The year 2025 will likely be remembered as a significant period of transition for Lake Macquarie City Council, a time defined by leadership changes, a relentless focus on housing, and subtle shifts in the local political landscape.
A Year of Leadership and Political Dynamics
Mayor Adam Shultz, in his first full calendar year, solidified his key election promise by making the city's housing crisis a top priority. He presided over a council that generally presented a united front, fostering a predominantly congenial environment. However, beneath this surface, several key votes saw Liberal and Independent councillors banding together, successfully opposing Labor's bloc. This cooperation signals a potential recalibration of power as the community looks towards 2026.
The council year began under the long shadow of the November 2024 arson attack on its Speers Point administration building. With their headquarters unusable, roughly 450 staff commenced work from home before relocating to temporary offices at the former Ausgrid building in Wallsend by February. Council meetings were held at various community venues across the local government area, from Swansea to Windale.
The most significant staffing bombshell landed in late August with the resignation of highly regarded CEO Morven Cameron. After eight years in the top job and 19 with the organisation, the award-winning leader departed, leaving Deputy Tony Farrell as acting CEO. The council has begun advertising for her permanent replacement, with an appointment expected in the first half of 2026.
Major Projects, Development Drama, and Community Debates
Several major projects and controversial developments captured public attention throughout the year. In March, the council officially opened the $52 million expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale and the upgraded $14 million Belmont Sports Complex.
However, not all development news was positive. Rumours circulating over summer were confirmed in March when the Newcastle Herald revealed the $235 million Cedar Mill amphitheatre project at Morisset had stalled. Developer Winarch announced it was downscaling the planned 30,000-capacity arena to a 10,000-seat indoor venue with a 5,000-capacity outdoor space. Despite promises of updated plans by April, a modified Development Application (DA) had yet to be submitted nine months later.
The most divisive DA of the year concerned Damien Jensen's modified plans for his Toronto green waste recycling business, JET Group. After council staff recommended refusal on environmental grounds, the issue was deferred twice. Ultimately, in a demonstration of the shifting political alliances, seven Liberal and Independent councillors united to vote against Labor's six, approving the DA.
Community concerns also flared over the redevelopment of Myall Road in Garden Suburb, with Independent councillor Colin Grigg pushing for a review amid traffic safety fears related to a new Landcom residential development. The debate was tinged with controversy as the land had been cleared in March following a 12-year community battle to preserve the bushland.
Policy Focus, Financial Health, and End-of-Year Vandalism
True to his word, Mayor Shultz hosted the Lake Macquarie Housing Forum at Belmont 16s in April, bringing together over 100 stakeholders from government, industry, and community organisations. This led to several tangible planning changes, including:
- A trial of tiny homes on unused council land.
- The adoption of a Housing Diversity Planning Proposal to encourage higher density.
- Incentives for developers building in suburban in-fill areas.
In September, the council endorsed a plan to form a strategic partnership with Central Coast Council to jointly advocate to state and federal governments. Financially, the council maintained a strong delivery rate, completing over 90% of planned actions for the fifth consecutive year. Mayor Shultz described the 2024-25 result as "strong," despite a $6.9 million deficit largely attributed to asset losses from the administration fire and a reduction in federal grant money.
The year ended on a disruptive note with a spate of costly vandalism. In early December, 23 sandstone blocks worth $10,000 were stolen from The Esplanade at Speers Point. Days later, two children allegedly broke into the Hunter Sports Centre at Glendale, causing more than $100,000 in damage by slashing gymnastics equipment and spraying fire extinguisher foam. Meanwhile, the insurance cost for the administration building fire has ballooned to an estimated $43 million, with staff not expected to return to Speers Point before 2027.
As Lake Macquarie closes the book on 2025, the council steered a steady course through significant challenges. The departure of a long-serving CEO, a concerted attack on housing availability, and the first signs of a new political dynamic set the stage for an intriguing 2026.
