Draft Operational Plan 2019-2020

Lake Macquarie residents are invited to share their feedback on the draft Operational Plan 2019-2020, after Councillors endorsed the document for public exhibition at Monday night’s Council meeting.

Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, said this is an opportunity for the community to help shape the future of Lake Macquarie ahead of the next financial year.

“We want to hear from the community about Council’s proposed actions, projects, budget and performance measures for the 2019-2020 financial year,” Cr Fraser said.

“The draft Operational Plan and Delivery Program has been developed as a result of extensive engagement with our community, and we look forward to continuing to listen to its needs.”

Organisational Services Director Laura Kendall said the draft Plan reflected Council’s vision for Lake Macquarie.

“This is certainly an ambitious plan, but it needs to be to serve our community and the growth and prosperity of our City,” Ms Kendall said.

“Importantly, this year’s Operational Plan will be even more transparent and accessible, with an easy-to-use online map showing projects in each neighbourhood and where they are up to.”

Cr Fraser urged the community to check out the draft Plan and share their feedback.

"To continue creating a vibrant future for our City, we need to connect with the people who help make our area such a great place to live, learn, work, play and invest,” Cr Fraser said.

The draft Operational Plan, including supporting Budget 2019-2020, and the Draft Fees and Charges 2019-2020 are based on the Community Strategic Plan 2017-2027 and Delivery Program 2017-2021, which were adopted by Council in June 2017.

To share feedback on the draft Operational Plan, visit shape.lakemac.com.au.

Let’s chat – Community pop-ups

Council staff will be out and about engaging with the community, answering questions and listening to feedback on the draft plan at the following locations:

• Saturday 4 May, 9am-noon, Toronto Town Square

• Saturday 11 May, 8-11am, Lake Macquarie Farmers Markets, Speers Point Park

• Saturday 25 May, 8-11am, Swansea Markets, Quinn Park

Capital works snapshot 2019-2020

More than $93 million will be spent on capital works projects including:

• $37.5 million on road works and traffic improvements

• $19 million on community building upgrades

• $18 million upgrading City assets and preparing for future growth

• $4.5 million on drainage and environmental improvements

• $4 million on construction and upgrade of local sporting facilities

• $4 million on new footpaths and cycleways

• $3.5 million on library and cultural facilities upgrades

• $2.5 million on upgrading our parks and playgrounds

View the interactive works map to see where some of the proposed works will occur across the City.

A draft plan to be considered at a meeting next week outlines how Lake Macquarie City Council will spend its $356 million annual budget.

Councillors at Monday night’s Ordinary Council Meeting will consider placing the draft Operational Plan 2019-2020 on public exhibition.

The plan details the actions Council will take over the next 12 months to deliver on the community’s vision for the City.

Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, said the plan identifies what services will be delivered, how those services link to the Community Strategic Plan and how progress will be measured.

“Lake Macquarie is a growing City of vibrant experiences and opportunity, and this draft Plan strikes a balance between making great things happen for our City while managing our financial resources for the long term,” Cr Fraser said.

“The draft Plan sets out how we will manage our $356 million budget, the actions and financial resources we will allocate to each area and the services, programs and the $93 million in capital works projects we will be working on throughout the year.

The proposed capital works program includes $37.5 million to be spent on road works and traffic improvements and $19 million for community building upgrades.

Key projects include replacement of Speers Point and Wangi Wangi RSL jetties, construction of a shared pathway from the Fernleigh Track to Kahibah and completion of the Bernie Goodwin Memorial Reserve in Morisset.

“Actions identified in the Plan will help ensure Lake Macquarie City continues to be recognised by our residents, visitors and businesses as a great place to be,” Cr Fraser said.

“We are always striving towards creating a City where services and lifestyle opportunities exist close to where people live, work and play.”

The draft Operational Plan, including supporting Budget 2019-2020, and the Draft Fees and Charges 2019-2020, are based on the Community Strategic Plan 2017-2027 and Delivery Program 2017-2021, adopted by Council in June 2017.

View the Council Report and draft Operational Plan at lakemac.com.au.

Capital works snapshot 2019-2020

• $37.5 million on road works and traffic improvements
• $19 million on community building upgrades
• $18 million upgrading City assets and preparing for future growth
• $4.5 million on drainage and environmental improvements
• $4 million on construction and upgrade of local sporting facilities
• $4 million on new footpaths and cycleways
• $3.5 million on library and cultural facilities upgrades
• $2.5 million on upgrading our parks and playgrounds

Key projects

• completion of the Awaba Waste Management Facility expansion
• construction of new amenities and playground at Martinsville Oval
• replacement of Speers Point and Wangi Wangi jetties
• completion of the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery expansion
• construction of a new shared pathway between Fernleigh Track and Kahibah
• completion of the Bernie Goodwin Memorial Reserve upgrade
• road rehabilitation works at Macquarie Street, Morisset