Port Macquarie-Hastings Council decision on the future of Tastings on Hastings

Council discussed the food and drink event at its December 12 meeting.

The 2018 event was held over and replaced by a community-based event marking the bicentenary of the arrival of John Oxley to the Port Macquarie-Hastings.

That event attracted some 3000 people, according to the document tabled at the meeting.

It appears council is at the cross-roads in relation to the event and as part of its decision-making process,  undertook community engagement in October and November this year to determine the future of the event.

Of the 172 participants involved in the engagement process, 149 had either attended a previous Tastings on Hastings and were regulars at Slice of Haven and the foreshore markets.

They also attended the Blues and BBQ Festival and a range of other regular local markets which offer local food, beverages and produce.

"The vast majority of respondents feel it is important for council to continue to deliver the event," the report noted.

The results of a pop-up survey showed that there were 198 responses with 88 per cent having attending a Tastings on Hastings event while 91 per cent said they would return.

A further 80 per cent would like a future event with a food and alcohol focus, followed by 42 per cent for music and entertainment and then 36 per cent with a community and social focus.

"Seventy-nine per cent believe that it is very important that council continue to develop Tastings on Hastings. The majority of respondents were in the 26 to 55 year age bracket."

Cr Rob Tuner is a strong supporter of the Tastings on Hastings event and says the event is needed in the community.

"We don't want to necessarily wind this event up," he said.

"Tastings on Hastings is a much loved community event. The community loves it, the vendors love it.

"The event is a tough one for council to run; maybe the year off may be good for everyone to feel a bit refreshed.

"There is a community expectation that council provides these kinds of events.

"I think we should support it and encourage people to be part of it and take ownership of it," he said.

Cr Mike Cusato said the event had been going for many, many years.

"It was a controversial decision to postpone it this year," he said.

"I still believe we need Tastings on Hastings for this community."

However the tabled report recognised the high resource intensity of the event.

"Council is not in the business of large scale event delivery," the report said.

"Although there could be an argument for council involvement in the development of a unique signature event for the region - which Tastings on Hastings is not."

Some of the other challenges council face to host the event include, the introduction of a $5 cover charge to assist with covering rising costs was controversial while there are a number of 'foodie' related events already running in the region.

Cr Turner suggested councillors should look to event organisation capabilities for the 2019 event and then consider future events at the May council meeting.

"Make a decision about 2020 and beyond at that meeting," he added.

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