Lake Macquarie City Councillors have voted to adopt a $111.5 million capital works spend over the next financial year.
Mayor Kay Fraser said she was confident Council had produced a well-balanced 2024-2025 Operational Plan which would boost the local community over the next financial year and beyond.
“This year we have a really strong focus on core pillars of business, like road maintenance and rehabilitation, waste management, community facilities, parks and playgrounds,” she said.
“I am particularly excited about the transformation of Rathmines Park, in the city’s west, which will include a new playground, learn-to-ride area and youth hub.”
“We’re also delivering a new Community Recycling Centre at Belmont North to boost waste and sustainability offerings around the lake.”
Other key projects include the Hunter Sports Centre expansion (pictured), a learn-to-swim pool at West Wallsend and a bridge replacement program.
The plan outlines a spend of $26.6 million for road resealing, resurfacing and rehabilitation, while community and sporting facilities have an allocated spend of $27.7 million.
Other big-ticket categories are bridges, with a $10.9 million spend, and stormwater and drainage which has been allocated $6.1 million over the next financial year.
Councillors also approved five funding applications totalling $35,000, as part of the Environmental Research Grants Program 2023-2024.
Council offers these grants to university researchers and other research-based organisations to support exploration of contemporary and local environmental issues.
