Mayor’s demand for housing supply
Published on 25 November 2024
Mayor Adam Shultz will host a Lake Macquarie Housing Forum early next year in a bid to address ongoing supply and affordability concerns.
Councillors supported a Mayoral Minute at tonight’s meeting to bring together key stakeholders including affordable housing providers, not-for-profit community organisations, the development industry and government to help address the housing crisis.
Mayor Adam said local government had an essential role to play by increasing the supply of housing through strategic urban infill and leveraging underutilised transport corridors.
“Strategically increasing the supply of housing, in the right locations, is a high priority for Lake Macquarie,” he said.
“The high costs of both renting and purchasing a home is a significant financial strain for many individuals and families. This limits the capacity for social mobility, widens economic inequality and displaces vulnerable members of our community.
“By taking a collaborative approach and acknowledging there is no single solution to the complex problem of housing affordability – we will have the best chance of identifying meaningful actions to help our community live, work and call Lake Macquarie home for generations.”
Council also recognised and celebrated former Mayors and Councillors who have contributed significantly to Lake Macquarie over the past 25 years.
The seven former Lake Macquarie Councillors recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Lake Macquarie LGA were: John Kilpatrick AM, John Jenkins OAM, Alan Hunter, The Hon. Greg Piper, Mercia Buck OAM, Laurie Coghlan and Wendy Harrison.
L-R: John Kilpatrick AM, Laurie Coghlan, Alan Hunter, Wendy Harrison, Mayor Adam Shultz, Mercia Buck OAM, John Jenkins OAM and the Hon. Greg Piper.
“These are our Lake Macquarie luminaries,” Mayor Adam said.
“To be recognised this evening they served as a Councillor on Lake Macquarie City Council for a minimum of 15 years, which is a significant proportion of one’s working life.”
Councillors adopted the revised Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan 2024-2028 following public exhibition, which outlines when, how and why stakeholders, groups and individuals can provide input into Council’s long-term planning and decision-making activities.
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.
For more information on the Lake Macquarie Housing Forum visit lakemac.com.au/housing-forum