$2 million upgrade to create sustainable living community hub in Lake Macquarie

Works are set to get underway this week on a $2 million upgrade to the Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Centre.

---

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said the upgrade would provide a dedicated space for the community to participate in workshops, learn more about sustainable living, contribute to the community and meet other likeminded individuals.

“If we can help our community take small steps to live more sustainably, then we can collectively make a big difference for future generations,” Cr Fraser said.

The upgraded facility will feature a large community/meeting room, kitchen for volunteers, office space and kitchen facilities for Council employees, covered outdoor areas for programming and workshops and new amenities.

Lake Macquarie Landcare Coordinator Jason Harvey said the Centre supports existing volunteers, assists in the growth of new groups and provides Landcare information to the general community.

“With more than 200 Landcare groups in Lake Macquarie maintaining and restoring environmentally sensitive sites across the City, it is essential we provide a useful space for education, training and gathering,” Mr Harvey said.

The NSW Government contributed $202,118 to the project under round two of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the $500 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure to make regional NSW an even better place to live, work and play.

“This exciting community hub for Lake Macquarie is a great example of what the fund is designed to deliver, and I thank Lake Macquarie City Council for their commitment to this important project,” Mr Martin said.

While works are completed, the Landcare Resource Centre will be closed for face-to-face services. To find out more about accessing Landcare services throughout the closure, visit the Lake Macquarie Landcare website.

The upgraded Centre is expected to be operational in early 2022.

The works follow an upgrade in 2018 that delivered a new expanded nursery and covered outdoor learning area.

This project is funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and Council.