Fond farewell in final meeting of Council term
Published on 26 August 2024
Tonight’s final Ordinary Council meeting of the term marked the end of an era for Lake Macquarie City Council, as councillors bid a fond farewell to outgoing Mayor Kay Fraser after eight years in the role and more than two decades of service to the city.
Presiding over her final Council meeting as Mayor, Cr Fraser raised a Mayoral Minute to thank Councillors for their service and contribution over the term.
Cr Fraser highlighted key achievements throughout the term, lauding the ‘heads-down-bums-up’ approach of Councillors to achieve outcomes for the city.
Highlights included the planning for the North West Catalyst Area, Black Rock Motor Resort and Cedar Mill projects and support for a diverse range of events and infrastructure projects.
Cr Fraser noted more than $1.2 billion in development applications had been supported and more than 22,000 jobs created despite a downturn in major industries such as mining and manufacturing.
“Despite political and personal differences, the Councillors who have served the city for the past three years have worked cohesively, efficiently and with the united aim of making Lake Macquarie a better place for everyone,” she said.
“Public service is a much-maligned, often thankless task, but the achievements of this Council deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
Councillors reciprocated by making short statements acknowledging Cr Fraser’s efforts as leader of the city.
In other items, Councillors approved the draft Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan for public exhibition for 28 days.
The draft plan identifies Council’s stakeholder groups within the community and outlines when, how and why each group will be able to provide input into Council’s long-term planning and decision-making activities.
Swansea channel dredging appears set to continue after Lake Macquarie City Councillors supported a move to work with the federal and state governments to fund and deliver the ongoing project.
Council will seek to lock up a $10 million funding offer from the Commonwealth Government and further support from the State Government’s Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme to implement a long-term solution for the priority coastal waterway.
The project would involve procuring the dredge vessel and associated equipment, construction of a sand transfer system and replacement of the Blacksmith’s boat ramp.
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.