Community input helps shape Council Operational Plan

Lake Macquarie City Council will forge ahead with its $389.7 million Operational Plan for the next financial year.

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Councillors adopted the amended Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan 2025–2026 and Budget at last night’s ordinary meeting at Morisset Showgrounds following public exhibition.

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.

Mayor Adam Shultz thanked the community for its input on the plans, which outline Council’s priorities, actions and financial commitments to deliver a long-term vision for Lake Macquarie.

“Thank you to all members of the community who reviewed and provided feedback on these critical plans for our shared future.

“The engagement process showed strong advocacy for beach, lake and aquatic facilities, footpaths and cycleways, community and sporting facilities and infrastructure projects.

“The revised operational plan incorporates changes based on community feedback and we’re excited to begin delivering on our vision for an even better Lake Macquarie.”

The Operational Plan outlines 135 actions with a budget of $389.7 million, including 14 capital works programs worth $105.9 million.

Feedback from 37 community submissions during public exhibition were considered and addressed in the revised plans.

Councillors also endorsed a Mayoral Minute to host a roundtable event to address growing safety concerns on the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST).

The roundtable discussion will be held with key stakeholders, including NSW ministers, police, City of Newcastle and the Taking Back Our Paths event organisers to develop strategies to mitigate anti-social behaviour.

Mayor Adam said the proposal followed repeated reports of assaults, harassment and reckless use of e-scooters and trail bikes on the shared path.

“There have been multiple reports of unsafe and criminal behaviour, including assaults and harassment, particularly targeting women and vulnerable users,” he said.

“The reckless use of electric scooters, unregistered trail bikes and fast-moving cyclists has increased the risk for families, children and the elderly.

“Residents have also expressed their concerns through petitions and community events, calling for enhanced safety measures, which this proposal seeks to address.”

Councillors also approved the establishment of the Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund following public exhibition.

The fund is designed to provide financial assistance for developments impacted by mine subsidence when grouting costs exceed a set threshold.Council will provide funding for four environmental research projects through the 2024–2025 Environmental Research Grants program, totalling $29,886.

The selected projects were chosen from 12 applications based on scientific merit, relevance to Lake Macquarie, and value for money, with funding contributions provided by Origin Energy, Delta Electricity, Hunter Water Corporation, and Council.

Among the successful applications was a Newcastle University led study into the host preference patterns of blood-feeding mosquitoes in Lake Macquarie.

Using DNA barcoding techniques, the study seeks to identify both mosquito species and their bloodmeal sources.

Council also approved several recommendations from the Traffic Facilities and Road Safety Committee.

To review the recommendations of the ordinary meeting, 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.