New plan sets strategic direction for Lake Macquarie’s future growth

Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement 2025-2045, which sets out a 20-year vision for land-use in the city, was approved at tonight’s Council meeting.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the planning statement was crucial given the city’s forecast to increase by more than 38,000 people by 2046.

“As the population grows, it’s important to plan for infrastructure to support the changing housing, education, health and transport needs for the community,” Mayor Adam said.

Most of the growth is driven by migration from Newcastle and Sydney areas, with greater Morisset forecast to experience the largest increase in population over the coming decades.

“The plan outlines eight key priorities to guide Lake Macquarie’s growth and evolution across social, economic and environmental areas.”

Priorities include supporting new industries and jobs, providing diverse housing options, protecting biodiversity, planning for climate risks, enhancing open spaces, advocacy to improve public transport connections, and helping people to walk and cycle safely throughout the city.

“Our two regionally significant growth areas, which are north-west Lake Macquarie and Greater Morisset in the southwest will be a major focus.”

“A key planning action for the North West Growth Area is to transition former mining land between Cockle Creek and the M1 into areas that support future employment, tourism, recreation and some new housing opportunities.”

“While Morisset is planned to emerge as a regionally significant centre supporting diverse businesses and services with commercial, mixed use and residential development.”

The adoption of the planning statement follows public exhibition which saw 45 submissions.

Council also adopted the Youth Strategy 2025-2029 following public exhibition.

The policy aims to ensure the needs of the city’s 34,000 young people, aged 12–24, are recognised and supported.

“The strategy is so important as it outlines initiatives to support young people in their transition from education to sustainable employment.”

Actions of the strategy include connecting young people with services to help with the cost of living, promote council’s Early Careers program, work with Local Aboriginal Land Council’s to increase young people’s understanding of Awabakal and Worimi land, and more.

In addition, Councillors voted to defer adopting the Flood and Tidal Inundation Policy to allow Council undertake a full review.

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.