newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie residents will be asked to have their say on a 15-year vision for Speers Point Park featuring expanded play areas, upgraded sporting facilities and improved access.
Councillors have endorsed the public exhibition of a draft Plan of Management and Master Plan intended to guide the future of one of the city’s most popular regional parks.
The proposed changes include new and upgraded pathways, additional picnic and recreation areas, improved parking and sporting amenities, and an increased tree canopy. The plan also identifies opportunities for arts, culture and events, along with greater use of the lakeside precinct.
Mayor Adam Shultz said the plan sought to accommodate the park’s future needs while retaining its most popular features.
“This draft plan looks at how the park can continue to evolve over the next 15 years while maintaining the things people already love about it,” he said.
“We’ve already had valuable feedback from the community during the development of the draft plan, and this exhibition period is another opportunity for people to tell us what they think before any final decisions are made.”
The documents will be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for approval before being placed on public exhibition for at least 42 days. Feedback will help shape a final version to be returned to the council for consideration.
Exhibition dates and further information will be published on the council’s Shape Lake Macquarie website once the period is confirmed.
In other business, councillors approved a planning agreement covering new parks, recreation facilities and community infrastructure at Cameron Park. It provides for two local parks and playgrounds, a shared pathway and financial contributions towards sports fields, hard courts and other public facilities.
Councillors also supported a mayoral proposal to investigate whether the planned Learn-to-Swim pool at Swansea Swim Centre could be delivered sooner, while seeking additional state and federal funding.
“The planned Learn-to-Swim pool at Swansea Swim Centre will provide an important space for children and adults to develop vital water safety skills close to home,” Cr Shultz said.
Another mayoral proposal backed advocacy for the former Macquarie Coal site at Teralba to be considered as a possible location for a new NSW train manufacturing facility.
“We will continue to advocate to State Government and Glencore because we believe the former Macquarie Coal site is an ideal location for train manufacturing in the Hunter for decades to come,” Cr Shultz said.
Councillors also supported a mayoral minute recognising chief executive Tony Farrell’s leadership and service during the past 12 months.
Information about the public exhibition will be available at shape.lakemac.com.au once the exhibition period is confirmed.
