Strong finances and delivering on promises headline Lake Macquarie City Council's Annual Report for 2025-2026, which was endorsed at tonight's ordinary Council meeting.
Council completed 96 per cent of the 138 actions in its 2025-2026 Operational Plan, surpassing 90 per cent for a sixth consecutive year, recorded a $19.1 million operating surplus and reduced borrowings by $33.4 million (15 per cent).
Mayor Adam Shultz said the Annual Report proved Council was delivering on its promises to the community.
"From the restoration of Awaba House to hosting major events such as the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, this year's achievements have reinforced Lake Macquarie's reputation as a destination where community, culture and economic growth go hand in hand," he said.
"Major improvements to sporting facilities across Lake Macquarie, including Macquarie Field at Speers Point, Douglass Street Oval at Dora Creek and Harold Knight Oval at Gateshead, evidenced our commitment to community sport, active lifestyles and sporting pathways.
"We also made important progress on environmental sustainability, adopting a new Waste and Circular Materials Strategy and supporting more than 150 Landcare groups, whose volunteers planted more than 3,500 native plants to restore and protect local habitat across Lake Macquarie.
"We've continued investing in the infrastructure our growing city needs, delivering upgrades to roads, shared pathways and aquatic centres, while progressing major projects like the Swansea Channel dredge and upgrades to the Awaba Waste Management Facility."
Council's CEO David Hughes said the encouraging financial result was underpinned by a culture of continuous improvement and a commitment to reducing barriers to investment in the city.
"Council assessed more development applications than any other council in NSW, reflecting strong investment and development activity backed by streamlined procedures which speed up processes and reduce red tape," he said.
"We continue to plan for the future through work on housing and creative land use, culminating in the recent landmark announcement of a $12 billion Future Fleet train manufacturing precinct earmarked by the NSW Government for Teralba.
"As Council's new CEO it's an exciting time to lead an organisation with such strong foundations and a proven commitment to delivering outcomes that matter to our community."
Councillors also adopted a revised Stormwater Management Services Charge Policy.
Several minor changes were recommended to clarify the legislative basis, eligible expenditure, assessment methodology and reporting requirements.
The decisions align with Council's long‑term planning, which is shaped by the community's priorities for a diverse and thriving economy, connected communities and protection of the natural environment.
The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes.
