Lake Macquarie City Council is moving forward with its framework to guide the city's economic, environmental, social and governance goals over the next 10 years.
Councillors on Monday night voted to approve the Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035 (CSP), which identifies key challenges and risks over the next decade, and how to achieve the city's long-term goals.
The plan's endorsement follows more than a year of community engagement, during which more than 32,000 residents of all ages and from all walks of life engaged with Council on their priorities for Lake Macquarie.
Transport – in particular advocacy to the NSW and Federal Governments on their responsibility for main roads and public transport is front and centre.
Walking and cycling infrastructure, local roads and enhancement of the city's natural environment were the most commonly raised themes.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the aim was to ensure that Council understood and outlined the needs and desires of people who lived and worked in Lake Macquarie, as well as visitors to the city.
"The key themes and messages from our community were used to update our vision for the future," he said.
"These priorities will act as our guiding principles for the next 10 years as we strive to improve our city."
The CSP is reviewed at the beginning of each new Council term, helping guide other key documents including the four-year Delivery Program, and annual Operational Plan.
Its four main goals, outlining what Lake Macquarie should be like in 2035, describe a city:
- That protects and showcases its natural environment and is resilient to change
- With a diverse and thriving economy
- Where people want to live and work, and feel connected to each other
- Where Council operates with good governance, trust, transparency and respect.
Mayor Adam said the CSP also outlined partner organisations, including the private sector and other levels of government, that Council would need to collaborate with to achieve its goals.
"As we grow the city, advocacy to State and Federal Governments regarding their responsibilities, including improved public transport, will continue to be front and centre," he said.
The new CSP will come into effect from 1 July.
Go to lakemac.com.au to download the 2025-2035 CSP.
