Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz has expressed his thanks to the hundreds of people who battled the unyielding local bushfire at the weekend.
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews worked tirelessly to control the blaze, which broke out north of Redhead, on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December.
It threatened numerous homes and an aged care facility, while the Fernleigh Track suffered significant damage.
That popular thoroughfare will remain closed between Redhead and Whitebridge until further notice.
“When an emergency-level fire impacts our communities, we can’t control the weather conditions,” he said at council’s final meeting for 2025.
“But, it is the preparedness of residents and the expertise of those services that save lives.
“We are all feeling a deep sense of gratitude for those who battled the fire to protect the local community.
“We’re also thinking of our neighbours on the Central Coast and in Bulahdelah who have lost so much.”
Meanwhile, councillors placed gifts under the tree for the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, which partners with Samaritans to ensure donations reach families doing it tough this festive season.
“It’s my hope that no one in Lake Macquarie wakes up empty-handed on 25 December,” he said.
“In the spirit of giving, I encourage residents to donate an unwrapped gift to any Lake Mac Library branch before Friday 12 December if you have the means.”
Two plans focused on strengthening unity, respect and belonging within the community were adopted, too.
The Multicultural Lake Mac Plan 2025-2029 and Aboriginal Community Plan 2025-2029, Bayikulinan, were both approved by council following public exhibition.
“These plans empower people from all backgrounds to fully participate in civic life and local opportunities, driving innovation and strengthening our economy,” Cr Shultz said.
“By reducing barriers and fostering inclusion, we’re building a more vibrant, resilient and prosperous Lake Macquarie.”
Council also adopted the Stockton and Neighbouring Creeks Flood Study following public exhibition.
The project aims to improve understanding of flood behaviour and impacts, as well as better inform management of flood risk, for Morans Creek, Stockton Creek, Mullards Creek, Clacks Creek, Melaleuca Creek and Dora Creek.
Council approved 22 applications for event funding for a total of $63,709 in round two of its annual program.
Assistance was recommended for a range of activations, including the Australian Windsurfing Association national titles at Wangi Sailing Club, Raffertys Coastal Run 2026, a 750-person mountain biking event at Awaba MTB Park next October and the Australian Surf Rowers League national short course and mixed championship at Blacksmiths Beach.
Councillors also endorsed four applications under round one of the Community Environment Grants for a total of $19,940 for projects that showed a clear community benefit in alignment with council’s environmental strategies.
Among the recipients was MycoNet: The Mycelium Solution, which will deliver a series of workshops exploring sustainable mushroom cultivation using waste products such as hemp.
Next year’s meetings will take place at the Hunter Sports Centre while the administration building and council chambers are offline.
For more news stories:
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- Community gives ‘thumbs’ up to Maryland sporting facility
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