Council meeting highlights: Ordinary meeting – 28 November

Published on 28 November 2022

Council chambers - March 2022 (1).jpg

Please see below for highlights of tonight’s ordinary Council meeting.

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.

Mayoral minute – Blue Tree Project initiative

Council received and noted a report on the Blue Tree Project mental health initiative and requested Council staff investigate opportunities to become involved across the city.

Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Adam Shultz said mental health awareness and discussions were more important than ever following evidence of heightened community psychological distress during the pandemic.

“We have seen a rise in the use of mental health services as a result of the pandemic and, as community leaders, it’s our responsibility to help reduce stigmatism and facilitate discussions in this space where we can,” Cr Shultz said.

“This initiative involves painting trees blue in prominent locations to spark conversations and encourage people to speak up about their mental health.”

September review of the Operational Plan and Budget 2022-2023

Council adopted amendments to the Operational Plan 2022-2023, received and noted the status of Delivery Program 2022-2026 strategies and adopted variations to the 2022-2023 budget for the year ending 30 June 2023.

Investment Report – October 2022

Council received and noted a report identifying all money Council has invested under section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Eraring Community Forum – Councillor representation

Council selected Cr Antcliff as its representative on the Eraring Community Forum and will notify Origin Energy of its decision.

Dora Creek 120 Baker Street Dwelling house and swimming pool

Council endorsed the development standard variation under clause 4.6 of the Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2014, providing a maximum height of 9.81m, exceeding the 8.5m development standard by 1.31m or 15.4 per cent, and approved DA/1704/2022 for dwelling house and swimming pool at 120 Baker Street, Dora Creek, subject to conditions of consent.

Exhibition of draft Lake Macquarie Coastal Management Program

Council will place the draft Coastal Management Program on public exhibition for a minimum period of 42 days and accept submissions during this time, and receive a further report detailing feedback received during the exhibition period and any proposed changes to the draft.

Recommendations of the Traffic Facilities and Road Safety Committee - November 2022

Council approved the line marking plan associated with the construction of a car park on at Burwood Road, Whitebridge.