Lake Macquarie City Council will push ahead with a $118.8 million capital works spend over the next financial year after Councillors voted to adopt the 2023-2024 Operational Plan.
The plan outlines spending over the next 12 months, including key projects such as the Hunter Sports Centre expansion, replacement of bridges in Martinsville and reconstruction of Awaba House at Booragul.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said Council received more than 100 submissions during the draft plan's public exhibition – a record for a mid-cycle Operational Plan.
"Key themes emerging from those submissions included a desire for us to upgrade local roads, improve traffic facilities like roundabouts and intersections, and increase spending on shared pathways and other pedestrian infrastructure," she said.
"I'm pleased that these broadly reflect our focus of spending over the coming financial year."
The plan outlines $22.8 million in spending on road resealing, resurfacing and rehabilitation for 2023-2024, with another $7.4 million to be spent on traffic and transport upgrades.
That includes intersection improvements at Alton Road, University Drive and Freemans Drive, Cooranbong, underpass lights at Fassifern Road, Fassifern, road rehabilitation on Harper Avenue, Edgeworth, intersection upgrades on Myall Road, Garden Suburb and road rehabilitation on Floraville Road, Belmont North and Piriwal Street, Pelican.
Council expects to spend $8.1 million on cycling facilities, and a further $5.7 million on footpaths and pedestrian improvements.
Cr Fraser said the Operational Plan presented a fully funded total budget of $351.3 million, with an operating surplus of $1.35 million, which aligned with Council's long-term financial plan.
"This is the first time in five years we've forecast an operating result surplus, which is exceptional given the challenging economic circumstances," she said.
"This year's plan provides almost $120 million worth of new and replacement infrastructure. We are a growing city and it's important we keep up with this growth to meet community needs and expectations."
