Lake Macquarie City Council has received approval from New South Wales Minister for Local Government, Tony Kelly, for a special rate levy over the next three years. This will enable Council to continue its Lake Macquarie Improvement Project.
Under the Project Management Committee, there will be ongoing works to improve the vitally important health of the lake, as well as maintaining works already in place.
For the past three years Council has relied on a special rate variation, which allowed for a 2.5 per cent increase in rates, to pay for the improvements. Under the program, 42 stormwater treatment devices have been created along with wetland and gross pollutant traps and 15 kilometres of foreshore stabilisation and vegetation.
Situated between Newcastle and Sydney, Lake Macquarie is one of the largest coastal salt water lakes in Australia. It is four times the size of Sydney harbour and offers a variety of commercial and recreational uses.
Changing social structure and changing attitudes towards environmental assets make it important to ensure the City grows in such a way that assets like the lake are maintained and enhanced for future generations. The main objectives of the project are to promote a healthy ecosystem, maintain water quality, and contribute to a healthy environment for the local community and this significant State recreational resource.
Mayor of Lake Macquarie and Chairman of the Lake Macquarie Project Management Committee, Councillor Greg Piper, said the approval is great news for residents.
“Since the introduction of this program, the improvement in the quality of Lake Macquarie has been exceptional,” Mayor Piper said. “By continuing this funding we will be able to build on this platform and improve Lake Macquarie for future generations.”
For further information contact Tony Farrell, Group Manager Strategy, on 0418 689 997.
