. That runs comfortably ahead of the regional peer average of 51 and runs comfortably ahead of the NSW state average of 51. It captures the reach and quality of libraries, childcare, aged support, community centres, and grants that touch daily life.The council's Lifestyle & Amenity result — 75/100 — reads as strong. That stands well above the regional peer average of 51 and stands well above the NSW state average of 51. It captures parks, sportsgrounds, cultural venues, events, and the general liveability of the area relative to what residents pay.For Core Operations, Port Macquarie-Hastings lands on 53/100, a solid result. That roughly matches the regional peer average of 51 and roughly matches the NSW state average of 51. It captures the essentials — roads, waste, planning approvals, and how efficiently the council runs its day-to-day services.
What This Means For Residents
Port Macquarie-Hastings's strongest showing is on Lifestyle & Amenity (75) and Community Services (64). Practically, strong lifestyle and amenity scores point to better-maintained parks, sportsgrounds and cultural venues, and generally a more liveable public realm. Alongside that, strong community services translate into more reliable libraries, maternal health, aged support and community programs — a real day-to-day benefit for families and older residents.On the flip side, weaker financial sustainability often shows up over time as sharper rates increases, deferred renewals, or borrowing to cover recurrent costs. And a low core operations score is often felt through slower planning approvals, patchier road maintenance, and rougher waste and customer service experiences. The weakest dimensions here — Financial Sustainability (58) and Core Operations (53) — are the areas most likely to shape resident complaints and future rates decisions.Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sustainability | 58/100 | solid |
| Community Services | 64/100 | solid |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 75/100 | strong |
| Core Operations | 53/100 | solid |
| Composite | 63/100 | solid |
Related Councils: port-macquarie-hastings