Lake Mac Events in the Funding Pipeline

Surf’s up in the latest round of Lake Macquarie events funding after a raft of aquatic activations were waved through for Council support at Monday night’s ordinary meeting.

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Council approved funding 21 applications for a total of $75,004 under round one of the Event Funding Program 2025-2026.

Let’s Surf Lake Mac at Redhead Beach and the Youth Surfing National Battle at Caves and Hams Beach were among the headline acts Councillors supported.

The Lake Macquarie Max Adventure Race at Cam’s Wharf, Wangi New Year’s Eve fireworks, Lake Mac Run 2025 and Italian Festival Lago Di Mac were also recommended for funding.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said backing community events was an important function of local government.

“Events and festivals play a crucial role in stimulating community spending, leading to increased employment opportunities and economic benefits, as well as contributing to our culture,” he said.

“Last financial year, Council’s events funding program supported 51 events, with more than 110,000 people attending and an estimated economic impact of $7.6 million.

“Council is proud to support grassroots events like these that foster community pride and put Lake Macquarie in the spotlight.”

Councillors also adopted ordinary rates for the next financial year.

The rates proposed by Council are based on the 4.5% rate peg from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for the 2025-2026 financial year, and the latest valuation of land by the Valuer General, with a base date of 1 July 2022.

Council endorsed an action plan stemming from the Lake Macquarie Housing Forum held in April.

The Housing Forum brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, and community representatives to discuss and identify strategies for increasing housing supply and affordability in Lake Macquarie.

The Action Plan identifies policy ideas that were raised at the forum, presents actions based on these ideas and assigns a timeframe and responsibility for each action.

Councillors passed an amendment to the Housing Forum Report to discount social and affordable housing development contributions by 100 per cent for the next two years.

“Removing barriers around the development of social and affordable housing is just one way we can make it more attractive for these projects to be considered in Lake Macquarie,” Mayor Adam said.

Council will also pursue a transfer of registration for the Hunter Sports Centre, necessitated by the expansion of works and services at the upgraded facility.

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.