Fernleigh Track Signs To Combat Anti-Social Behaviour

 BY OLI GOELDNER 

New signage has been installed along the Fernleigh Track to address anti-social behaviour on the popular pathway. 

A total of 14 signs have been put in at all access points on the track, encouraging users to report incidents to police. 

Lake Macquarie Council Community Partnerships manager Matt Holloway said the signage will play an important role in combatting dangerous behaviour. 

"We're really encouraging people to report any incidents or unsafe behaviour they see or experience along the track," he said. 

"This can be done either through the triple zero emergency number, Crime Stoppers, the police assistance line or the online portal." 

Over the past 12 months, police have conducted regular bike and foot patrols of the popular walking track. 

NSW Police District Inspector Anita Kruse reported they've had hundreds of interactions with users of the path discussing their concerns and providing education in relation to e-bikes. 

During that time, ten infringement notices have been issued, and 24 offences have been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. 

However, Mr Holloway said users should be more vigilant with reports. 

"We're really hoping to see an increase in reporting," he explained.

"The reporting at the moment is quite static over the last six months, I don't believe the numbers have increased or decreased. 

"And, what we're hoping to see out of this is if these incidents are occurring, we see them being reported through these channels rather than through social media or other means." 

The signage is the first of many safety measures to be enacted by a dedicated subcommittee, formed during a Fernleigh Track roundtable meeting with key representatives in late 2025. 

"What we're looking to do is identify these signs and look for other safety-related signage," Mr Holloway said. 

'We also want a big focus back on etiquette ad acceptable behaviour. 

"Also, focusing not particularly on e-bikes, but the illegal e-bikes and anti-social behaviour along the track." 

Picture: Lake Macquarie City Council

UPDATE! Firefighters Called To Lake Macquarie Administration Centre At Speers Point

 BY IAN CROUCH

Numerous fire crews have been called to reports of a fire at the Lake Macquarie City Council Administration Centre at Speers Point.

Newcastle Fire Command says they were called to the centre in Main Road at about 4.00am on Wednesday to find fires on the ground floor and level one of the building

The incident has prompted a major emergency response with fire crews from Cardiff, Teralba, Tingira Heights, Charlestown and Holmesville in attendance along with a number of specialist units.

Crews achieved fire control at 5.15 and are now ventilating the building

The Fire Investigation Unit has been called in and police are also looking into the cause of the fire.

Council CEO Morven Cameron says staff at the Administration Centre will work from home today and the centre will be closed for the time being for walk-in customers.

Council's Customer Service line is also out of action, but work is under way to get it back on line.

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. 

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

Lake Mac Council Rejects Nuclear Power Plant Proposal

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Lake Macquarie City Council have voted against a motion to host a nuclear power plant at the former Eraring Power Station. 

The motion asked councillors to repeal a long-standing ban on nuclear power stations, and consider building one on the Lake's shore. 

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act ban the approval, licensing, construction or operation of any nuclear fuel fabrication plant, a nuclear power plan, enrichment plant or reprocessing facility in Australia. 

However, North Ward Councillor Colin Grigg, who brought the motion to council, believes nuclear power is a clean, sustainable solution to the region's power problems. 

"I believe we need to take a look at nuclear because as it stands right now, renewables are not sufficient to meet the demand and I think we need to have reliable base load power," Cr Grigg said. 

However, council was not persuaded, and voted 12 to 1 against the motion at last night's meeting, citing issues surrounding the storage of nuclear waste, and the station's environmental impact on the area. 

In response, Cr Grigg said council needs to "take of the shades" and continue the discussion about what to do next.

"I'm disappointed that councillors missed the opportunity to read the facts sheet that I sent to them all. They were quoting from understandings from before like Chernobyl and I think that's the problem; the community has basically been scared off nuclear and all I'm saying is we need to, with fresh eyes, take a look at nuclear," he said. 

He also said placing the plant at Earing was just a suggestion, and he'd be happy to see a facility placed elsewhere. 

"There's 45 countries in the world that are using nuclear power. There's 450 nuclear power stations in the world; American has 100 and is building more, and France has over 50 and is building more. I think that we're lagging behind on this. If there's an alternative that could provide reliable base load power, I'm happy for it, but at the moment there's nothing else."  

Image: CSIRO

Indigenous artists commissioned for new Fernleigh Track artwork

BY OLIVIA DILLON

In line with NAIDOC Week, two local Indigenous artists have been commissioned by Lake Macquarie Council to install an artwork along the new Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST). 

Shellie Smith and Daniella Chedzey, alongside fellow artist Julie Squires, will create a work featuring sculptures of traditional 'gunya' shelters, bark canoes and Aboriginal campsites. 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser, said commissioning the work puts Council closer towards completing the FAST project. 

"This will be a meaningful acknowledgement of the traditions and daily lives of Awabakal people, who called this area home for thousands of years before European settlement," she said.

"Commissioning this artwork is another step towards this significant active transport project, linking the end of the Fernleigh Track and Belmont to Blacksmiths."

Once completed, the track will create the longest active transport route in the Hunter region, stretching 27km from from Murrays Beach to Adamstown. 

Manager of City Projects at Lake Macquarie Council Adam Wakeman, said the new installation has been designed  to be interactive and engaging for both locals and tourists, by passing on Awabakal knowledge and culture.

"Being a significant environmental area, we're conscious of the Indigenous heritage of the area, so we've engaged with some Indigenous artists to help us interpret some of the history, not only through architectural works in the bridge, but also the bus shelters and the like that we're opening," he said.  

"We're hoping that once this is opened, it'll help with tourism, activation of the area, as well as being an iconic, recreational pathway for people tp use to get out and get active." 

Image: Lake Macquarie City Council Website

New Awaba House To Rise From The Ashes

BY IAN CROUCH

Just over a year since a devastating fire tore through the historic Awaba House at Booragul, concept design plans have been drawn up for its restoration.

Following extensive community consultation, Lake Macquarie Council has released the plans for feedback.

They include an outdoor dining area, boutique restaurant and a covered walkway, along with a small kiosk.

Feedback can be provided on council's website until Wednesday September 16.

Concept plans for the restoration of Awaba House are now on exhibition

New Lake Macquarie Budget Aims To Beat COVID-19

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie Councillors last night gave the green light to the city's Operational Budget for the next financial year.

The $395 million dollar plan includes $115 million for capital works, with $70 million being used to replace or upgrade existing assets and $40 million going towards new assets.

Another $70 million will be spent on roads, drains, footpaths and shared pathways.

Almost $20 million will be spent on new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and swim centres.

$2.4 million has been allocated to the revitalisation of Charlestown's Pearson Street Mall. 

30,000 native trees will be planted from Blacksmiths to Catherine Hill Bay.

The extra public works will see the $8.4 million dollar deficit forecast in April increase to $11.5 million to help drive the city's economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

Plan To End Homelessness In Lake Macquarie

BY IAN CROUCH

In a Hunter first, Lake Macquarie City Council is working on a plan to tackle homelessness in the local government area.

It's launched an online survey seeking community feedback on ideas and actions to support existing networks to reduce the number of homeless people.

Manager Community Partnerships, Andrew Bryant said more than 400 people in Lake Macquarie identified as homeless in the most recent Census.

"Our survey will focus on identifying issues, ideas for actions and building on existing support networks to reduce this number and combat the complex issue of homelessness," he said.

Council also wants feedback on how to provide more affordable housing in Lake Macquarie.

"This will inform ways to provide long-term stable accommodation for people who may be couch-surfing with family and friends, or staying in temporary, overcrowded accommodation," Mr Bryant said.

Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser said the strategy will provide an important framework for Council to support the community.

"Homelessness includes those staying in temporary accommodation and includes all demographics, but largely affects young people and over 55's," Cr Fraser said.

"We are committed to affecting positive change. There has been an increased number of enquiries from our residents, especially in response to COVID-19, and they are concerned about the welfare of others. It's our duty to help," she said.

Consultation for the strategy is open until Friday 10 July.

For more information or to complete the survey visit shape.lakemac.com.au/homelessness-plan

Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking ideas to address homelessness in the area

Lake Plan Looks To Boost Local Economy Post COVID-19

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie City Council will spend almost $400 million over the next financial year to help drive the city's economy beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council voted on Monday night to put its draft Operational Plan out on public exhibition for community feedback by May 30.

It includes $105 million dollars in capital works, with $63 million to be spent on upgrading existing assets and $42 million on new assets.

Some of the key features in the plan include $2.4 million to revitalise Pearson Street Mall at Charlestown and ongoing design and construction of stage one of the Fernleigh Track extension to Blacksmiths.

Council will spend $2.4 million to revitalise Pearson Street Mall in the next financial year

$4.7 Million Munibung Road Extension Now Open

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Drivers will experience a smoother journey through north-west Lake Macquarie with the extension to Munibung Road now complete.

The completion of the $4.7 million project and 820 metre extension, jointly funded by the Australian Government and Lake Macquarie City Council,  is set to significantly improve connectivity around the northern suburbs of Lake Macquarie.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said this project is another step forward in the growth of Lake Macquarie City. 

“This is a regionally significant infrastructure project that will unlock business investment, commercial development and housing opportunities, and it was vital this work continued despite COVID-19,” Cr Fraser said.

“It has taken a significant amount of work to deliver this project and we acknowledge the Australian Government’s patience and the support of the NSW Government to gain access to the site, allowing the project to proceed.

“I look forward to when things return to normal, and our residents can use this extension to have faster, easier access through northern Lake Macquarie.”

Council’s CEO Morven Cameron said ensuring infrastructure projects like the construction of Munibung Road continue through the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to the City’s economy.

“I am pleased Council and Daracon were able to continue with the design and delivery of this project, on schedule and on budget, considering the extenuating circumstances of COVID-19 towards the end of the project,” Ms Cameron said.

“Infrastructure projects, such as this help our City continue to move forward, while providing both short-term and long-term jobs at this uncertain time for many people in our community.”

The project was funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund and Lake Macquarie City Council.

Project by numbers

• 820m of new road, footpath and street lighting
• 66 trees and associated landscaping
• 14m road width with cycle-safe lane
• Estimated nine-month construction duration
• 28 construction jobs and 41 long-term jobs generated
• Former Pasminco site comprises 210ha, including 132ha of developable area

Munibung Extension Map

                                                       Munibung Road Extension Looking Towards Boolaroo

L-R: Adam Wakeman Lake Macquarie City Council Manager City Projects, Bryce Neely Daracon Project Manager, Chris Gray Lake Macquarie City Council Project Officer, Paul Orrock Daracon Project Engineer, Tony Farrell Lake Macquarie City Council Deputy CEO

Hunter Councils Introduce New Measures to Save Businesses and Residents During Pandemic

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A number of Hunter Councils have introduced new measures at Tuesday night's council meeting's aiming to provide further support to businesses and residents. 

Lake Macquarie Council is set to introduce support measures including; 

• A scaled commercial rent relief program that reduces or waives up to 100% of rent owed to Council by eligible business for a period of up-to six months.
• A rent relief program for Council’s residential tenants that provides a 50% waiver on rent for tenants significantly impacted by the COVID-19 emergency for a period of up-to six months.
• Financial Hardship Assistance measures for residents and businesses significantly impacted by the COVID-19 emergency, including waiving of interest on overdue rates and flexible payment plans.
• Updates to Council’s Financial Hardship Assistance Policy to include businesses and landlords, and the waiving of credit card surcharges while Council’s Administration Building is closed.
• The waiving of lease fees for community organisations that lease Council-owned land/and or buildings for a period of six months.
•  A program to enable Council staff to assist community-based organisations, to help deliver critical community services.

“There has been a lot of hard work that has gone in to developing these measures and it’s wonderful that we can now begin to put them in place,” said Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser.

“We also know that our local businesses will be hit particularly hard. We have more than 13,000 businesses operating in our City, 98% of which are small businesses. They are feeling the impacts and there is no short-term fix for the current crisis, so that’s why the relief package will be in place for up to six months.”

The majority of the measures will be made available immediately, with the exception of the proposed rent relief package for Council’s commercial and residential tenants which is required to be exhibited for 28 days and once it has been endorsed by Council it will be backdated to the 1st of April 2020.

Maitland Council is also expanding their hardship provisions, suspending interest payments and debt collections.   

The Council will use similar criteria to the Federal Governments 'Job Keeper' program to determine who is eligible for payment plans to be set up on council payments.

Maitland Council is also working to relieve the rate burden on businesses, by removing the second tier of the CBD marketing and promotional rate that applies to all businesses fronting the levy. 

The Council also discussed introducing additional community grants, and plans to get the community back up and running again when the pandemic is over. 

"There'll be a time when communities need to come together again and reconnect, so we've been looking at things we can do to support business recovery through marketing and promotional efforts," Maitland Council General Manager, David Evans said.

"When the time is right for business to re-open,  we've been planning how we'll bring people back into Maitland, particularly Maitland CBD."

                                      Image Credit: Lakes Mail

Grants of up to $3000 for Musicians and Creatives in Lake Macquarie

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lake Macquarie City Council is providing grants of to $3000 for local musicians and creatives as part of their Creative Industry Seed Grants program.

Four categories of funding are available under the program.

Five emerging musicians each year, over the age of 12, are eligible for grants of up to $500 to help with development and support of emerging musicians from Lake Macquarie.

“This could be used to create or deliver original performance works, upgrade instruments, make recordings or participate in gigs,” Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism, Jacqui Hemsley said.

Five $1000 grants will be awarded for projects covering art exhibitions and installations, theatre performances, literature, multimedia or film.

Ms Hemsley said Council was also offering five $500 grants for people to develop their professional creative skills through workshops, courses and other means.

“We’re also offering two $2500 grants each year for research and development into creative pursuits, whether it’s developing a script or publication, or preparing a business case for large-scale arts activities in Lake Mac,” Ms Hemsley said.

The new Lake Macquarie City Council Creative Industry Seed Grants program will provide a total $15,000 a year to emerging artists and musicians as part of its commitment to growing Lake Mac’s creative sector and supporting the creative economy.

“We’re urging talented applicants and emerging creatives to apply, to help them develop their own creative practice, profession or cultural pursuit,” Ms Hemsley said.

Applications close 5pm, 31 March, with funds distributed in June for projects in the 2021-22 financial year.

Information sessions on the new program will be held 5.30-6.30pm on Monday 9 March at Toronto Library, and 5.30-6.30pm on Thursday 19 March at Belmont Library.

New Graduates Join Workforce Through Joint Pathways Venture

Fresh graduates are being given the opportunity to gain two-years' experience straight out of university thanks to a new joint programme between Lake Macquarie City Council and Hunter Water.

Four new graduate employees have just started the pathways programme, which gives one year at each organisation in either communications or engineering departments.

The Hunter-first career pathways programme hopes to enable new graduates to get into the workforce straight out of university.

The firms have teamed up to provide skills and experience as part of the two-year programme.

“The hope is that these graduates will be able to incorporate knowledge and practices they have learnt into both our organisations,” Lake Macquarie City Council Workforce Planning Coordinator Belinda Leck said.

“As two of the region’s largest employers, we want to be industry leaders when it comes to innovation and job opportunities for the younger workforce," she said.

The programme aims to allow graduates to collaborate with other participants, sharing knowledge of each organisation’s workplace practices. 

University graduate Eliane Beveridge is one of the first to start the programme and says she feels lucky to have such a great way to kick off her career.

"To be able to stay in Newcastle to work, and still be near my family and friends when I thought maybe I might have to move to Sydney or Melbourne has been really great and something that I'm so happy I get to do," she said.

After 12 months with Lake Macquarie Council, she will move to Hunter Water.

Eliane Beveridge is encouraging other university graduates to consider the local pathways programme.

"Just apply for as much as you can and put yourself out there, even for things that you might not necessarily think you want to do. Take every opportunity you can to learn new skills," she said.

New graduates Eliane Beveridge, George Harrodine, and Georgina Ragen. Picture: Lake Macquarie Council

BREAKING! Council Left in the Dark with Seismic Testing starting Monday in Lake Macquarie

Centennial Coal will begin seismic testing and drilling in the basin of Lake Macquarie on Monday the 3rd of February with the aim of opening it up for further mining. 

The project includes;

• A shallow marine survey of the lake.
• A rockhead drilling programme which will see multiple boreholes drilled from a barge to confirm the depth and thickness of the strata between the Lake floor and the coal seam.
• An exploration drilling programme with selected boreholes drilled to the coal seam to investigate the continuity and quality of the coal seam. 

Community concern has been raised as similar testing is usually carried out in deep ocean waters, however some areas of the lake are just 11 meters deep. 

Lake Macquarie Council says staff only recently received notification from Centennial Coal regarding the survey program and they did not have an approval role in the proposed survey works or the environmental  assessment of the project. 

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is the determining authority for the proposal. 

Lake Macquarie Council says, "We acknowledge the concerns within the community about the adequacy of consultation by Centennial Coal prior to the survey being approved, and the potential impact to sea animals and the marine environment" 

The Council have sought further details on the environmental assessment for the project, as well as arranged for Centennial Coal to brief Council staff on the proposed works.

Local Greens MP, Abigail Boyd says, “There’s been no meaningful consultation. No notice. Nothing.” 

“And it won’t just be seismic testing – there are plans to drill the lake floor over the coming five years.

“The lake is already contaminated by lead and zinc, caused largely by the coal industry, which has already impacted on fishing quotas. By disturbing the lake sediment, this proposal risks spreading the impacts of that contamination further," she said. 

“The environmental report states clearly that the seismic testing will have harmful impacts on marine life, including turtles, dolphins and already threatened seagrass beds which are critical habitat."

Centennial Coal is due to release a statement. 

                                       Image Courtesy: 

Bolton Point Aged Care Facility Approved Despite Excess Building Height

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie Council has given the green light to an aged care facility at Bolton Point even though the development is more than double the standard building height for the area.

The $32 million project will feature 108 rooms on The Ridgeway, but due to the steep slope of the site, the building increases from 2 storeys at the south to 4 storeys to the north, meaning it exceeds the standard building height by 9 metres.

However, a report to council says the development includes high design elements and landscaping and tree retention which softens the bulk of the project.

A artist's impression of the proposed aged care facility at Bolton Point

Massive NBN Tower Gets Green Light At Wyee

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquare Council has given the green light to one of the tallest NBN towers in the country.

The 55-metre tower is set to be erected on private property on Wyee Farms Road at Wyee and provide wireless NBN coverage to areas not served by fixed line services.

The monopole will be nine times higher than the maximum building height for the area - but this is needed to achieve a line of sight back to a fixed fibre hub further to the south.

Councillors voted 10-1 to approve the tower despite concerns from one nearby resident about visual impact.

NBN Tower Approved For Wyee Picture: abc.net.au

Toronto Residents Balk at Bath Street Budget Allocation

BY LILLY HAINES

Lake Macquarie City Council has allocated $25 million over the next four years  to progress commercial development of the Bath Street site for economic tourism in the latest Draft Operational Plan.

The council-owned site, located at the northern end of the Toronto Foreshore next to the Royal Motor Yacht Club, is set to see a six-storey tourism and residential complex developed if plans go ahead.

The Council has been criticised for their lack of community consultation regarding the site and for the site's exclusion from the Toronto Foreshore Master Plan.

The draft Toronto Foreshore Master Plan cites the need for better access and amenities at recreational areas  to create enticing destination points along the Foreshore where publicly accessible shoreline is limited, but council insists on excluding the Bath Street site from this plan.

Suzanne Pritchard from the Toronto Foreshore Protection Group (TFPG) says community views and ideas for the site have not been acknowledged by the council. 

"We have made hundreds of comments to date and they have been misrepresented, they have been undervalued and they have been ignored," Ms Pritchard said.

"Toronto has the least amount of public accessible foreshore for any town within the city; we have about 500 metres and council wants to take about 10% of that for a commercial development."

Ms Pritchard said the TFGP wants to see the foreshore land used as a community parkland.

"With recreational facilities to support the community getting together, not excluding them by having private interests purchase high-end apartments."

Lake Macquarie City Council's Draft Operational Plan is open for community consultation and comment regarding plans for the site until the 29th of May.

The vacant land between Bath Street and Victory Parade which makes up the "Bath Street site". Photo: Google Maps

Virtual Reality Celebrating Aboriginal Heritage

BY ARIANA GATTI

In honour of NAIDOC celebrations this week, Lake Macquarie City Council have launched a new virtual reality experience, shining a light on the region's extensive and diverse Indigenous heritage.

The virtual technology provides an insight for users into when the Awabakal people were the sole inhabitors of land, providing an immersive, cultural experience.

The software will allow users to view and explore Lake Macquarie's Aboriginal history, dating back some 250-years-ago, showcasing three native stories.

These stories include: 'Niridiba' - about Moon Island; 'Malangbula' - the story of two sisters at Swansea Heads; as well as 'Kurrurkurraan' - which is the story of Blackhalls Park and the Petrified Forest area.

The virtual reality experience has been created in partnership with Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery's Aboriginal Reference Group, to provide the most real and accurate experience possible.

Aboriginal Reference Group Member, Doug Archibald, says these stories are essential pieces of history in which the public should all witness.

"These sites have been chosen because they're very significant to Aboriginal people here in Lake Macquarie - they span from Dreaming stories, daily life, right through to first European contact", he says.

"Through this project, now as our community moves throughout the City, they can be aware of these sites and stories, and their significance to the Awabakal people and our Aboriginal communities of Lake Macquarie today".

Image Sourced:https://www.lakemac.com.au/news/2018/07/09/lake-macquaries-aboriginal-heritage-comes-to-life-through-vr

Pay And Portfolios Decided At Lake Macquarie Council

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie councillors have followed the recommendation of an independent regulator, voting to give themselves a pay rise.

The 2.5% increase will see councillors take home just under $29,700, while the mayor will pocket $116,110.

Meanwhile, Lake Macquarie councillors voted last night to introduce portfolios of responsibility for elected representatives - in a similar fashion to state and federal politicians.

The 7 portfolios include areas such as lifestyle and wellbeing, connected communities and shared decision making, allowing councillors with particular skills in these areas to make a more effective contribution to the running of the city.