Roads, drains and sports grounds are among the $113.4 million projects being earmarked by Lake Macquarie City Council for the next financial year.

The draft Operational Plan outlines the council’s proposed spending over the next 12 months.

The plan is led by a $22.8 million investment in road improvements, including resealing, resurfacing and rehabilitation, and $27 million on community and sporting facilities.

Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser said council’s draft Operational Plan was a blueprint to help the city grow and prosper.

“We want to hear from the community to make sure we have our priorities right when it comes to spending and investment across our city,” she said.

CEO Morven Cameron said this year’s plan had been streamlined to simplify reporting and make it easier to understand and navigate.

“We are always committed to critical infrastructure like roads, drains, parks and playgrounds, but local government covers an incredibly wide range of services, infrastructure, events and activities,” she said.

“The proposed spending outlined in the draft 2023-2024 Operational Plan reflects that.”

Key projects include:

• Expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre and new NSW Trampoline Centre of Excellence at Glendale
• Replacement of bridges on Owens Road, Martinsville
• Completion of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track
• Reconstruction of Awaba House at Booragul
• Preparation of the draft Morisset Place Strategy and North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy.

Council plans to spend $8.4 million over the next financial year on new paths and cycleways, and $3.7 million on new playgrounds and other places to play, including a new BMX pump track at Redhead.

The forecast budget includes $287 million in operating revenue and $286 million in total expenditure, resulting in a $1.4 million operating surplus.

Funding is also included for completion of a new Community Recycling Centre at Belmont North, providing a nearby place for thousands of residents in eastern Lake Macquarie to drop off problem wastes such as paints, oils, gas bottles, smoke detectors and batteries for free.

The draft Operational Plan 2023-2024, which marks the second year of council’s current Delivery Program, is on public exhibition until 25 April.

For more stories like this:

• Lake Mac Hospital expansion plans
• Notorious Lake Mac roundabout to get $6 million boost
• Lake Mac Ambassador 2023

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