Council greenlights 2024-2025 Operational Plan

Lake Macquarie City Council will go ahead with a $111.5 million capital works spend over the next financial year after Councillors voted to adopt the 2024-2025 Operational Plan at tonight’s Council meeting.

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Mayor Kay Fraser said she was confident Council had produced a well-balanced plan which would boost the local community over the next financial year and beyond.

“This year we have a really strong focus on core pillars of business, like road maintenance and rehabilitation, waste management, community facilities, parks and playgrounds,” she said.

“I am particularly excited about the transformation of Rathmines Park, in the city’s west, which will include a new playground, learn-to-ride area and youth hub.”

“We’re also delivering a new Community Recycling Centre at Belmont North to boost waste and sustainability offerings around the lake.”

Other key projects include the Hunter Sports Centre expansion, a learn-to-swim pool at West Wallsend and a bridge replacement program.

The plan outlines a spend of $26.6 million for road resealing, resurfacing and rehabilitation, while community and sporting facilities have an allocated spend of $27.7 million.

Other big-ticket categories are bridges, with a $10.9 million spend, and stormwater and drainage which has been allocated $6.1 million over the next financial year.

In other business, Council supported a Mayoral Minute seeking to reverse Australia Post’s decision to imminently close Windale Post Office.

“We need to ensure the people of Windale have access to services and facilities that cater to everyone and promote community-connectivity,” Cr Fraser said.

Council will write to the CEO of Australia Post requesting a reversal of the decision, write to the Minister for Finance and Minister for Communication and seek a meeting with senior Australia Post management to discuss other planned closures.

Blacksmiths Post office is also expected to close on 2 July 2024.

Councillors also approved five funding applications totalling $35,000, as part of the Environmental Research Grants Program 2023-2024.

Council offers these grants to university researchers and other research-based organisations to support exploration of contemporary and local environmental issues.

Councillors approved two traffic-related motions to improve safety on Lake Mac roads.

No stopping and double dividing centre lines will be painted on Solling Crescent, Morisset and new traffic lights at the Freemans Drive and Deaves Road intersection in Cooranbong.

Councillors approved a motion to write to the Minister for Emergency Services in NSW, the NSW SES and Local Government NSW to express thanks for their recent efforts in weather emergencies.

The communication will also seek to enhance and streamline the support offered to residents in the aftermath of a local storm event, including the provision of financial assistance for storm debris removal.

The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes.

The stream of the meeting will be available online at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours.