BY RAVELLE EATON
Lake Macquarie Council's Draft Destination Management Plan 2022-2026 has been released, with hopes it will lay the foundation to attract up to four million visitors within the next 10 years.
The Plan lays out a target of 800,000 overnight visitors by 2032, with another 1.7 million day-trippers to explore key localities.
Proposed actions include expanding Belmont Wetlands State Park, reinvigorating the use of the Catherine Hill Bay jetty and a master plan for the Lake arts precinct.
Other changes include improving visitor and recreation facilities at Rathmines and the feasibility of an indoor aviation attraction at Lake Macquarie airport with the aim to bring young people into the area.
Mayor Kay Fraser says it'll help capture an even bigger share of tourists.
"Geographically, we're also in a great position. we're easily in reach for Sydneysiders, as well as all the international visitors flowing into Australia through Sydney Airport," Cr Fraser said.
The plan is aiming to improve the current 2.2 million annual visitors to a target of 2.5-3.9 million, and for annual visitor spending to improve from $210 million in 2019 to $583 million in the next 10 years.
For more information or to provide feedback go to shape.lakemac.com.au/dmp before September 20.
