Unused Quarry in Redhead Used for Illegal Dumping, To Be Transformed Into Nature Haven

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A disused Redhead quarry that was once an illegal dumping hot-spot will be transformed into a haven for native flora and fauna under a major Council rehabilitation project.

Works have begun to provide safe access to the 3ha site off Oakdale Road, with the aim of returning it to its former natural state.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Environmental Systems Tim Browne said more than 4000 trees, 10,000 shrubs and 20,000 vines, ferns and other ground cover species would be planted across the site.

They include spotted gums, blackbutts, scribbly gums and smooth-barked apple trees – all native to the area.

Almost 92,000 tonnes of clean earth will also be trucked in from construction sites across Lake Macquarie to help fill the quarry void and reshape the landscape to a more natural form that aids drainage and minimises erosion.

“The Oakdale Road quarry has been a dumping ground and hooning hot-spot for unauthorised dirt bikes for many years,” Mr Browne said.

“These rehabilitation works will help it blend back into the natural environment and establish new habitats in which native plants and animals can thrive.”

Natural Assets Officer Brooke Laforest said Lake Macquarie Landcare would provide the bulk of plants required for the rehabilitation project.

They will be planted in stages as the site is reshaped.

“The existing cliff will still be a feature of the site, but earth will be built up against it to create a more natural final landform that slopes down into the middle of the quarry,” Ms Laforest said.

Council leased the site from NSW Crown Lands to quarry gravel for local construction projects, but ceased quarrying in the 1980s.

Public access will be restored once the rehabilitation project is completed, expected to be in 2023 at the earliest.

Mr Browne said similar works were nearing completion at West McDonalds quarry at Glendale.

That site is earmarked for community use rather than natural bushland.

One of the Illegal Dumping Sites in the Quarry

Natural Assets Officer, Brooke LaForest at the Redhead Quarry Site

Aerial View of the Redhead Quarry Site, showing illegal dumping and trail bike tracks

$1000 for Artist Design Chosen To Decorate Giant Black Wall at Speers Point Park

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A 10m exterior wall of the soon-to-be-built Multi Arts Place in Speers Point Park is poised to provide a giant blank canvas for artists, designers or other creatives.

Expressions of interest have opened for concept brickwork designs for the wall, with $1000 awarded to the selected entry.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the facade will be constructed from a material that allows for creative applications and could be patterned to capture shadow and shade, incorporate a repeated motif or be a free form design.

“The design could also be a narrative that reflects Lake Macquarie’s natural environment or the City’s cultural and social heritage.”

More than 400,000 people visit Speers Point Park annually, with the precinct a focal point for major events, family outings and tourism.

Ms Hemsley said the new Multi Arts Place would be the first of its kind in NSW, if not Australia.

“MAP is designed as a multi-dimensional, flexible and intuitive multi-media creative hub, where even the exterior is a canvas for creative applications,” Ms Hemsley said.

“MAP will present a variety of creative performances, from theatre and live music to contemporary installations and immersive art experiences 24 hours a day, seven days.

“This is a unique opportunity for creatives to have their work become a prominent feature of the Lake Macquarie arts scene, and I strongly encourage artists to submit their design.”

Artists are invited to submit two concept designs for the blockwork to the external north facing wall of the proposed facility on a pre-scaled application form, and are required to include a statement describing their thematic approach and inspiration for the concept.

Applications close Friday 5 June 2020. Visit lakemac.com.au to download the information package and application form.

Pending approvals, MAP is expected to start construction in late 2020.

Plans lodged for $35 million Hunter Sports Centre expansion

BY LILLY HAINES

Lake Macquarie City Council has released a new $35 million plan to upgrade the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale, lodging a development application for the site last week.

The plan proposes a three-storey state of the art gymnasium and athletic centre with an athletic warm-up and testing area, a 1,975 square-metre trampoline hall housing a 450-seat grandstand. 

Proposed expansion to the Hunter Sports Centre Facilities. Image: EJE Architecture

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser says these new facilities would see the centre given tier-one athletic status which would provide greater opportunities for regional athletes. 

"We don't have anywhere really in regional NSW where young people and people who want to be in this sporting arena can actually come and participate and hone their skills.

"This is an area that is growing, we know that a lot of young people are going to athletics, we know gymnastics is really popular and we need a facility here to accommodate our needs and at the moment we are nearly at capacity." Cr Fraser said.

If funding for the project can be secured the proposed plans would see additions to the current track and field facilities, new community function areas and meeting rooms, new road access to the centre, landscaping upgrades around the site, and bus and car parking spaces.

Proposed upgrades to the Hunter Sports Centre Facilities. Image: EJE Architecture

"Visitation of the centre has grown to the point where we really need this Hunter Regional Sports centre because there is an increase in demand for event and community use in the growing Hunter region.

"This extension will improve community access to the facilities and programs and it will support many community groups in a state of the art sporting facility and given the other sporting facilities in our community, this fits in nicely with the overall plan for our city," Mayor Fraser said.

Other proposed facilities in the area include a $25 million basketball facility holding 10 courts and 4000 spectators on Hillsborough Rd, which the NSW government promised to deliver in the lead up to the March election.

Last year Lake Macquarie City Council outlined plans for a $10 million Trampoline Centre also at Glendale but was unable to secure state funding, which Cr Fraser said has not deterred the council from advocating for sports infrastructure funding for the region.

"Unfortunately, it hasn't received funding in the past, but we continue to advocate for funding to deliver this project.

"Once we receive a development application approval we are shovel ready.

Which means we are more in a position, if there are funds available, to start building this facility straight away," Kay Fraser said.

Image: EJE Architecture

Lake Macquarie Council's record $280 million spend

BY JARROD MELMETH

A record $280 million will be spent next financial year under a 2018/19 Operational Plan, Lake Macquarie Council has decided.

Roads and recreational facilities will benefit most from the strategy, which will see $31 million spent on road works and $4 million funnelled into parks and playgrounds.

Construction of Belmont Baths; Charlestown Skate Park; Pelican Boat Ramp and the completion of the Pasterfield Sports Complex at Cameron Park will all be achieved with a $100 million commitment.

Mayor Kay Fraser said the size of the budget reflects growth in the region, with 205,000 people now living in the LGA.

"We've had a large number of development applications in the city, " Mayor Fraser said, "we can see building works going everywhere...so with the developer contributions (our Section 94 money coming in) and Council contributing to that, it's giving us the capacity to deliver these important projects."

Kay Fraser believes the community will be pleased with the spending, given extensive consultation has been carried out.

"A budget was put out on public exhibition for people to have a look at and comment on it - so it's very much a community budget plan," she said. 

Charlestown Skate Park is one of the projects identified in the Operational Plan. 

Funding for lead contamination in Lake Macquarie

BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW State Government have committed to providing $800,000 in funding over four years to help manage legacy contamination issues caused by the former Pasminco lead and zinc smelter in Boolaroo.

The smelter closed in 2003, leaving behind toxic pollution for surrounding residents who reported having levels of lead in soil significantly higher than the national health guidelines.

The funding follows the NSW Government's decision in late 2017 to adopt all 22 recommendations of the Lead Expert Working Group (LEWG) on managing residual lead contamination.

The LEWG was established by the Environmental Protection Authority in 2014 and handed down its report in December 2016.

Boolaroo Action Group spokesman Jim Sullivan said he welcomed the funding but fears it will be wasted on administrative fees.

"The things that the community have got to be aware of, is that we do not want to see this funding of eight hundred thousand being gobbled up by administrative charges at the Environmental Protection Authority and the local council yet again.

"They have not had a really good track record of managing this issue, and they have failed the community in northern Lake Macquarie and they have also failed the community of Williamtown.We do not want to see any more failures and we need to be part of the administration of that money to ensure that it goes to the right places," Mr Sullivan said. 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said she is pleased to see the funding made available.

"We look forward to working collaboratively with the Government to implement the recommendations and we are grateful to both the Lead Expert Working Group and the Lake Macquarie Community Reference Group for their work in this process over the last four years," Cr Fraser said.

The site of the former Pasminco lead and zinc smelter.
Photo: The Newcastle Herald

New Community Facilities Between Belmont And Moonee

BY ANNABEL ROBINSON

Lake Macquarie City Council has proposed new infrastructure upgrades worth around $64 million to help enhance recreational facilities around the Belmont, Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay areas.

With the new residential areas growing around Catherine Hill Bay, this draft contributions plan has considered the types and location of facilities that will be needed for a growing community such as Newcastle's.

This new infrastructure plan aims to cater for an extra 7250 people by 2030.

Mayor of Lake Macquarie City Council, Cr  Kay Fraser is excited to announce the new community facilities along the Belmont and Moonee areas.

"The plan identifies 44 open spaces and recreational projects with a value of more than $54 million, as well as upgrades to community facilities," Cr Fraser said.

A few key projects included in the proposal are extensions to the Fernleigh track with a shared pathway through to Blacksmiths, enhancing of Green Point Foreshore Reserve with new walking trails and playgrounds, a new surf club at Cathrine Hill Bay, upgrades to Swansea Swim Centre and a refurbishment to Belmont library.

The Belmont Development Contributions Plan will go to the Ordinary Council Meeting early next week.

Mayor Of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kay Fraser, at the
 Belmont end of the Fernleigh track. Image supplied.

Lake Macquarie combatting land contamination

BY MICHAEL COOK

After accommodating the Pasminco Cockle Creek Lead Smelter for over 100 years, Lake Macquarie City Council are updating their contaminated land management policy to deal with the continued fallout.

Lead contamination has been a constant problem in the area because of the smelter but the policy is also in place to deal with all types of contamination including asbestos and hydrocarbon pollution.

A Lead Expert Working Group has been advising Council on the most important changes to the policy to bring it in line with current legislation.

Lake Mayor Kay Fraser says it is important to be a step ahead to deal with contaminated land in the area.

"We're on the front foot making sure our policy is updated and ensuring our community is aware of what we're doing.

"We have encouraged our community to be involved along the way hence why we've had a number of working groups working closely with us," she said.

Old site of the Cockle Creek lead smelter

Belmont Baths Design Milestone

BY MATT JOHNSTON

The re-establishment of the Belmont Baths is one step closer to becoming a reality, with Lake Macquarie City Council completing a new concept design for the swimming and recreation area. The former facility was destroyed during the superstorm in 2015.

In April, council voted to build a new jetty and protected swimming enclosure to replace the damaged infrastructure. Council's acting Manager of Community Planning, Wes Hain, says they've recently reached the "milestone" of approving a concept design for the new project.

The concept design will be used during consultation periods with the project's stakeholders, including members of the community and contractors.  The vision for the project includes a 70-metre-long swimming enclosure, an access ramp to deep water, a new jetty, and more accessible amenities.

"Accessibility was a key aspect of the design as we want the new Belmont Baths to be a space that all members of our community can use and enjoy," says Mr Hain.

Early cost estimates put the bill at approximately $700,000, some of which council hopes to have subsidised. Council project officer David Middleton says they're "seeking extra funds for the amenities work, which we're confident we'll be successful with those [applications]".

Work is expected to commence in the second half of 2018, with the project expected to be completed in time for Christmas.

Funding To Cut Burglaries In Lake Macquarie

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government is proving almost $50,000 to Lake Macquarie Council to help cut the number of break-ins to homes.

Council will use the money for a crime prevention program which targets break-and-enter hot spots.

The funding is part of the $500,000 Safer Community Compact grants to help councils across NSW deliver grassroots solutions to crime.

"It's about empowering residents, there is a bit of that aspect to it, but it's really about improving community awareness and what you can do to protect your own home," Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says.

Residents will be shown how to use engraving tools to mark their valuables while 100 DataDot kits will be distributed which helps police in identifying, tracking and returning stolen property.

Fifty property marking kits will also be given away to residents whose homes are considered at risk of being broken into.

The latest crime statistics shows that the rate of burglaries in Lake Macquarie has dropped over the past four years, however there were still 734 recorded break-and-enters on homes in 2016.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald Announcing Crime Prevention Funding with Lake Macquarie City Council CEO Morven Cameron and Mayor Cr Kay Fraser

Warners Bay residents up in arms over new development

BY MICHAEL COOK

A development plan for a block of units in Warners Bay has caused a stir with residents voicing concerns over a number of aspects of the proposal.

The development application, which was lodged by Elk Designs is for four blocks of 34 units on Albert Street and has residents pointing to a number of instances where the proposal breaches development control plans including height restrictions and parking quotas.

Residents aired their complaints at Monday's Lake Macquarie City Council meeting, claiming the plan will have a negative impact on traffic, parking and floodwater in the street and is an example of over-development.

Council is still to consult with a number of internal departments as well as a panel of independent experts to advise on key aspects of the development application.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says there are a number of things to be considered at this stage of the application.

"It's in an area where Council is encouraging development.

"We would like to see residents living close to our town centres so it ticks those boxes.

"At this stage, it is still under assessment and we are processing community complaints," she said.

Warners Bay is the proposed site of a new development
Source: http://www.warnersbay.net.au/

Upgraded Toronto Boating Ramp Now Open.

BY DANIELLE RIES.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald and Mayor of Lake Macquarie Kay Fraser have today opened the recently revamped boating ramp at the Toronto Lions park.

The upgrades include a new concrete ramp installation of rock revetments, a foreshore stabilisation and improvements to boat ramp manoeuvring area.

The State Government and the Lake Macquarie City Council worked together in order to upgrade the very popular boating ramp with a four hundred and thirty-five thousand dollar rehabilitation program,
just in time for summer.

Kay Fraser says the community will thoroughly enjoy these new upgrades, especially leading into summer.

"Because its such a popular area over there at the Toronto Lions Park, many many boaters use that area, got a lot of facilities there, amenities block. So it'll be great for families who launch their boats there, they'll be able to launch two, easy to get in and out of, much safer, and has a new look and a new feel so very exciting for the people over there".

Meanwhile, Scot MacDonald also explains how wonderful it is to have the state government and council work together on this project. 

"Really pleased to work with the Lake Macquarie on these. The NSW Government has put in nearly nine hundred thousand dollars. They've put in some very good submissions a bit over a year ago, and they identified what needed upgrading around the council and I think they've put a really good project together.

"They tell me there this morning that they've already applying for more funding through Boating Now and the NSW Liberal Government".

New Boating Ramp
Credit- Lake Macquarie City Council Official Website.

Lake Macquarie Boat Ramp Reconstruction Despite Erosion Threats

BY LAUREN KEMPE

Despite advice from the state government to rebuild Lake Macquarie's Pelican ramp elsewhere, Lake Macquarie council has alternatively decided to rebuild it in its present location.

Stabilisation reconstruction works will commence around early next year, provided councillors endorse the $1.2 million budgeted plan.

The ramp is designed to last 25 years, and the protective alcove design with surrounding rock structures acting as a buffer are anticipated to withstand any future problems of erosion.

The Mokoro Street ramp has been closed since May 2015, and there has been significant community push for reconstruction ever since.

Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser says the community was very strong in maintaining the boat ramp's location, and the plan to move it more inland will alleviate erosion problems going forward.

"We had to look at how the engineering would stack up, but I think we now have a really good option where we can go more inland.

"[The ramp] will be more protected now, so we're looking at having rock retaining walls around a meter high. It will be a completely different look than we've had before."

Mayor Fraser is confident Lake Macquarie council will proceed with the notion within months.

"We have to have it approved by council, which will happen this month, hopefully. The community's overjoyed, they've been waiting since 2015 and they've been really patient. I think it's a really great outcome for the community and the council."

Image Credit: http://www.lakesmail.com.au/story/3542602/boat-ramp-upgrades-to-boost-lake-safety/

Missing link between Boolaroo and Cardiff

BY DANIELLE REIS and JESSICA ROUSE

The extension of Munibung Road has been a long time coming and now the missing link is finally a reality.

Lake Macquarie City Council is welcoming $2.2 million from the Federal Government to extend Munibung Road and connect Boolaroo to Cardiff, cutting around 11 minutes off the current round trip.

Lake Mayor Kay Fraser says new 700 metre extension will provide an important transport link for motorists.

"We're very excited for the council to receive this from the federal government - we have already set aside the other half of the money that's needed so what we will be able to do now is connect Munnibung Road which will run into Cardiff and connect to Boolaroo."

Earlier this year council set aside $2.9 million towards the extension.

"We've already started the planning of the new road, I'm hopeful that we will continue with that planning and we'll start very soon. It's very exciting that we can finally deliver this important infrastructure to Lake Macquarie and to the residents in the area," said Kay Fraser.

Awaba Waste Management Facility set for upgrade

BY DANIELLE RIES

The Awaba Waste Management Facility is set to undergo upgrades as a part of the Lake Macquarie City Council's plan to manage the cities waste.

Daracon has been awarded a sixteen-point-five million dollar contract to construct the expansions which will help reduce the environmental impacts of landfilling on the site.

The upgrades will include two additional excavated cells for landfill, a community recycling centre, weighbridge, waste transfer station and a new administration building.

The works will provide up to 10 years of capacity and enhance the customer drop off experience.

Director City Strategy Toney Farrell says the expansion will help improve the facility.

"Council will develop some extra landfill capacity, so there'll be two new landfill cells, effectively big void fill spaces will be constructed which will allow us to continue landfilling at the site.

"These voids are designed to manage the waste once its buried to make sure nothing leaves the site in an uncontrolled way".

He also explains the expansion is due to commence in the following weeks.

"We anticipate that work will be starting within about 4 weeks. The contractor needs to mobilise to the site and they'll be preparing to do that now.

"We anticipate it'll take about 18 months depending on the weather to get the facilities up and operating. This project is very weather dependent, as it's all outdoors and the more it rains, the longer it will take".

Credit- The Newcastle Star

Proposed residential phone tower on council meeting agenda

BY JARROD MELMETH

A proposed joint Optus and Vodafone tower in Whitebridge is on the agenda for tonight's Lake Macquarie Council meeting.

The tower has been hotly contested by residents who fear health risks from radiofrequency electromagnetic energy and a decrease in land value surrounding the development.

Over 120 public submissions against the proposal have been received by Council, including two petitions and a large number of proforma responses.

According to council documents, the application for the development proposes "the installation of a 35-metre high monopole, with mounted hexagonal headframe bringing the total height of the structure to 37.25 metres," which exceeds the current 15-metre maximum building height outlined in the Lake Macquarie Local Environment Plan.

The applicant company, Visionstream, have submitted a written request to Council asking to vary the maximum building height.

The development application also fails to strictly comply with the 5-metre street setback control under Council’s Development Control Plan.

However, the applicant has proposed planting a landscape screen, to "provide adequate screening of the development at street level."

Lake Macquarie Councillor John Gilbert said a development like this tower has no place in a residential neighbourhood.

"It is okay for them because it is not going right next to their own house or in their own neighbourhood, so of course they have got the "I'm alright Jack" attitude.

"I think that is unacceptable. I think we have got to take into account that every person has a value, every person has a right and every person has a right not to have those things next door to their house, especially when there are so many non-residential opportunities," Mr Gilbert said.

No objection has yet been raised by Council officers in departments such as, Development Assessment and Compliance (Aboriginal Heritage, Erosion/Sediment Control, Landscape/Urban Streetscape, Engineering, Building, Flora/Fauna); Waste Environment and Rangers (Contamination, Health, Noise); Sustainability (Air Quality); and Asset Management (Driveway, Traffic), which hinders predictions as to what the outcome will be.

Mr Gilbert believes the outcome of tonight's meeting is a toss of the coin.

"There seem to be councillors who feel it's okay and there are councillors who are, like me, against the development.

"So, it is really going to depend on what comes out of the discussion at the council as to which way people go.

"I will not be changing my stance, no matter what gets discussed. I'll be doing my best to make sure this does not go through," Mr Gilbert said. 

The proposed location of a 37-metre mobile phone tower. 

The power of the sun

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Lake Macquarie City Council is reaping the rewards of solar panels, using the power of the sun to reduce their carbon emissions and save thousands of dollars.

The council has installed a further 241 solar panels at its Works Depot adding to the panels already installed across major council buildings capable of generating 550kW.

Solar panels have been installed at council's administration building which generates 176kW of power, and also at the Speers Point Swim Centre, the art gallery, Charlestown and Belmont Libraries, the Rural Fire Service Headquarters and other buildings throughout the local government area.

So far the panels have reduced council's carbon emission by a massive 856 tonnes - the equivalent of taking 200 cars off the road - and saved $156,000 annually.

"We estimate that those installations are reducing our electricity bills by around about $156,000 dollars every year so that translates directly into savings on the cost of council services for ratepayers," said Manager of Sustainability Alice Howe.

Council isn't stopping there, they aim to make the city a solar powerhouse in the Lower Hunter, and already have 14 per cent of homes having solar panels installed on rooftops throughout the city.

There might be an answer to the portrait saga

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A community outcry has forced Lake Macquarie City Council into action over the portraits of former councillors who've since been convicted of child sex offences.

Lake Macquarie Council was under a considerable amount of pressure yesterday after their refusal to remove portraits of convicted sex offenders from the council chamber.

At the end of last year, the council decided on a gag order for a confidential meeting regarding whether or not portraits of councillors convicted of sex offences should stay hanging or on council asset plaques.

It's understood a majority of councillors voted down the motion to remove all photographs and plaques of disgraced former Mayor Douglas Carley and councillor turned state MP Milton Orkopoulos.

NOW, a picture of disgraced former Mayor, Douglas Carley has been taken down from the foyer of council chambers but pictures of Carley and Milton Orkopoulos remain on the walls of a meeting room.

The room will be closed to the public while council decides on a policy when it comes to historical pictures of former councillors.

Outrage over sex offenders portraits CONT.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Pressure is mounting on Lake Macquarie Council after their refusal to remove portraits of convicted sex offenders from the council chamber.

At the end of last year, the council decided on a gag order for a confidential meeting regarding whether or not portraits of councillors convicted of sex offences should stay hanging or on council asset plaques.  

It's understood a majority of councillors voted down the motion to remove all photographs and plaques of disgraced former Mayor Douglas Carley and councillor turned state MP Milton Orkopoulos.

Liberal Councillor Cr Kevin Baker along with Cr Jason Pauling and Cr Nick Jones opposed the notice of motion to keep the matter confidential - but can't comment any further on the specifics due to the gag effect imposed by the Mayor and a majority of Councillors. 

The councillor is absolutely baffled as to why council think it's okay to keep the portraits hanging where they are because it sends the completely wrong message to sex offenders.

"I feel that there's no place in our city where these photos should hang but especially in positions of pride. I think it's abhorrent that these photos remain in these positions of honour and I think it sends a really bad message for victims of abuse that we continue to display these images of people who have committed these horrible crimes," said Cr Kevin Baker. 

He adds council need to practice what they preach.

"We feel that Lake Macquarie city council needs to have more transparency around this and other matters and it's the only way to really service community interest best. The mayor even speaks about transparency in government in a little speech at the start of every meeting and I think it's about time that Lake Macquarie council starts walking the talk in regards to transparency"

The council say they're not going to make any hasty decision now, with Mayor Kay Fraser reportedly backing the decision for historical purposes.

Tony Phiske, a social worker from the Survivors and Mates Support Network says the portraits are confronting for abuse survivors and with all of the attention brought to child sex offences through the Royal Commission he can't believe the photographs and portraits are still in the public eye.

"A lot of people are taking on board what has impacted them over a large number of years, and for them to be confronted with something like a portrait that hasn't been removed it can very much be a slap in the face." 

Lake Macquarie Council's Brian Bell retires

BY JESSICA ROUSE

After a career in local government spanning fifty years, the General Manager of Lake Macquarie Council Brian Bell announced his retirement yesterday.

The 68-year-old has spent the last 11 years at the council working with a total of three mayors, and four councils.

Mr Bell's service to local government was recognised in the Australia Day Honours Awards in January 2016, with the now former general manager receiving a public Service Medal.

"I have been fortunate in my 11 years at Lake Macquarie to work with stable, considered and courageous councils that have worked for the greater good of the people of Lake Macquarie," Mr Bell said.

Brian Bell. Image www.lakesmail.com.au

"My time here has been exceptionally rewarding and I have enjoyed every moment, but it is now time for someone else to take the Council into the next decade and beyond."

The council will run a recruitment process to find a replacement for Mr Bell with his retirement is effective from the end of June.

A facelift for Warners Bay foreshore

BY JESSICA ROUSE and GARY JON-LYSAGHT

Works are starting today on a major upgrade to Warners Bay foreshore, including new park benches, trees and even glow-in-the-dark pavers.

The works are all part of Lake Macquarie council's master plan for the foreshore, aiming to bring new life into the area which can see more than a thousand visitors every day.

Mayor Kay Fraser believes the upgrades will hugely benefit the area and bring even more people to the foreshore.

"There's a whole lot of works happening over the next year or two that's going to really activate the foreshore and bring people to the city and spend money. It will be good for business, and good for families wanting to go somewhere different and relax and enjoy the water."

Warners Bay foreshore plan.

The works will promote the beauty of the city with a blue pavement section in the plans, to represent the Lake, with a blue additive which will glow-in-the-dark.

"It's a dark blue and it'll be a real eye catcher," said Mayor Jay Fraser.

"We've also started that sandstone wall, so we're going to have 65m of that continuing along the foreshore. We will also have 500m2 of garden bed and because there's so many people using Warners Bay we're going to put an additional 30 new park benches in as well."

During construction, pedestrian access will be maintained along the foreshore, however there will be some sections closed off to the public throughout the construction.

To stay up to date head to www.lakemac.com.au