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Council's Financial Report Card

Lake Macquarie City Council achieved 83% of its Operational Plan targets last financial year (2010/2011) with major highlights being environmental works on 25 sites around the city, the completion of the Fernleigh Track to Belmont, and receiving a national award for climate change adaptation programs.


Lake Macquarie City Council achieved 83% of its Operational Plan targets last financial year (2010/2011) with major highlights being environmental works on 25 sites around the city, the completion of the
Fernleigh Track to Belmont, and receiving a national award for climate change adaptation programs.

The June Review of the 2010-2011 Operational Plan and Budget went to Council's Budget Committee in August and was adopted with a budget deficit of $441,268.

Council's Director Corporate Services, Wayne Jack, said the deficit was an indication of the continuing financial challenges faced by Council as a result of factors including rate pegging and cost shifting
from other levels of government.

"This review shows a satisfactory short term financial position for Council, but it also shows how important it is that we look at our continued financial sustainability," Mr Jack said.

"We have been balancing the budget from our Asset Replacement Reserve but this practice is not sustainable and we will need to find more funds for the future replacement of infrastructure."

"Our ability to achieve 139 of the 167 indicators shows that Council is efficient and able to deliver many great services and facilities to the community while operating within some financial constraints."

"Our increasing operating deficit means that we need to make some changes to our income or services and we have been hearing what Council services residents value through the My Lake Macquarie: Securing our Future consultation program. I encourage anyone who has not yet had their say to go to our online forum and take part in the discussion."


Key Achievements in 2010-2011

  • 8,000 people attended the first Living Smart Festival at Speers Point Park in September
  • Achieved a record number of sites and participants in Clean Up Lake Macquarie Day in March
  • Received national award for climate change adaptation initiatives
  • Reduced total waste to landfill of 23% per capita in 2010-11 compared to 2007-08
  • Completed accessibility works at Teralba Petanque Centre, Argenton Community Hall, and Teralba Community Hall
  • Completed the fitout and commenced operations of The Place: Charlestown Community Centre
  • Received an $84,000 grant from the Attorney General's Department for graffiti removal and prevention programs
  • Worked with the Aboriginal community through the Toronto Local Reference Group to plan for an Integrated Child and Family Centre at Toronto
  • Constructed the Blacksmiths Pontoon Jetty
  • Built a new amenities building and car park at Evans Park, Cardiff
  • Completed Lake Macquarie's best skate park at Chapman Oval, Swansea
  • Finished the final stages of the Fernleigh Track through to Belmont
  • Constructed 1.4km of kerb and gutter at Brightwaters and Belmont North
  • Sealed 2.6km of gravel road at Morisset, Mandalong, Wakefield, Ryhope, and Wyee
  • Finalised area plans for Morisset Town Centre and Coorumbung Road, Dora Creek
  • Prepared draft Lifestyle 2030 and Development Control Plan 2011 for exhibition
  • Offered local heritage funds and completed work on six buildings
  • Developed a Lake Macquarie Fishing Guide and Kayaking Trails Guide to go with the Walking Trails Guide
  • CiviLake delivered external works and services with a surplus of $1.54m
  • Constructed new camp kitchens at Belmont Pines and Swansea Gardens holiday parks
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