Council meeting preview: Ordinary Council meeting – Monday 24 February

Published on 20 February 2025

Council’s next meeting will take place at the Windale Hub on Monday 24 February 2025, with an Ordinary Council 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.

Mayoral Minute - Chief Executive Officer Performance Review Committee

Council will consider a Mayoral Minute to delegate the Chief Executive Officer’s performance review to the Performance Review Committee and appoint the Mayor and three Councillors to the committee.

Endorsement of Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035

Councillors will consider endorsing the Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, which is a 10-year plan for the city, following public exhibition.

During public exhibition, which ran from 10 December 2024 to 10 February 2025, 29 submissions were received.

The Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035 centres on a thriving economy, environmental resilience, a connected and liveable city and transparent, trusted governance.

December review of Delivery Program 2022-2026 and Operational Plan 2024-2025 incorporating the Quarterly Budget Review statement

Councillors will consider a report on Council’s progress as of 31 December 2024 toward the strategies in the Delivery Program 2022-2026 and actions in the Operational Plan 2024-2025.

They will also review recommended amendments to the Operational Plan actions and budget, including a proposed increase of $1.2 million in the capital expenditure budget, following a review and re-prioritisation of projects across financial years to ensure achievement of our commitment to the community.

Additionally, Councillors will receive a financial update, including the forecasted $1.1 million operating surplus before capital items and alignment with the originally budgeted $0.5 million surplus.

Councillors Portfolio Framework 2025-2029

Councillors will consider updates to the Councillor Portfolio Framework to enhance collaboration with senior staff on strategic city matters.

They will also nominate up to four Councillors for each of the five portfolios — Economic, Environmental, Social, Governance, and Finance — before finalising the updated Terms of Reference.

Public exhibition – draft Councillor Fees, Expenses and Facilities Policy

Council will consider placing the draft Councillor Fees, Expenses and Facilities Policy on public exhibition for 28 days, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.

The draft policy includes updates on councillor fees, superannuation contributions, and expense limits, with a final version to be presented after public consultation.

Adoption of instruments of delegation to Mayor and Chief Executive Officer

Councillors will consider a recommendation to maintain the existing delegations to the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer, with minor amendments to simplify language and improve clarity, in line with the Local Government Act 1993.

These changes ensure the delegations remain effective for Council operations, support good governance and comply with the required review under section 380 of the Act.

Hunter Water - Belmont Desalination Plant Community Consultative Committee

Councillors will consider a recommendation to nominate a representative for Hunter Water’s newly established Belmont Desalination Plant Community Consultative Committee (CCC).

This appointment will ensure Council’s interests and community concerns are effectively communicated throughout the construction of the desalination plant, fostering collaboration and maintaining strong relationships with external organisations.

Youth Week Grants 2025

Councillors will consider a recommendation to allocate $10,400 in funding for seven community activities as part of the Lake Macquarie Youth Week 2025 grants program.

This funding, assessed and recommended by the Youth Week Grants Assessment Sub-committee, will support initiatives that empower young people, encourage social connection, and celebrate their contributions to the community.

Traffic Facilities and Road Safety Committee - February 2025

Councillors will consider a recommendation to approve three traffic and road safety measures discussed at the Traffic Facilities and Road Safety Committee meeting on 4 February 2025. These include removing parking restrictions for police vehicles in Swansea, installing parking restrictions for Council vehicles in Boolaroo, and implementing a give way sign with line markings in Charlestown, with ongoing monitoring for further improvements.

Endorsement of Housing Diversity Planning Proposal

Councillors will consider endorsing the Housing Diversity planning proposal, which aims to increase housing variety in Lake Macquarie by allowing a broader range of housing types in the R2 Low Density Residential and R3 Medium Density Residential zones.

The proposal, updated following public exhibition and state agency consultation, aligns with the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy and seeks to address the region’s housing crisis by enabling more flexible and efficient residential development.