Lake Macquarie residents are being invited to have their say on council’s draft Operational Plan and Budget for 2026-27.
It follows the organisation’s endorsement on Monday 23 March for it to go on public exhibition.
The proposal outlines a $393.2 million financial strategy, including more than $111 million allocated to capital works across the city.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz said the plan would guide investment and priorities as the region continued to grow.
“As the third-fastest growing regional area in Australia, we are well-placed for a strong future,” he explained.
“So, this plan sets out the actions that will help us get there.”
Key projects in the capital works program include dredging at Swansea Channel, upgrades to swim centres at West Wallsend and Charlestown, and road rehabilitation works at Dudley, Mandalong, Belmont North and Morisset.
The draft also comprises 127 actions aligned with the city’s long-term economic, environmental, social and governance goals outlined in the Community Strategic Plan.
Cr Shultz said environmental initiatives remained a focus, including the expansion of the Awaba Waste Management Facility to extend its lifespan by 11 years and support waste reduction efforts.
Road sealing, resurfacing and rehabilitation account for the largest share of funding at $29.1 million, followed by $13.5 million for business support and $10 million for community and sporting infrastructure.
Additional investment is proposed across beaches, aquatic facilities, parks, bridges and other public assets to support the needs of a burgeoning population.
“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,” Cr Shultz said.
Locals can have their say on the draft Operational Plan and Budget until 20 April.
Councillors also endorsed the draft Lake Macquarie Waste and Circular Materials Strategy for public exhibition until 4 May.
It responds to increasing waste volumes, rising disposal costs and the limited remaining landfill capacity at the Awaba Waste Management Facility.
Minor updates to council’s Investment Policy were also approved, along with a refreshed framework governing Joint Organisations.
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