Waste not, want not: a strategy the city won’t want for

Long-term planning for the city’s waste and circular materials system took centre stage at tonight’s Lake Macquarie City Council meeting at the Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko.

Councillors recommended placing the draft Lake Macquarie Waste and Circular Materials Strategy 2026–2030 on public exhibition, inviting community feedback on the city’s waste priorities for the next four years.

The draft strategy responds to rising waste volumes, increasing disposal costs and the need to plan for the finite remaining landfill capacity at the Awaba Waste Management Facility. It builds on Lake Macquarie’s strong performance as one of NSW’s highest‑achieving councils for domestic waste resource recovery.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said thoughtful, long‑term planning was essential to keep waste services reliable and affordable.

“Waste management is one of Council’s most visible services, and the decisions we make now will shape how effectively and affordably we can manage waste into the future,” he said.

“This draft strategy sets a clear direction for reducing waste to landfill, cutting emissions from our operations and preparing for the significant challenges that come with a growing population and tightening regulatory expectations.”

A key focus is future management of residual waste – the material that remains after recycling and organics are removed. With available landfill space at Awaba expected to be exhausted in the early 2040s, the strategy emphasises staged planning to avoid reactive, higher‑cost decisions later.

The draft strategy prioritises avoidance, reuse and recycling before landfill as a last resort.

It includes seven outcomes covering circular economy growth, resource conservation, food waste reduction, emissions reduction, decreasing waste to landfill, ensuring long‑term preparedness and maintaining reliable, affordable waste services.

Councillors also recommended adopting a revised Acquisition and Divestment of Land and Easements Policy. The updated policy includes expanded definitions, valuation process changes and general improvements to enhance clarity, consistency and alignment with Council’s policy templates.

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.