Lake Macquarie City Council will share its plan for the city with the community after Councillors approved the draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and draft Operational Plan 2025-2026 and budget for public exhibition at tonight's meeting.
The Delivery Program will guide Council's work over the next four years, while the Operational Plan outlines the city's key projects over the next year.
The operational plan outlines a spend of $388.4 million, including $105.9 million in capital works projects. It proposes to deliver 135 actions, 14 of which are capital works programs.
Mayor Adam Shultz said the plan represented a focus on core business for the next 12 months.
"These plans bring our 10-year vision for Lake Macquarie to life, with lots of exciting projects that will boost our local economy, enhance our environment, and make Lake Macquarie an even better place to live, work, and have fun," he said.
"There is a shift in focus to fundamentals as we look to grow our asset base strategically and sustainably to ensure our residents are front and centre.
"The back-to-basics approach will assist with cost-of-living pressures being experienced by households due to the state of the Australian economy."
The plan outlines a spend of about $35 million on road works, $10 million on beach, lake and aquatic facilities, $8 million on traffic and transport and $7 million on community and sporting facilities as big ticket items.
Key projects in the plan include:
- Completing the West Wallsend Swim Centre expansion to include a new accessible indoor learn to swim pool.
- Finishing restoration works at Awaba House and reopening the historic venue to the community with a new dining operator.
- Commencing construction on an active transport route linking Charlestown to the Fernleigh Track, starting work at Flaggy Creek. This multi-year project will provide safer and more accessible routes for walking, cycling and mobility in the area.
- Upgrading the Awaba Waste Management Facility to better manage waste from future growth and ensure the facility can accommodate waste volumes for the foreseeable future.
The Operational Plan will go on public exhibition from Tuesday 25 March on the Shape Lake Mac website, shape.lakemac.com.au.
In other agenda items, Council agreed to review the Aquatic Facilities Strategy to consider prioritising Council-owned Learn-to-Swim facilities, including those at Morisset Swim Centre.
When the Aquatic Facilities Strategy was adopted in 2023 the outcome of the replacement of the NSW Government-owned and operated Myuna Bay Sports and Recreation Centre and the private redevelopment of the Morisset Golf Course site (Cedar Mill) was not known.
At the time they both proposed similar facilities, however this is no longer the case.
Council also approved the Companion Animals Advisory Committee Charter to help address key issues raised by the community that relate to companion animals.
Key questions for the committee include addressing dog attacks, enhancing educational initiatives and ensuring high standards of care at the pound.
Councillors agreed to place the Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund and associated guidelines on public exhibition.
"We are committed to working with industry experts and developers to mitigate the risks associated with mine subsidence. This program not only provides financial support but also helps to address the challenges posed by historic mining activities within our city," Mayor Adam said.
The program is funded by the Australian Government's Priority Community Infrastructure Program.
Council also adopted the Stormwater Management Policy.
Council's Manager Assets Karen Partington said the policy was designed to improve financial performance and ensure Council could address a growing backlog of stormwater management projects.
"The stormwater management service charge will fund additional works that will improve water quality in Lake Macquarie, which is Council's most significant and recognisable asset," she said.
"Of the 166 stormwater projects in Council's backlog, more than 50 per cent relate to road flooding and catchment drainage issues, which is a priority area this charge seeks to address."
The proposed charge for residential properties is $25 per eligible urban property, except residential strata units where an annual charge of $12.50 is applicable.
The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes.
The stream of tonight's meeting will be available online at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours.
