Lake Macquarie opens $393.2 million draft budget for public feedback

newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie residents are being asked to weigh in on the council’s draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026-2027 after councillors backed the plan for public exhibition at the 23 March meeting. The draft sets out a $393.2 million budget, including more than $111 million in capital works, with submissions open until Monday 20 April.

The draft plan includes 127 actions tied to the city’s long-term goals and proposes $29.1 million for road sealing, resurfacing and rehabilitation, $13.5 million for business-supporting initiatives, $11.1 million for beaches, lake assets and aquatic facilities, $10.6 million for community and sporting facilities and $10 million for bridges and embankments.

Among the larger works flagged are dredging at Swansea Channel, swim centre upgrades at West Wallsend and Charlestown, and road rehabilitation projects at Dudley, Mandalong, Belmont North and Morisset. Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the plan would help guide the city’s growth while keeping its connection to nature. “As the third fastest growing regional area in Australia, we are well placed for a strong future, and this plan sets out the actions that will help us get there,” Mayor Adam said.

“Investment is also proposed across beaches, aquatic facilities, community and sporting venues, parks, bridges and more to support a growing and connected city,” he said.

“We value community feedback and ask residents to take a look at the draft plan and let us know whether we’ve captured the right mix of services, upgrades and long-term priorities,” Mayor Adam said. Council has also listed face-to-face information sessions at Toronto Library on 30 March, Caves Beach on 11 April and Glendale City Centre on 16 April during the exhibition period.

Councillors also approved the draft Lake Macquarie Waste and Circular Materials Strategy for public exhibition until 4 May. Council said the strategy responds to rising waste volumes, increasing disposal costs and the remaining landfill capacity at the Awaba Waste Management Facility. Minor updates to the Investment Policy were also approved, along with a refreshed framework covering Joint Organisations.