Ald. C.C. Adams was sincere in his welcome to one of the most representative gatherings of distinguished people Port Macquarie has ever known when the annual conference of the Local Government Association opened here on Tuesday.
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The RSL auditorium, in the main hall and the foyer adjoining, were filled to over-flowing with about 900 people when proceedings commenced.
“On behalf of my colleagues in council and the citizens of Port Macquarie, I desire to extend to you one and all, the warmest and most friendly welcome to this lovely town of ours,” said Ald Adams.
“I acknowledge the fact that, with us this morning we have many visitors distinguished in local government activities, but I feel that Alderman Coates our Local Government Association president will more adequately deal with this side of the welcome and make the necessary introductions.
“I have noticed many faces among you who were with us in 1963 and your presence here again is a fair indication that your stay on that occasion must have been pleasurable.
“Since you were last here, Port Macquarie has, and still is experiencing a fantastic developmental boom. I believe we have every reason to feel proud of our achievements in recent years.”
The mayor then set out improvements since 1963: construction of roads; kerb and gutter and drainage; Olympic Swimming Pool; unsubsidised sewerage scheme, new subsidised sewerage scheme; new two million gallon reservoir under construction; water extension to new areas; improvements to reserves and beaches - a total of $1,355,00; major subdivisions approved and developed in the period increased available land blocks by, over 700.
“Building figures have kept pace with this development with building approvals for the years 1963-1966 were $4,600, 000 whilst for 1967 it is anticipated that a total of more than $3,000,000 will have passed through our building Department.
“The population has almost reached the 8000 mark,” he continued. The development of tourist traffic in and out of Port Macquarie has been phenomenal. In 1963 there were 16 motels, today 31 are operating or almost ready to receive guests. We can accommodate each night almost 3000 people in motels, hotels, guest houses, flats etc. I desire to express my appreciation of the efforts of the town clerk, Mr. Alcock and his staff; the municipal engineer, Mr. Eric Grogan and his staff, for their ever ready co-operation in arranging the many details associated with such largely attended conference.
“About this time next year we would like you to think of us. We will be celebrating our sesqui-centenary year, signifying our 150 years as a community. Naturally a great program marking the transition of Port Macquarie stage by, stage to its present importance.
“Early in the new year we will commence building the first stage of our new Civic Centre - the administrative section. The anticipated cost of this stage is about $190,000. Without the ready and friendly co-operation of the RSL Club we would not have been able to have had you with us today,” concluded the mayor.