The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Don Page MP, has announced that Mr Neil Porter has been appointed as Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s new Administrator following the resignation of Mr Garry Payne.

Mr Porter will commence duties as Administrator on 30 April 2011.

"Mr Porter brings a wealth of local government experience to the role, having worked for many years in the sector at senior management level", said Mr Page.

"Not only is Mr Porter an experienced local government practitioner, he is also a local person who has an excellent understanding of the local community and the challenges it faces."

"Mr Porter’s background and local knowledge will allow him to hit the ground running", said Mr Page.

One of the urgent matters Mr Porter will need to deal with is the appointment of a new General Manager.

"I wish Mr Porter all the best in his role and I look forward to receiving progress reports from him", said Mr Page.