New Shared Paths Weave Throughout Lake Macquarie

BY TARNI CRUICKSHANK

Lake Macquarie residents can now enjoy increased safety and ease when walking and cycling, following the completion of new paths in the area.

Work has wrapped on a two hundred and fifty metre path linking Pasterfield Sports Complex to the older precinct of Cameron Park.

It is one of two new shared-paths in the area, and aims to increase access to the sports complex, by foot.

Lake Macquarie Lord Mayor, Kay Fraser says these paths are essential in encouraging residents to rely less on their vehicles and make healthier lifestyle choices.

"They'll be able to actually walk or hop on a bike and get there much quicker and safer.

"It's only small but it was really important to the Cameron Park community and I am really pleased that we have been able to deliver that."

The paths form part of a larger regional cycle route to connect the Fernleigh Track to Richmond Vale via numerous suburbs such as Edgeworth, Minmi and Glendale. 

Projects and Technical Officer, Tom Earls and Mayor Kay Fraser at Pasterfield shared path.

Photo credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Lake Macquarie City Council greenlights Operational Plan

BY OLIVIA GOELDNER

Lake Macquarie City Council has approved $111.5 million dollars in capital works spending over the next financial year. 

The 2024-2025 Operational Plan was approved at a council meeting on Monday night, with Mayor Kay Fraser confident the plan is set to boost the local community. 

"We've been speaking to the community over the past couple of months, and this is something they are really advocating for."

The plan includes upgrades to Rathmines Park, a learn-to-swim pool at West Wallsend and the expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre. 

Also approved, is the construction of a new community recycling centre in Belmont North. 

Mayor Kay Fraser says it will boost waste disposal services across the region. 

"This is really important for people who are unsure as to what to do with their materials. They will now be able to drop them off." 

The plan also includes $26 million dollars being allocated for road servicing and rehabilitation, as well as a $10.9 million dollar spend on bridge reconstruction. 

Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre nearing it's end

 BY JOHN THOMAS

The State Government's plan to demolish the closed Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre has gone to the Hunter Central Coast Planning Panel.

A decision will be made on the Centre's future in a teleconference on March 19. 

All buildings and structures could be torn down while the centre could be replaced with car parks, accommodation lodges and outdoor activity spaces.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser is calling on the community to make submissions to the panel in the hopes of saving the site.

The site was closed in 2019 due to concerns about Eraring Power Station's coal ash dam. 

However the power station is expected to close next year.

Members of the public have until March 14 to register, if they wish to speak or listen to the meeting.

Photo by Felix Mittermeier

Hunter Sports Centre Set to Attract World-Class Athletes

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter Sports Centre has welcomed a series of new upgrades, placing it among the world's top sporting facilities. 

The $2.7 million project was jointly funded by the Australian Government, The NSW Government, and Lake Macquarie Council, and has included the construction of a new four-lane running track, warm-up areas for field events, and new state-of-the-art athlete testing facilities. 

There's also plans to extend the venue further, with planning underway to add a new Trampoline Centre of Excellence, as well as a three-storey sport and community centre. 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, said it's an exciting time for local athletes and clubs. 

"We know the Hunter Sports Centre has been the place for all sporting events, and this will elevate it for the national and international athletes," she said. 

"We're going into the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, and it's really important that Lake Macquarie can play a part in that." 

Image: Lake Macquarie City Council

Shared Space Set to Transform Cardiff's Town Centre

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Part of Cardiff's town centre is set to be transformed into a shared seating and entertainment area. 

The changes form part of a pilot program run in partnership by local councils and the NSW Government. 

The program aims to increase foot-traffic in communities around the state, and Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser has faith it will prove successful. 

"Businesses have been doing it tough coming off the back of COVID, so we're wanting to breathe some new life into those areas. Cardiff is an ideal location to do that," she said. 

The project will see part of Veronica Street closed, to make way for bench and shaded seating, trees, pavement artwork and a stage in the town centre. 

The temporary installment, called Veronica Place, will run for four months from October 2022, until April 2023, and Lake Macquarie Council has said three events will be held at the site during that time. 

"It will activate the area, not only during the day but at night-time as well," Cr Fraser said. 

As part of the program, Council will monitor the site's usage to determine if it should become a permanent fixture. 

Cr Fraser is encouraging the community to take advantage of the spared space. 

"COVID has been very isolating, so spaces like this will encourage residents of all ages to reconnect and socialise with each other," she said. 

She also said the installation will have positive flow-on effects for local businesses. 

"People will be walking around the main street, they'll spend money. So you'll have more people in Cardiff using the shops."

Kay Fraser at the site of Veronica Place in Cardiff