Council Meeting preview - 24 March 2025
Published on 20 March 2025
Council’s next meeting will take place at the Swansea Centre, 228 Pacific Highway Swansea on Monday 24 March 2025, with an ordinary meeting starting from 6:30pm.
Members of the public have the option to watch the proceedings live online at webcast.lakemac.com.au.
Below are some of the items listed for discussion.
You can view the full agenda online.
Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and draft Operational Plan 2025-2026 and budget
Council will consider approving the draft Delivering Program 2025-2029 and draft Operational Plan 2025-2026 and budget for 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.
The operational plan outlines a spend of $388.4 million, including $105.9 million in capital works projects. It promises to deliver 135 actions, 14 of which are capital works programs.
Review of Aquatic Facilities Strategy
Council will consider a Mayoral Minute proposing a workshop to review the Aquatic Facilities Strategy prioritisation assessment.
At the time of adoption, the assessment of the future direction of the Morisset Swim Centre’s learn to swim pool considered the potential for a facility as part of the replacement of the Myuna Bay Sports and Recreation Centre, and the redevelopment of the Morisset Golf Course site - Cedar Mill.
The NSW Office of Sport has since confirmed aquatic facilities will not form part of their new Morisset Sports Facility, to be located at the Morisset Hospital Precinct.
Cedar Mill will also not proceed at the scale of its original vision.
Mayor Adam Shultz’s minute suggests a review of the prioritisation of the Morisset Swim Centre improvements should be undertaken to ensure provision for this growing area is fit for purpose.
Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund
Council will consider placing the Lake Macquarie Mines Grouting Fund and the associated guidelines on public notice.
The fund aims to reduce financial risks to development associated with mine subsidence and provide financial assistance when mine grouting costs exceed a certain threshold.
Future operation of the fund aims to attract investment and facilitate new multi-storey, multi-unit building projects, and potentially large-slab industrial developments, in areas where mine subsidence deters investment.
The fund will provide a level of certainty to developers considering investing in Lake Macquarie.
Companion Animals Advisory Committee Charter
Council will consider approving the Companion Animals Advisory Committee Charter.
The primary role of the committee is to address key issues raised by the community that relate to companion animals.
Lake Macquarie is home to over 137,000 companion animals, making it the second largest Local Government Area for animal ownership in NSW. Council receives nearly 200 service requests per month on issues such as noise, straying animals, attacks and off-leash area concerns.
This committee and related charter aim to unify our understanding and improve animal management outcomes.
Key questions for the committee include addressing dog attacks, enhancing educational initiatives and ensuring high standards of care at the pound.
National General Assembly nominations
Council will consider nominating Mayor Adam Shultz and Councillors Brian Adamthwaite, Madeline Bishop, Christine Buckley, Kate Warner and Colin Grigg to attend the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government and Regional Cooperation and Development Forum from 24-27 June 2025 and the Australian Council of Local Government.
Stormwater management services charge policy
Council will consider adopting the Stormwater Management Services Charge (SMSC) Policy to fund lake water quality initiatives into the future.
The introduction of the SMSC has been identified as an opportunity to improve financial performance and ensure Council can address the growing backlog of stormwater management projects.
Swansea Swim Centre hours of operation
Council will consider receiving and noting the issues raised in a petition lodged on 17 March 2025 regarding an extension of the Swansea Swim Centre season.
Traffic Facilities and Road Safety Committee
Council will consider adopting three recommendations from the Traffic Facilities and Road Safety Committee.
For the full list of recommendations, check out the agenda.