Attracting more visitors, bolstering the night-time economy and reducing waste to landfill are among the focal points of the draft Lake Macquarie Events and Festivals Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.
Lake Macquarie Councillors approved the draft plan to go out for public exhibition at tonight's Ordinary Council meeting.
The plan aims to deliver a minimum of 20 signature events for the city, with a spend of more than $600,000 per year across all event offerings.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the plan sought to embrace infrastructure opportunities at Cedar Mill, Hunter Sports Centre, Trinity Resort and Black Rock Motor Park to attract diverse new events to the city.
"Our ever-expanding annual calendar of events, combined with our support for numerous community, sporting and entertainment gatherings, has grown Lake Mac's reputation as a hub for memorable experiences and adventures," she said.
"This plan outlines how we can expand on our successful 2022-2023 events program, which delivered about $28 million in economic benefits with 345,000 people attending 406 key events."
The plan seeks to capitalise on the lake and region's natural assets, bid for more 'foot loose' events likely to attract larger out of region visitation, stimulate the night-time economy and reduce waste to landfill from events with a goal of zero waste by 2028.
The community is invited to view the plan and provide feedback during the 28-day public exhibition period.
Council also approved the draft Lake Mac Libraries kawumalyikilba Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028 for public exhibition.
The plan formalises Council's commitment to championing literacy and recognising the vital role libraries play across the city.
Highlights from the previous plan included construction of the Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari, Lake Mac's first self-access library and creative hub at Wangi Wangi and the design and construction of the soon to be opened Windale Hub, bilyabayi.
Cr Fraser, Deputy Mayor Madeline Bishop and Councillors Brian Adamthwaite, Jack Antcliff, David Belcher, Christine Buckley, Colin Grigg, Kate Warner and Adam Shultz will attend the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government and Regional Cooperation and Development Forum and the Australian Council of Local Government.
Councillors approved this group to represent the city and endorsed several motions to submitted for inclusion in the NGA business paper.
Motions will include a call for a funded plan to deliver infrastructure to support housing growth, better alignment of state and federal grant programs to support road and major infrastructure projects and more resourcing and reporting mechanisms around enhancing community wellbeing.
Council also endorsed the submission of four regionally focused motions, developed by the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils.
These focus on: the evolution of mining-affected regions; grant funding for essential community infrastructure, facilities and services; improving delivery of road funding; and, addressing the national housing shortage.
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.
