Lake Macquarie City Council is poised to take significant steps on two major fronts this week, advancing the search for a new chief executive officer while also deliberating on two contentious housing developments that challenge existing planning rules.
Formalising the CEO Search Process
Councillors are expected to endorse the external recruitment process for a new CEO at their final meeting of the year on Monday night. This move follows the sudden resignation of the popular former CEO, Morven Cameron, in August 2025 after eight years at the helm. Cameron's tenure included leading the council to win the prestigious 2024 AR Bluett Memorial Award for the best city or regional council in New South Wales.
The council has appointed Local Government NSW Management Solutions to lead the candidate search. The firm's manager, Christian Morris, will serve as the independent voice on the advisory panel. Mayor Adam Shultz expressed confidence in the recruiter, noting their three decades of experience in the sector.
"We want to go to market sooner rather than later," Cr Shultz stated. "We're keen to cast the net far and wide and see what applicants we can get." He described the appointment timeline as "fluid" but indicated a desire for a swift process.
The advisory panel set to be endorsed includes Labor mayor Adam Shultz, Liberal North Ward councillor Jack Antcliff, Labor North Ward councillor Keara Conroy, and West Ward Independent Kate Warner. Cr Warner replaced East Ward Independent Michael Hannah following a recent councillor workshop. Long-term deputy Tony Farrell is currently serving as acting CEO.
Major Housing Developments Up for Decision
In a separate but equally significant agenda item, councillors will also decide whether to approve two housing projects on opposite sides of the city, both of which seek variations to existing planning restrictions.
Belmont Apartment Block Proposal
The first project is a proposed four-storey, 16.6-metre commercial and residential apartment block at 18 Ernest Street in Belmont. This height exceeds the maximum 13 metres allowed under the Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2014.
The development application seeks to demolish an existing single-storey house and construct 12 apartments with a communal rooftop space and a 75-square-metre ground-floor commercial tenancy. The apartments would feature a mix of one- to four-bedroom layouts.
Council staff have recommended approval, arguing there are "sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard." The height variation primarily relates to the rooftop communal space and upper walls of the fourth floor.
Mayor Shultz noted the project's alignment with council strategy, stating, "Belmont is one of those economic centres that's been earmarked for significant growth. It's close to an economic centre, close to public transport and close to shops and medical facilities, so it looks like a good outcome." During the exhibition period, the proposal received one objection from a Croudace Bay resident concerned about the building height.
Toronto Subdivision for Group Homes
The second project, at 41 Thorne Street in Toronto, involves a one-into-two-lot Torrens Title subdivision for the construction of two group homes. The proposed lot sizes of 376.9 and 365.2 square metres fall significantly below the minimum 450-square-metre requirement, representing shortfalls of 16.2% and 18.8% respectively.
No public submissions were received during the development application's exhibition period. Council staff have recommended approval, finding the project consistent with future neighbourhood plans. A council report stated the subdivision "will ensure efficient use of land" and represents "an orderly development outcome," as the built form must be completed before the subdivision is registered.
These dual decisions on leadership and development underscore a period of significant transition and growth consideration for Lake Macquarie City Council as it moves into the new year.
