A new Council strategy will lay the foundations to combat the national housing crisis in Lake Macquarie.
The updated Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy, incorporating feedback from community, industry and government agencies during public exhibition, was adopted tonight at Council's standing committee meeting.
The strategy provides an evidence-based framework for where housing growth should occur, and the types of housing needed to support a growing and changing community.
It aims to deliver greater diversity in housing options, including homes suitable for families, downsizers, young people and key workers.
Growth will be focused in existing urban areas and strategic centres with established infrastructure, services and open space, helping to create liveable and connected communities.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz, who led the Lake Macquarie Housing Forum with government and industry leaders to workshop housing availability and affordability opportunities last April, said the strategy formed a key piece of the housing puzzle.
"The housing strategy provides a clear roadmap for delivering the right homes in the right locations," he said.
"It balances the need for more housing and greater affordability with protecting the city's environmental values and ensuring growth is supported by existing infrastructure and services."
It replaces the 2021 Housing Strategy and has been updated to align with the Lake Macquarie Local Strategic Planning Statement 2025-2045, the Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 and recent NSW Government housing reforms.
Council also approved progressing a planning proposal to rezone land at 51 Alton Road, Cooranbong to allow for future housing development.
The site was identified in the Lake Macquarie Local Strategic Planning Statement as being in the Greater Morisset regionally significant growth area, which has been recognised as having significant potential to accommodate additional housing growth.
Council approved a development application for a telecommunications facility, including a 25m high monopole and associated infrastructure at 76 Auklet Road, Mount Hutton.
The site was considered appropriate due to existing utility infrastructure on the site and mature vegetation that offers visual screening to neighbouring residential properties.
Councillors also recommended 16 funding applications, totalling $28,150, for approval as part of round one of the Donations Program 2026-2027.
Funding for a virtual reality sailing program, led by Sailability Belmont, was among the recommended applications.
The program aims to increase opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in sailing and stay connected to the sport when on-water activities are not possible due to weather conditions.
The recommendations at tonight's meeting align with Council's long‑term planning, which is shaped by the community's priorities for caring for the natural environment and a diverse and thriving economy.
The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes.
The stream of tonight's meeting will be available online at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours.
