Lake Macquarie | Latest Forum Topics/News Articles

Lake Macquarie Draft Cycling Strategy 2011 - 2021

Project Leader — 2011-12-07 13:07:19 +1100

Council is seeking feedback on the Lake Macquarie Draft Cycling Strategy 2011-2021.

The cycling strategy was developed in collaboration with the community to improve cycleways across the city and encourage residents to cycle more often.

To find out more or make a submission about the Draft Cycling Strategy, you can access the exhibition page.

Alternatively, attend an Information Stall in January

Toronto Town Square Thursday 19 January 10am-12noon
Morisset Square Thursday 19 January 1.30pm-3.30pm
Charlestown Square Saturday 21 January 10am-12noon
Swansea (near Woolworths) Saturday 21 January 1.30pm-3.30pm
Australia Day Festival Thursday 26 January 10am-2pm

Submissions close: 4pm Friday 3 February 2012

Enquiries: Please contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 02 4921 0333

Why is Council looking to increase rates now?

Project Team — 2011-10-17 16:19:37 +1100

To achieve financial sustainability and manage the community's infrastructure, we either need to increase our income by increasing rates, or reduce our expenditure by decreasing the level of services we provide to our community.

If NSW councils want to increase rates beyond the rate peg amount they have to apply to IPART for a special rate variation, and in doing so must demonstrate extensive consultation and significant support from the community.

Securing our Future is a 6-month consultation process Council is conducting with a view to making an application to IPART in 2012. Applications close on 24 February 2012 for rate increases commencing in the 2012/13 financial year.

You can find out more about Council's financial management by downloading our information sheets on Services, Revenue and Expenditure, Sustainability, Efficiency and Enterprise, and Assets.

Sustainability Levy

Project Team — 2011-10-17 16:04:50 +1100

The local environment consistently rates as one of the most important features of the City for residents. Access to the lake, coastline, and bushland provides people with an opportunity to enhance health and wellbeing through outdoor activity and enjoyment of our wildlife and natural places.

During development of the 10 Year Community Plan in 2008, community feedback rated Caring for the Environment as the most important of Council's focus areas. The need for additional funds to deliver environmental programs was identified, as the previous Lake Levy which had been in place for 10 years was due to expire.

Council sought and was granted a special variation, which has come to be known as the Sustainability Levy. It was introduced in 2009 to fund environmental projects, including continuation of lake water quality improvement works. The Levy expires in 2014.

What happens under each funding option when the Levy finishes in 2014?

All three funding options include the Sustainability Levy in 2012-2014. As Council intends to continue with its Caring for the Environment programs, it proposes to increase rate income across the 7-year period to enable these works to continue beyond 2014. This increase in rate income is incorporated in Options 2 and 3, but not in Option 1.

Under Option 1, the Levy funding for environmental works and programs stops in 2014/15. This will also be the case if Council's application for a rate increase is not approved by IPART.

Under Options 2 and 3, rate increases for the 7-year period will provide additional income to continue Council's current environmental programs beyond 2014. The expiring variation becomes part of the general rate base beyond 2014/15.

What has been achieved with the Levy?

Key achievements include:

26 on-ground works projects completed to improve lake water quality
Clean Up Lake Macquarie collected 28 tonnes of rubbish over 86 sites with 7,146 volunteers
Residents were assisted in saving money, including a 3.9% reduction in citywide electricity use in 2009-2010, and an overall saving to the community of $6M through access to rebates and other programs
Award winning climate change adaptation program delivered, including the E-shorance web tool to assess the response of the lake foreshore to predicted sea level rise
Inaugural Living Smart Festival attracted 8,000 people
Waste to landfill reduced by 23% per capita, and commercial recycling increased by 38%
18 sustainable neighbourhood groups established

What is planned for the next 7 years?

In the next 7 years we intend to continue work to:

Maintain and improve lake water quality through construction and maintenance of over 70 on-ground works projects
Complete over 20 works projects to reduce energy and water consumption in Council and community facilities.
Develop local area adaptation plans for all foreshore areas affected by fl ooding and sea level rise
Expand our sustainable neighbourhoods program to provide an opportunity for neighbourhoods in the City to work with Council to improve their local environment
Continue to support residents and businesses to save money at home and at work through programs to reduce waste generation and resource consumption

Option 3: Improve Services – Increase Rates

Project Team — 2011-10-17 16:01:33 +1100

9.8% average residential rate increase (including 3% rate cap)
12.8% average business rate increase each year (including 3% rate cap)

Under this option the community will see much of their vision as outlined in the 10 Year Community Plan come to life. Option 3 is designed to deliver on priorities identified through community consultation, and is based on what people have said they want to see more of, or wish to see maintained or improved. The increased funding will allow Council to improve levels of service to the community and support an additional program of works for roads, pools, libraries, sports centres, parks and playgrounds, and upgrades to town centres.

Improvements in maintenance of our City's assets and infrastructure

Funds will be injected into infrastructure renewal and maintenance across the City, with an additional $15M over the 7-year period.

This will significantly improve the standard of maintenance and overall appearance of the City. Response times for maintenance requests will be reduced including vandalism repairs, pothole patching, and drainage clearing.

Regular services such as litter removal, street sweeping, and toilet cleaning will be conducted more frequently.

This amount allows for an increase in the number of assets in the City over 7 years and recognises that maintenance costs and community expectations change over time.

Roads and drainage improve

Under Option 3, the condition of our roads is expected to reach the 'very good' range within the next 10 years through a program of targeted renewal. This will be achieved through a $42M investment over the next 7 years in programs for road reconstruction and resurfacing.

Funding will be available to upgrade drainage infrastructure and replace drainage that fails.

Environmental programs and works maintained

Sustainability works and programs will continue beyond 2014/15, when the Sustainability Levy finishes.

Read more about the Sustainability Levy and current environmental programs. (link to sustainability levy content)

Existing community facilities upgraded and new facilities built

Rate increases under Option 3 will allow Council to keep the Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre and pools open. Council will also implement recommendations from the Library Service Delivery Model, which proposes 2 new libraries at Morisset and Glendale, costing $7.4M.

Lake Macquarie Art Gallery will be extended to incorporate seminar rooms and the sculpture park will be extended in the gallery grounds.

The community will also benefit from:

Rathmines Community Hall kitchen upgrade
Renovation of Lambton Colliery, Redhead Community Buildings
Refurbishment of the Sugar Valley Neighbourhood Centre
A new amenity block at Warners Bay foreshore

Sporting and recreation facilities improved

Under Option 3, $20.4M will be provided over 7 years to redevelop our pools according to recommendations in Council's Pool Service Delivery Model. This includes redevelopment of Charlestown Pool and a new water play zone at Speers Point.

Our sport and recreation facilities will be improved and extended across the City:

Sportsground improvements to playing surfaces, lighting, amenities, and car parks across the City ($6M over 7 years)
Additional sporting fields at Edgeworth (funded in part by developer contributions) ($5.3M)
Continued implementation of:

Cameron Park Master Plan – Sports Fields and Parks (funded in part by developer contributions) ($7.6M over 5 years)
Speers Point Park Master Plan ($1.1M over 4 years)
Toronto Foreshore Master Plan including new play equipment

New Youth and Aboriginal Programs

Additional youth and Aboriginal programs will be delivered in partnership with relevant organisations. Current staffing maintained and frontline staffing increased

Current staffing levels will be maintained and in addition, Ranger staffing will be increased as per Option 2.

New capital projects

New capital expenditure over the 7 years will increase to $326M, and includes the works detailed above.

In addition a program to upgrade town centres will be developed. $7M will be allocated over 7 years for upgrades in 9 locations: Cardiff, Charlestown, Belmont, Toronto Morisset, Warners Bay, Glendale, Swansea and Mount Hutton.

The Glendale Transport Interchange and the Lake Macquarie Waste Strategy will be funded.

Financial

Council will continue to experience a small operating deficit until 2016/17, with a surplus of up to $7M in 2018/19 projected. Option 3 addresses the $67M infrastructure backlog with roads ($30M backlog) improved and funding for future drainage renewals are provided.

Option 2: Maintain Services – Increase Rates

Project Team — 2011-10-17 15:57:30 +1100

7.7% average residential rate increase each year (including 3% rate cap)
9.9% average business rate increase each year (including 3% rate cap)

This option will see Council services stay largely the same as they are now, with minimal improvements or upgrades. However, the increase in income will not be enough to maintain the condition of all our City assets and infrastructure, and the quality of our roads will continue to decline, then hold in the 'good' range.

Funding maintained for maintenance of our City's assets and infrastructure

Under this option, the maintenance of the City's infrastructure will continue to be funded at current levels for the next 3 years.

In 2015/16 the annual maintenance program will increase by approximately $1.5M per year until 2018/19. This will add a total of $6M to infrastructure maintenance over the next 7 years. This increased spending will only keep pace with inflation and an increase in the number of assets we have to maintain. Requests for footpath repairs, road patching, weed removal, plumbing repairs, and signage replacement can continue to be responded to in a timely manner.

Road condition declines

Option 2 does not provide funds to stop the declining quality of our roads. Although an additional $16M will be allocated over 7 years, this funding will only keep pace with rising cost increases. This means that the average condition of our roads will continue to decline for the next few years, but will then hold in the 'good' range.

Drainage maintained

Current funding for replacement of failed drainage will be maintained, enabling Council to replace approximately 30% of drainage that fails.

Environmental programs and works maintained

Sustainability works and programs will continue beyond 2014/15, when the Sustainability Levy finishes. Continuing programs include bushland and foreshore rehabilitation projects, and lake water quality improvement programs.

Read more about the Sustainability Levy and current environmental programs.

Community facilities remain open

Rate increases under Option 2 will allow Council to keep the Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre and pools open. Libraries will remain open in the short term; however, funding levels have been set at the same amount as 2011/2012 budget. This means that as costs increase over time, levels of service and stock will need to decrease to ensure the service can be provided within the budget available.

Consequently, reductions in opening hours, staff, book stock, and service points will be considered. Lake Macquarie Art Gallery will have all internal lights changed to meet new environmental legislation at a cost of $82,150.

Sporting and recreation facilities –minimal improvements

Our pools will not be upgraded to standards reflected in Council's Pool Service Delivery Model. For example, the proposed water play zone at Speers Point will not be delivered under Option 2.

Our pools will have resuscitation equipment and disability hoists upgraded at a cost of $140,200 over 7 years.

Current staffing levels maintained and frontline staff increased

While Council will continue to find efficiencies in the way we operate, current levels of staff will be maintained across all areas of Council. Maintaining staff levels means we can continue to respond in a timely manner to the 11,000 maintenance requests we receive each year.

Current Economic Development staffing will be retained. With the right levels of staff, we intend to maintain our current turnaround times for processing development applications. In addition, Ranger staffing will be increased, including weekend shifts and after hours services. Additional Ranger patrols on weekends will improve response times to requests, and patrols and enforcement activities will be increased during normal hours. The community will benefit from increased monitoring and enforcement of public health and environmental standards.

New capital projects

Total new capital expenditure over the 7 years will be $269M. Town centres will not be upgraded under Option 2. The Glendale Transport Interchange and the Lake Macquarie Waste Strategy will be funded.

Financial

Council will continue to experience an operating deficit until 2016/17, with an expected surplus of up to $5M in 2018/19. The City's infrastructure backlog of $67M will only be partially addressed. Increased funding for roads, for example, only maintains roads at a 'good' condition in the future due to increasing costs.

Option 1: Reduce Services – Maintain Rates

Project Team — 2011-10-17 15:54:12 +1100

Average residential and business rate increase each year over 7 years: 3% rate cap only. 3% is the expected rate cap to be set annually by IPART. If the actual percentage set by IPART is lower in the 7 years, then further reductions in spending will be required.

This option will see a dramatic difference in community infrastructure and services over the next 7 years. With income restricted by the rate peg, Council will need to make some big changes to meet rising costs and achieve a balanced budget.

Reduction in maintenance of our City's assets and infrastructure

$20.8M will be saved over 7 years through a major reduction in city infrastructure maintenance. Without regular maintenance, the quality of our infrastructure and environment will decline over time, and more expensive reactive and emergency work may be needed.

Consequences could include:

Longer response times for requests for graffiti removal, tree lopping, and vandalism repairs.
Less frequent mowing, weed removal and spraying, gutter cleaning, and litter collection. This would result in a reduction in standards for users. For example, the grass in our parks and playing fields could be longer. Our wetlands could also become choked with weeds and litter.
Safety and environmental hazards may increase, for example trip hazards, unsafe trees, bushfire hazards, and soil erosion.

Roads and drainage works reduced

With $24.1M less budgeted for roadworks, such as kerb, guttering, and resealing, the quality of our roads will decline to a 'fair' condition within 10 years.

The budget for replacement of failed drainage systems and flood mitigation measures will reduce by $3.9M over 7 years. This will make it harder for our drainage system to cope with major flooding events.

Reduction in environmental programs and works

The Sustainability Levy will not be extended beyond 2014. As a result there could be a decline in the quality of our lake, coastline, and bushland. Vegetation maintenance programs for our foreshore reserves and for bushfire engagement will be affected. Environmental works and programs, such as lake water quality programs, will reduce significantly, as will programs to minimise pollution, waste generation, and resource consumption.

Closure of major community facilities

To save money, Council will need to close a number of major facilities. In 2012/13 the Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre and 2 pools will close. One pool will be put out to contract for management. Libraries will be open for reduced hours initially, then 5 libraries will close between 2013/14 and 2014/15. This will save $24M over 7 years.

Reduced construction and maintenance of footpaths, cycleways, and traffic facilities

Our construction program for new footpaths, cycleways, and traffic facilities will reduce by $4M over the 7 years. In addition, no new boat ramps or jetties will be constructed, saving $2.3M over 7 years.

Reductions in service levels across the City and loss of 123 Council staff

Staffing reductions across all areas of Council will occur, saving $42.6M over 7 years. With reduced staffing, response times for service requests and turnaround times for processing development applications will be longer.

The Economic Development Department would be disbanded, including closure of the Visitor Information Centre at Swansea. One staff position would be created to assist employment generating development proponents with site identification and approval processes, with a second position created to assist in facilitating events that attract visitors to the City. This would effectively reduce staffing for Economic Development from 7.4 to 2 full time equivalent staff.

Under Option 1 only about 77% (8,500 of the 11,000) service requests we receive each year will be completed. Requests that will be delayed or not carried out include footpath repairs, road patching, and graffiti removal.

Limited new capital projects

New capital expenditure over the 7 years will be limited to $240M. While Glendale Transport Interchange and the Lake Macquarie Waste Strategy will be funded, town centre upgrades for Cardiff, Charlestown, Belmont, Toronto, Morisset, Warners Bay, Glendale, Swansea and Mount Hutton will not go ahead under Option 1.

Financial Outcomes

Council will continue to experience an operating deficit over the 7-year period. The current $15.8M operating deficit would reduce to $8.5M by 2018/19. Council's maintenance and infrastructure backlog will increase significantly.

Find out about each of the options for a rate increase

Project Team — 2011-10-17 15:51:43 +1100

Find out details information about each of the options for a rate increase.

You can nominate your preferred option by completing the online survey.

How the Funding Options were developed

Project Team — 2011-10-17 15:49:10 +1100

The funding options were developed based on our 10 Year Community Plan, as well as input gathered through the Securing our Future consultation. Securing our Future is a 6-month community engagement process to raise awareness and consult the community about Council's financial sustainability. Between July and September this year, more than 400 people attended forums held across the City.

Council's consultation website www.haveyoursaylakemac.com.au was also used to gather community feedback through an online forum. Input was also sought from a community working group of 24 randomly selected yet demographically representative residents across all wards.

Forum participants were asked to identify which Council assets and services they valued most and would prioritise for future funding. Our roads and cycleways, domestic and commercial waste collection, environmental programs – especially lake and foreshore management, libraries, and park facilities were shown to be highly valued.

Results of the community engagement informed development of the three options Council is now presenting to the community for consideration.

Mayor's Message

Project Team — 2011-10-17 12:49:06 +1100

Council has managed to balance its budget for many years, but with each passing year this has become increasingly difficult. It is clear that ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option and that we need to change the way we fund our assets and services, or go down the path of making some serious cuts.

Council undertakes extensive community consultation each year as we develop our operational plans and delivery programs. We have undertaken more consultation in 2011 as we look to confirm which services you value the most, and try to strike the right balance between the services you want and those you are willing to pay for through your rates.

Many people attended the series of Securing our Future community workshops held in July, joined our online forum, and used our budget allocator tool over recent months. Most participants were reluctant to see cuts to services or the sale of Council assets to fund budget shortfalls. Indeed, many indicated they would be happy to see an increase in rates to maintain or improve the services and assets they value, so long as the increase was reasonable.

Based on this feedback, Council has developed three funding options to present to the community for consideration. These options are based on community priorities identified through the Securing our Future consultation. The options also respond to the community’s vision as reflected in our 10 Year Community Plan.

We are asking you to tell us which of these three options you prefer. We will use the results of feedback from the community to determine the level of rate increase we will seek from IPART. The final decision on whether Council can increase its rate income will be made by IPART in June next year.

I urge you to take the time to read the information available on this site and tell us your preferred option. Your feedback will have an effect on the future of Council and the City of Lake Macquarie.

Councillor Greg Piper

Mayor of Lake Macquarie

Lake Community to Have Their Say on Rate Options

Project Team — 2011-10-05 08:49:36 +1100

Lake Macquarie City Council last night endorsed the final stage of a six-month consultation process in which the community will be asked to have their say on three rate increase options.

The three options are: one to maintain rate increases at capped levels, one to maintain services with increased rates, and one to improve services with a higher increase in rates.

Council's Director Corporate Services, Wayne Jack, said this is one of the most important decisions facing residents and councillors.

"People living in Lake Macquarie value a quality lifestyle, based around our beautiful lake, coastline, and bushland," Mr Jack said.

"For Council, delivering this quality of life comes down to maintaining and improving our assets – our natural environment, as well as our roads and cycleways, sporting and cultural facilities, parks and playgrounds, and vibrant town centres."

"It is important now that we go back to the community and ask them which one of the three options they prefer."

"Over the next two months we will conduct a series of face-to-face workshops, send an information pack with a mail-in slip to all households across the city, and Hunter Valley Research Foundation will also conduct a telephone survey of a representative sample of the community."

"The Securing Our Future online forum at www.haveyoursaylakemac.com.au/securingourfuture will also be open until the first week of December, and we encourage community members to go online and have their say."

The three rate options endorsed by Council for further community consultation are:

Option 1: Reduce Services - Maintain Rates
Average rate increase each year for seven years (in line with the anticipated 3% rate cap set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal).

This equates to an average increase of:

Residential $30.60 Business $104.23

This option requires an $11.7M reduction in operating and capital expenditure in 2012/13 and a $112M reduction in spending across operating and capital expenditure over seven years. There will be a major reduction in roads and infrastructure maintenance and a significant reduction in services across all areas of Council with a corresponding reduction of 123 staff. Some major reductions include environmental works, library services, and pool closures.

Option 2: Maintain Services – Increase Rates
Average rate increase each year for seven years (includes 3% rate cap).

Residential $73.56 ( 7.42% increase) Business $326.17 ( 9.78% increase)

This option maintains current levels of service to the community, including pools and libraries, and provides funding for infrastructure renewal and upgrades to parks and sporting grounds. Funding for road maintenance will only keep pace with rising costs. The quality of our roads will continue to decline.

Option 3: Improve Services - Increase Rates
Average rate increase each year for seven years (includes 3% rate cap).

Residential $92.89 ( 9.89% increase) Business $421.34 ( 12.77% increase)

This option improves levels of service to the community and supports an additional program of works for pools, libraries, parks and playgrounds, upgrades to town centres, and funding for infrastructure renewal.

Key Dates

November

A series of seven community workshops will take place around the city during November. Dates, locations, and times will be released as soon as they are confirmed.

Thursday 15 December 2011

The results of this consultation and the community's preferred option will be reported to Council. If Options 2 or 3 are chosen, Council will need to resolve to prepare an application for a special rate variation to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

Friday 24 February 2012

IPART application due.

Wednesday 6 June 2012

IPART announces rate variation determinations

Council to Consider Consultation on Three Rate Options

Project Team — 2011-10-04 12:46:25 +1100

Plans to consult Lake Macquarie residents and businesses about options for rate increases will be reported to Lake Macquarie City Council on Tuesday 4 October.

The report details three rate increase options including one to maintain rates increases at capped levels, one to maintain services with increased rates, and one to improve services with a higher increase in rates (see details below).

Councillors will also be asked to approve the final stage of the six-month consultation process.

Council's Director Corporate Services, Wayne Jack, said despite achieving significant efficiencies and financially performing better than most other councils, services to Lake Macquarie ratepayers can no longer be maintained without additional rate rises.

"The cost of providing council services is continuing to increase at a greater rate than our income and inflation," Mr Jack said.

"As a community we have to decide what services we want Council to provide and there are some tough decisions to be made."

"Council's operating budget is in deficit, and it is not sustainable to continue to run down asset replacement reserves to balance the budget. We have seen big increases in costs that are beyond our control including electricity and fuel, as well as cost shifting from the State Government that we just can't absorb."

Council staff developed the rate options following the first stage of an extensive six-month consultation program My Lake Macquarie - Securing Our Future, which runs until December. Community feedback provided from consultation on the development of Council's operational plans and delivery programs also contributed to the development of the options.

"Results from the first stage of community consultation have shown us that most people are reluctant to see Council services reduced or cut, and that they would be willing to pay to see current services and assets maintained or improved as long as a potential rate increase was not unreasonable," Mr Jack said.

"People have told us priority services include land and foreshore management, environmental management, family day care, domestic and commercial waste collection, park facilities and playgrounds, roads, and cycleways. We will continue to work with the community to deliver services that are important to them and in line with what they are prepared to pay."

The next phase of community consultation will include seven community workshops, an online and telephone survey. A community working group of 24 randomly selected people representing the Lake Macquarie community will also meet with Council officers to discuss the options.

Option 1: Reduce Services - Maintain Rates
Average rate increase each year for seven years (in line with the anticipated 3% rate cap set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal).

Residential $30.60 Business $104.23

Option 2: Maintain Services – Increase Rates
Average rate increase each year for seven years (includes 3% rate cap).

Residential $73.56 Business $326.17

This option maintains current levels of service to the community, including pools and libraries, and provides funding for infrastructure renewal and upgrades such as parks and sporting grounds. Under Option 2, funds are provided to maintain but not improve roads.

Option 3: Improve Services - Increase Rates
Average rate increase each year for seven years (includes 3% rate cap).

Residential $92.89 Business $421.34

You can have your say on the three funding options at upcoming community forums, online or by completing the tear off slip in the information package you receive in early November.

Council's Financial Report Card

Project Team — 2011-09-09 18:28:19 +1000

Lake Macquarie City Council achieved 83% of its Operational Plan targets last financial year (2010/2011) with major highlights being environmental works on 25 sites around the city, the completion of the
Fernleigh Track to Belmont, and receiving a national award for climate change adaptation programs.

The June Review of the 2010-2011 Operational Plan and Budget went to Council's Budget Committee in August and was adopted with a budget deficit of $441,268.

Council's Director Corporate Services, Wayne Jack, said the deficit was an indication of the continuing financial challenges faced by Council as a result of factors including rate pegging and cost shifting
from other levels of government.

"This review shows a satisfactory short term financial position for Council, but it also shows how important it is that we look at our continued financial sustainability," Mr Jack said.

"We have been balancing the budget from our Asset Replacement Reserve but this practice is not sustainable and we will need to find more funds for the future replacement of infrastructure."

"Our ability to achieve 139 of the 167 indicators shows that Council is efficient and able to deliver many great services and facilities to the community while operating within some financial constraints."

"Our increasing operating deficit means that we need to make some changes to our income or services and we have been hearing what Council services residents value through the My Lake Macquarie: Securing our Future consultation program. I encourage anyone who has not yet had their say to go to our online forum and take part in the discussion."

Key Achievements in 2010-2011

8,000 people attended the first Living Smart Festival at Speers Point Park in September

Achieved a record number of sites and participants in Clean Up Lake Macquarie Day in March

Received national award for climate change adaptation initiatives

Reduced total waste to landfill of 23% per capita in 2010-11 compared to 2007-08

Completed accessibility works at Teralba Petanque Centre, Argenton Community Hall, and Teralba Community Hall

Completed the fitout and commenced operations of The Place: Charlestown Community Centre

Received an $84,000 grant from the Attorney General's Department for graffiti removal and prevention programs

Worked with the Aboriginal community through the Toronto Local Reference Group to plan for an Integrated Child and Family Centre at Toronto

Constructed the Blacksmiths Pontoon Jetty

Built a new amenities building and car park at Evans Park, Cardiff

Completed Lake Macquarie's best skate park at Chapman Oval, Swansea

Finished the final stages of the Fernleigh Track through to Belmont

Constructed 1.4km of kerb and gutter at Brightwaters and Belmont North

Sealed 2.6km of gravel road at Morisset, Mandalong, Wakefield, Ryhope, and Wyee

Finalised area plans for Morisset Town Centre and Coorumbung Road, Dora Creek

Prepared draft Lifestyle 2030 and Development Control Plan 2011 for exhibition

Offered local heritage funds and completed work on six buildings

Developed a Lake Macquarie Fishing Guide and Kayaking Trails Guide to go with the Walking Trails Guide

CiviLake delivered external works and services with a surplus of $1.54m

Constructed new camp kitchens at Belmont Pines and Swansea Gardens holiday parks

Your questions answered

Project Team — 2011-08-18 16:43:03 +1000

At our recent Community Forums in Morisset, Belmont and Charlestown, participants were invited to ask questions, and where time allowed Council staff provided answers on the night.

With such good attendance at each of the sessions, we didn't have time to answer everyone's questions. So, participants were invited to write their queries down so we could provide answers and make them available afterwards through the Securing our Future site.

Our responses are now available in our Frequent Asked Questions section. Follow the links to learn more about Securing our Future and what the community wanted to know more about.

Once again, we would like to thank everyone who came along to the forums. Please help spread the word and encourage others in our community to have their say on the future of our finances and services.

Lake Residents Have Their Say on Council Services

Project Team — 2011-08-01 12:25:28 +1000

29/07/2011

More than 250 Lake Macquarie residents attended a series of Council run workshops this week where they let Council know what services were important to them, what they could not do without and in some cases, what services they thought were not necessarily Council’s responsibility to provide.

Residents from across the city consistently confirmed that they valued council services like roads, libraries and the creation of employment opportunities, and Mayor Greg Piper said that workshop participants mostly indicated they are willing to pay for a continuation of current services.

“When asked to prioritise a list of Council services and think about what they could do without, a lot of workshop participants found this difficult because they placed high importance on so much of what they get from Council,” Cr Piper said.

While it certainly wasn’t a unanimous opinion, a lot of participants made it clear that they didn’t want a reduction in services, or a sale of Council assets to help save money.

“Council shared a lot of information about its current financial position, and how rate pegging is affecting our ability to keep up with rising costs and demands,” Cr Piper said.

“Lake Macquarie consistently out-performs other similar councils when it comes to our rate base, our operating expenditure, and operational income per capita. We have also found $4 million in efficiencies, and the potential for further efficiencies and revenue generation to help reduce the rate burden, but we know this still won’t be enough to remain financially sustainable.”

The community forums are just one part of an engagement strategy that will continue until early December. Council will also be giving a briefing to the Lake Macquarie Combined Chambers of Commerce and the Youth Advisory Council next month. The My Lake Macquarie – Securing our Future online forum www.haveyoursaylakemac.com.au is also running in conjunction.

“We have a big job ahead of us to reconcile all of the feedback we are getting from the community so we can continue to find the right balance between providing what our residents want and what they are willing to pay for,” Cr Piper concluded.

Lake Residents Start Talking About Council Services

Project Team — 2011-08-01 12:23:24 +1000

26/07/11

Lake Macquarie City Council has kicked off a series of community workshops this evening with more than 60 residents attending a meeting at Morisset where they gave feedback on the Council services they value most.

While residents from the western side of the lake confirmed that the traditional council services like 'roads, rates, and rubbish' remain important to them, they also highly value other important services like family day care, management of the lake and the foreshore, and the provision of a clean and safe city.

Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Greg Piper, said tonight's meeting was the first of three this week.

"It was great to see our community members really start to think about the types of services Council provides and then consider which services really enhance their lifestyle and which services they couldn't do without," Cr Piper said.

Council is undertaking a series of community forums this week where the community will receive information on Council's current financial challenges and have an opportunity to provide feedback on what services they think ratepayer funds should be spent on. The community forums are running in conjunction with the My Lake Macquarie - Securing our Future online forum www.haveyoursaylakemac.com.au.

"Our swimming centres and libraries are still highly valued, as are our footways and cycleways, but the community heard that we cannot continue to provide all our current services with existing levels of income," Cr Piper said.

"Participants were generally reluctant to see Council reduce services but if our income cannot be increased, we do have some feedback on the kinds of things they could do without, as well as some feedback on services that may not necessarily be Council's role to provide."

"Once we have finished this stage of community engagement, the challenge for Council will be finding the right balance when it comes to making a change to our income, making cuts to services, or striking the right mix of the two," Cr Piper concluded.

Council will hold two more community forums in this week:

Wed 27 July 2011 Belmont 16 Foot Sailing Club - The Parade, Belmont

Thu 28 July 2011 The Place: Charlestown Community Centre - Charlestown Square (Ground Floor) Cnr Frederick and Pearson Street, Charlestown

All the community forums will be held from 6.30pm to 8pm with light refreshments from 6pm.

13 July 2011 : Unit Residents to Have Their Say on Bins

admin — 2011-07-20 15:21:14 +1000

Under the new plans, Council staff will meet with multi-unit dwelling managers and townhouse residents to figure out how many and what type of green waste bins will work best for their situation. Options will include a range of bin sizes from 140 litres to 1,100 litres and include the standard 240 litre size bins. Service frequency will also be discussed.

"The consultation is expected to start in the next few months and Council is hopeful it will resolve challenges around the provision of
the new service," Mr Farrell said.

The new three-bin system will enable the city as a whole to divert up to 70% of household waste from Awaba landfill and turn it into a valuable compost product.

Details on the consultation plan can be found in the report on Provision of a Green Waste Collection Service for Multi Unit Dwellings.

Online forum now open!

Project Team — 2011-07-11 10:31:33 +1000

Like many councils in New South Wales, Lake Macquarie City Council is facing significant challenges in continuing to provide the current level of services, facilities and infrastructure to match the needs of our growing population.

To face these challenges, Council is currently undertaking extensive community consultation to understand what services you value and want to see funded in future years. This is important, as we cannot continue providing existing levels of service within our current funding.

As a Lake Macquarie resident you use Council services - whether it's family day care, sporting fields, or simply driving on roads. We need to know what you cannot live without, what you think we can do better, and where you want your money spent.

Join the Securing Our Future Forum to hear what others are saying and tell us what you think. Your discussions, ideas, and feedback will help shape new approaches to significant issues for our city.