Collaboration creates content: Why I love local news

Here’s one reason why I love local news, and being your local reporter. Hint: It’s about collaboration.

As a Mid North Coast journalist, I’m here to answer your questions, and report on what matters to you and the community. Which is why your voice matters.

Earlier this year, I reported on Transport for NSW committing $20 million to upgrade “The Donut” – a Port Macquarie roundabout at the Oxley and Pacific Highway interchange. 

The story was about the project: its promise for smoother traffic flow and the “unavoidable” removal of native vegetation and koala habitat. 

I picked up the story because: 

• I know our audience cares about roads and traffic

• I know our audience cares about the environment and koalas

• It’s a well-known and popular interchange

• And it’s a fair chunk of money 

And let me tell you, the Mid North Coaster audience was interested. And frustrated! In fact, a bunch of you were even telling me it was the wrong roundabout.

Because, as it turns out, there’s more than one dodgy intersection on the Mid North Coast that needs work. 

Two roundabouts near Port Macquarie Hospital – the Wrights Rd and Lake Rd intersections with Oxley Highway – have been cause for concern. The Port Macquarie community and local representatives have all been vocal about the congestion and the issue of ambulances getting stuck in traffic while trying to drop patients off. 

And I heard you loud and clear.

So I jumped in the car (not straight away, it is only me full-time reporting for the MNCster) and drove to the spot. 

I headed straight for the hospital and did the notorious stretch to get a feel for it and grab some footage.

And then I spoke to local representatives, the NSW Government, and Transport for NSW.

You can read the full article for the background and the breakdown, but essentially the current update is…

progress on any construction or upgrades is stalled without allocated funding.

Go figure.

But by the community raising their voices, and local reporters like me asking the questions, we’re telling the decision makers what’s important to the region.

And often our coverage puts the pressure on to ensure change happens.