stemming from the historical operation of the coal-fired power station and past use of firefighting foams said the recently-approved Voluntary Management Proposal (VMP) was a critical first step in ensuring the power station site was remediated effectively "This is a complicated remediation project and we must allow enough time to get it right," Mr Gordon said the site's owner Generator Property Management Pty Ltd (GPM) will work with environmental consultants to gather detailed information about the contaminants including how they move through soil and water." The Munmorah Power Station was constructed in the 1960s and operated until 2010 with two units remaining on standby until 2012 The twin 155-metre-high chimney stacks were demolished in 2017 with the remainder of the plant demolished in 2018 The site has been fenced off and inaccessible to the public since 2016 Mr Gordon said taking the time to thoroughly assess the onsite contamination would ensure the remediation approach selected was suitable and fit-for-purpose to achieve the best long-term outcomes for the community and surrounding environment "We know the community is invested in the clean-up of this site and we're working closely with the owner to ensure they proactively engage them about the process as per the requirements of the VMP," he said the site's owner will submit a second VMP (Phase 2) outlining the implementation of the remediation approach Parts of the site impacted by the contamination have been fenced off for several years and are not considered to pose a risk to the surrounding community Testing has also confirmed that seafood in the Tuggerah Lakes System connected to Lake Munmorah remains safe to eat as part of a balanced diet GPM - a state-owned business - has been investigating future uses for the 700-hectare site The area includes land earmarked for the Colongra Sporting Complex, for which the Minns government has committed $6 million. GPM confirmed it erected the asbestos signs. Managing director Stephen Saladine said the company found "illegal dumping of building waste" in bush "to the south of the site". "Isolated samples of bonded asbestos have been identified. There has been no friable asbestos identified at this stage and investigations are continuing. Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters Don't miss your weekly Knights update Get the latest property and development news here tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords Our Customer Service Centre is temporarily located at Speers Point Library opposite Council's Administration Building Home | Let's Lake Mac Our thriving market scene offers opportunities for local businesses creators and makers all around our lake to promote sell and connect with their local community With over 10 markets in the region operating every month consumers and stall owners alike will find a sense of community and connection all while discovering unique For Tracey, owner of Amitola Colours the markets offer more than an opportunity to sell her products It’s a creative and therapeutic outlet where she has found what she calls her ‘market family’ “To share my passion with the markets provides me with a great sense of gratitude” she says “I have met lots of friends along the way through the markets friendships that will last a long time," she said where you’ll find one-of-a-kind vintage and upcycled goods believes that Lauren and Lewis’ genuine love for small business and community connection is what makes Homegrown Markets feel like a family “Personally, I’ve gained a lot Not just monetary success but also friendships One of the best parts about attending a market is hanging out with my lovely stall holder neighbours Everyone is so kind and supportive,” she said An initiative of the local business network, the Warners Bay Markets are located right on the foreshore making it the perfect spot to meet friends or family for a day by the lake The Pelican Foreshore Markets are another staple in Lake Mac with over 100 stalls to explore offering craft beer timber work and handmade fashion for all ages There’s plenty of options for kids as well most of our markets are pet friendly too – you might even pick up some special dog treats and accessories as you stroll.  While all our markets feature local food, dessert and coffee stalls, if you’re searching for exquisite foodie experiences or produce directly from the farmer, the Lake Mac City Farmers Market is the place to tempt your tastebuds Here you’ll meet the passionate makers and farmers behind each carefully grown or crafted item discovering their unique local stories and getting expert tips on how best to cook their gourmet produce There’s also the Feast Fest Twilight Food Markets which offer a wonderful excuse to get out of cooking dinner and enjoy a drink or two under the stars with live music and a selection of cuisines to taste and savour The newest addition to choose from is the Shop and Feast Morisset Markets held on the first Saturday of each month at Morisset Showground Shop and Feast is fun packed with food trucks live music and market stalls serving up delicious treats from a wide range of cuisines And if you still can't get enough, Toronto Lions Club has monthly markets every third Sunday from 7am- 1pm, while the Wyee Markets go ahead every second Saturday of the month at the Wyee Community Hall from 8am-1pm.   throughout the year you can expect extra special markets for Christmas or the Easter holidays * Market dates are subject to change without notice Sign up to our e-newsletter and get the latest news about our city and handy moving tips.  Sign me up Sign up to our e-newsletter and get the latest news about our city and handy moving tips We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past Telephone Interpreting Service 131 450 National Relay Service 133 677 Environmental group Future Sooner has called on Central Coast Council to be more pro-active in warning residents and visitors of the dangers of swimming at Tom Burke Reserve in Lake Munmorah Spokesperson Gary Blaschke said the EPA has already classified land at the old Lake Munmorah coal-fire power site as “significantly contaminated” from PFAS and other contaminates “Suddenly two ‘Lake Closed’ two signs appeared on the banks of Lake Munmorah’s popular Tom Burke Reserve,” he said “Both were in English only and neither of them gave a reason for the lake being closed.” Blaschke OAM said he was horrified to see a young family fishing and swimming within a stone’s throw of one of the signs in the week before Christmas “After several phone calls to Council I was eventually told the lake was closed due to contamination from faecal coliforms escaping from a nearby broken pipe,” he said the presence of faecal coliform means the water has been contaminated with sewage from human and/or animal poo (faeces) “This indicates the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria viruses and protozoans so swimming and eating shellfish can make you sick “Council then told me the problem had been addressed “When I asked if they had also tested for PFAS in the water the two signs remained in place for another four days “The biggest problem with Lake Munmorah is that it takes 520 days to circulate sewerage and faeces accumulate and build up in the water –they don’t just go away “And with the Christmas holiday season about to start that means hundreds of families could be at risk “Protecting the health of residents and visitors is the job of Council “Not testing for PFAS in the water is not good enough “We need a council that takes its duty of care of residents and tourists seriously; one that will keep our lake system clean and safe for everyone.” I travel on the new trains daily from Woy Woy to Central and vice versa I love the new trains apart from (the fact) they are absolutely freezing Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club in Springwood St have both submitted revised plans to Central Coast Council for significant improvements… Humpty Dumpty Foundation has sprung into action to help Central Coast Local Health District provide seven breast pumps for its midwifery and Aboriginal health services Information about fish kills at Mannering Park in August and September 2022 and our investigation A smart buoy that uses advanced technology to help track water quality was deployed near Wyee Point following fish kills in August and September 2022 The data will contribute to the long-term understanding of water quality in the lake The custom-built buoy – which looks like a traditional navigation buoy – uses pumps to automatically sample water from different depths passing through an array of water quality sensors and then transmitting the data to the cloud for real-time analysis The buoy provides baseline data and assesses salinity The EPA has commenced proceedings against Delta Electricity in the Land and Environment Court alleging that the licensee breached section 64 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) in relation to the September fish kill.  We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture Home to one of the largest salt water lakes in Australia Lake Macquarie is a veritable mecca for fishers Whether you’re a pro-angler or you’re just looking for some places to take the kids here is our list of the best places to go fishing in Lake Mac Known as one of the best places in Lake Mac to experience shore fishing Located in Shingle Splitters Point Park on Queen Street you’ll mainly be catching Flathead and Whiting if you visit here relax and enjoy waterfront views after your long day of fishing Belmont Bay features a pier and boardwalk with plenty of space to cast your line The Bay has a few different areas to try when casting your line Belmont Bay North to Speers Point is a popular deep-water option while the area out from the rocky shores between Green Point and Valentine fishes well for Bream Tip: The average depth of Belmont Bay is 10 metres the water surrounding Speers Point Jetty is the place to find species like Tailor Whether you plan to stay on land or take a boat to explore Cockle Creek and Five Islands Tip: Saltwater will take a pretty big toll on your fishing gear If you don't invest in fishing gear that is specifically designed to withstand corrosion you're going to find that your gear rusts and quickly becomes unusable be sure to give it a thorough rinse with freshwater after each use Drive over the Swansea Bridge and you are sure to see plenty of keen fishers out and about The Channel’s tidal current and proximity to the open ocean attracts a wide variety of larger fish species that are harder to find in the Lake The area is known for its schools of Australian Salmon Tip: If you’re looking to catch bigger fish you’ll need big baits like squid heads If you’ve tried Swansea Channel and are looking for something different head round to the lakeside near Marks Point The waters are calmer and home to schools of Flathead Tip: Before you go fishing, familiarise yourself with the Department of Industries, Rules and Regulations for fishing so you can keep safe and follow the rules The lakeside suburb of Pelican is nestled between Swansea and Belmont Pelican foreshore has plenty of space for picnics and outdoor activities Tip: If you head a little further along the coastline This a great place for catching Whiting and Bream as well as the ideal location to go for a dip in summer Pulbah is a place for the more experienced angler the fish varieties available are usually Bream and Tailor The water at Pulbah can be more than 15m deep depending on the tides Live prawns are most popular if you can find them The large spanning foreshore hosts a playground and barbecue picnic area so the whole family can make a day of it Tip: Tracking the weather and the moon is a good way to determine the best days to fish The highest tides of the month align with the new or full moon Many fish like the higher water so those days are often most fruitful.  there is plenty of space to cast your line Pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful bushland and lake views This is where the waves break and a popular spot for fish Croudace Bay has a larger boat ramp that is user-friendly for those with larger craft and two-wheel drive vehicles this is the perfect location for those who like to fish out on the water The most popular species caught here are Dusky Flathead and Australasian Snapper Tip: Let your bait hit the bottom of the sea floor This means your bait has touched the bottom which is the perfect spot to catch fish lightly shake the rod so that it mimics the movements of a live worm 11 April 2025 12:17 pm · Hunter News · · Ian Crouch 2NUR FM acknowledges Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders both past and present. All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueOfficers confirmed on Saturday morning that they had looked into the incident and there was no one missing or in distress The public had reported finding the inflatable boat with the name 'Jennifer' around 2.40pm sending police to the boat ramp off Macleay Drive Officers launched a search with the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter but Police confirmed Saturday that the incident had been resolved The inflatable kayak was described as being 2.8 metres long blue in colour and is a Bluefin Bow Rider brand Attached to the kayak is a yellow strap with an orange rubber name tag bearing the name 'Jennifer' in light green with yellow Error: no decision tree source folder detected A post shared by Dani ❥❥❥ (@danii.black) Another of our Lake Mac beaches which is patrolled September – April Access from the top car park at Bligh Avenue and Caves Beach Road leads to walking paths down to the beach as well as walking paths to a viewing platform The viewing platform is a must-see for gramers with some incredible photo opportunities of our coastline A post shared by Britt - Newcastle Photographer (@brittanymillenphotography) Dudley Beach has been named one of the nation’s top 20 beaches by Tourism Australia’s official beach ambassador Brad Farmer it is one of the most picturesque spots to gather together for fun on the sand A post shared by Nate Svensen (@nate.svensen) The lakeside park is a popular spot for locals with barbecue facilities a playground and relaxed scenic environment A post shared by Vin Imagery (@wontuloveit) Redhead is one of the four beaches in Lake Mac patrolled from September – April The patrolled section of the beach and its iconic red headland and historic shark tower offers some of our more unique Lake Mac gramable opportunities Other opportunities found on the same stretch of beach are over at Webb Park with an impressive playground and entrance to the Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway The coastal walkway offers spectacular beach views traversing through precious coastal ecosystems A post shared by Cheryl Flett (@cheryl_flett) A post shared by Cian O'Hagan (@cianohagan_photography) A popular spot for gramers at sunset and for fishers all day long Belmont Wharf offers a great opportunity to walk along the water to take the kids out for a play at the Lions Park playground or to dive in for a lake swim in the warmer months @chicharon19 A post shared by chicharon (@chicharon19) Located on the lake foreshore between Belmont and Valentine Green Point Foreshore Reserve is one of our most scenic walking trails The 7km nature trail follows the edge of the lake with signage along the way telling the history of the site There is a picnic area with barbecues and a lookout and jetty along the track The foreshore path also connects to other walking trails Dogs and other household pets are not permitted on the track at all due to the historical and ecological significance of the site Looks like the page you were looking for isn't there otherwise, you can always go to the homepage If we're missing something, please let us know using our website feedback form Current flood notices are in place for areas of the Central Coast, including Tuggerah Lake. Read more and follow our Facebook page  Performing Arts Centre of the Year in 2022 The visual arts culture of the Central Coast Creating new and improved destinations for play across the Central Coast renewed and upgraded playspaces across the Central Coast Discover upcoming playspace works planned for the Central Coast in 2024-25. Have your say in shaping future playspaces on the Central Coast via Your Voice Our Coast. The existing Illoura Reserve playspace is nearing the end of its useful life and will soon be replaced with a new and improved playspace The new playspace has been designed based on community feedback and will include traditional play equipment including swing sets A new district-level playspace is coming to the vacant lot where the Tuggerawong Community Hall previously stood This playspace has been designed based on community feedback and will include traditional play equipment including swing sets including a pendulum swing nature play and a unique mouse house.  Demolition and construction of a new playspace will take place The new play equipment will include a play unit with double slide The new play equipment will include a play unit with dual slides and shopfront The new play equipment will include a play unit with dual slides The new play equipment will include a play unit with slide  Lions Park – Chittaway Bay (fitness equipment) The new fitness equipment will include stretch station back extension equipment and rubber softfall other sensory equipment and rubber softfall Syd Sherar Reserve – Erina (reinstatement of play equipment) Construction of a new playspace will take place Discover the new playspaces and upgrades completed in the 2024-25 financial year This year’s program delivered a variety of exciting equipment creating new and improved destinations for play across the Central Coast The existing playspace at Picnic Point Reserve was nearing the end of its useful life so was replaced with a new and improved accessible playspace The new Picnic Point playspace has been designed based on community feedback and includes traditional play equipment including swing sets It incorporates the existing rope climbing unit is fully fenced and is conveniently located adjacent to the skate park This project involved the demolition and construction of a new playspace will take place The new nature play equipment includes a play unit with a slide Debra Anne Drive – Bateau Bay (fitness equipment) This project involved demolition and construction of the fitness equipment adjacent to the existing playspace The new fitness equipment includes a pull up bar This project involved demolition and construction of a new playspace The new play equipment includes a play unit with slide Murrumbooee Place – Tascott (Proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Central Coast Council) This project involved demolition and construction of a new playspace will take place The new play equipment includes a play unit with double and single slide For more FAQs about playspaces, go to our Playspaces page This system helps determine the appropriate size features and location for each playspace based on the needs of the surrounding community.  Lake Mac residents are advised of a number of upcoming fireworks displays.  These fireworks are not affiliated with Council we merely like to advise the community so necessary arrangements can be made Safework NSW have a stringent compliance program where licensed experts must apply for a firework display licence Under that approval process operators are required to consider the prevailing weather conditions at the time of the display Those leaving their home should consider their pets - a frightened pet can become distressed leading to injury and/or escape It is important that pets are identified and registered Under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 all cat and dog owners must complete a 2-step process to register their pet.   All cats and dogs should be microchipped when you are given or buy them or by 12 weeks of age The person selling or giving away the pet is responsible for getting the pet microchipped The microchip contains a unique 15-digit number that helps identify the animal if it is lost or stolen The vet/authorised implanter will microchip the pet and enter the details of your pet in the NSW Pet Registry database Pets must be microchipped before they can be registered All cats and dogs in NSW must be registered on the NSW Pet Registry either by 12 weeks of age or immediately upon 1st transfer/sale (whichever happens first).  A late payment fee will also be applied if you do not pay registration within 28 days of when it was due You become the official owner of a pet once its profile is transferred to you on the NSW Pet Registry. Sign up to the NSW Pet Registry to pay your pet’s once-only registration fee online and complete the registration process You only need to pay the registration fee once when you first take ownership of a pet It covers the cat or dog for its lifetime for any Council area in NSW even if ownership changes. You can search the NSW Pet Registry database to check if an animal is already registered If puppies or kittens are still in a breeder’s care after 12 weeks the breeder must register them as their own pet and pay the registration fee Fees to register a cat or dog vary and additional fees apply if you don’t desex dogs by 6 months of age. You must pay an annual permit fee if you don’t desex cats by 4 months of age (cats born before 22 July 2020 are exempt). Pet registration fees | Office of Local Government (nsw.gov.au) If you don't have a MyServiceNSW Account, you will need to create one before you can access the Pet Registry (nsw.gov.au) Once registered, using the details on your NSW Pet Registry profile you can confirm ownership of your pet or pay any relevant fees.     You can also update pet photos and other information, when necessary, like change of owner, new address or advise your pet is missing. Up-to-date details on the NSW Pet Registry can help reunite you with lost pets Register my pet now  Residents of Lake Macquarie can provide relevant companion animal pet ownership documents to council.   Documentation that can be provided includes: Use this form to transfer ownership of a pet The person selling or giving away the pet must complete this form Use this form to pay an additional fee for non-desexed dogs over 6 months old or an annual permit fee for non-desexed cats over 4 months old Use the form to register your pet and pay the registration fee Use this form to change your contact information Use this form to verify existing microchip numbers Only vets and authorised identifiers can complete this form Please provide a statutory declaration if not available including approximate date of sterilisation If your dog or cat is required to be registered, then fees will apply on approval of your documentation Click here to view form. you must notify the relevant authorities within 28 days To arrange this, either: Update your pet's status on the NSW Pet Registry to 'deceased' or complete the required details in the online application form below Note: There is no charge to update this information on NSW Companion Animals Register The Lake Mac Festival is back and bigger than ever transforming into a spectacular four-month event spanning from January to April 2025.  Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the highlight of the festival would be the Australia Day Long weekend where the lake comes alight with fireworks “We’re so excited to be hosting fireworks across the lake at 9pm on Saturday 25 January Toronto and Warners Bay foreshore set to boast the best viewing spots,” Mayor Adam said Morisset will have fireworks on both Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January as part of the Aussie Night Market at Morisset Showground Other events over the long weekend include Music in the Podium a Super Family Fun Day and Valentines Lion Club Community Day “The festival expansion over multiple months not only gives greater economic benefit to local businesses but provides friends travellers and families more opportunities to connect and enjoy the entire city,” he said “From music events to sailing regattas to live entertainment and outdoor adventures there's something for everyone to enjoy.” Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said around 80 events would be held for the festival with major drawcards being the Windsurfer National Championships “It’s incredible to be hosting the Lookout Festival which will bring a lineup of iconic festivals with Australian rock legends Jet Magic Dirt and Youth Group to the city,” she said Lookout Festival will go ahead on Saturday 8 March at Speers Point Park “We will also host the Windsurfer National Championships for the first time which will go ahead from the 22 to 26 of January at the Toronto Amateur Sailing Club,” she said “And Boatfest which runs from Sunday 16 February 8am-2pm at Rathmines Park will host lots of activities including boat bits sales The One Act Play Festival will return to Warners Bay Theatre on Saturday 5 April sharp and exhilarating short plays from Lake Macquarie and beyond Made & Found Markets and the Farmers Markets will also go ahead throughout the festival For more information, head to lakemac.com.au Resources to utilise and promote for supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness or other vulnerabilities in Lake Macquarie Hunter Homeless Connect’s Community Directory is a valuable resource connecting those in need with support services in the region If you would like your service to appear in the Hunter Homeless Community Directory The Matthew Talbot Homeless Service provides support to men experiencing homelessness and men with children across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas They do this through undertaking assertive outreach which includes visiting parks The service can assist people in the following ways: Matthew Talbot Homeless Service operates from a “No Wrong Door” perspective If women and/or families access the centre they can work collaboratively with a specialist homelessness women’s service to assist and provide support Wickham and can visit homeless people at any location throughout Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Email: [email protected] Ask Izzy is a website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more. It is free and anonymous with over 370,000 services listed across Australia. If you're on the Telstra or Vodaphone networks, you can access Ask Izzy without credit or internet wifi. Access Ask Izzy here: Ask Izzy Website NOVA for Women and Children accept self-referrals or referrals from external services and other Specialist Homelessness Services customers can call the intake line 1800 769 654 at that time they can either speak to support staff if available or leave a detailed message and our intake worker will return your call The intake worker will then make an appointment with the customer to assess their needs and link them in with the most appropriate supports Have they used Temporary Accommodation with Housing NSW Temporary accommodation may assist while waiting to link in with NOVA Link2Home is a 24 hour telephone service for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Or Housing NSW can be contacted on 1300 305 667 Are they escaping domestic or family violence The Domestic Violence Line can be contacted on 1800 65 64 63 for crisis counselling and referral Specialist Homelessness Service offer a no wrong door policy and will refer between services to ensure customers can be supported regardless of gender or family demographic You can access NOVA referral information and documents via their website here: NOVA for Women and Children Website Hunter Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Service provides free telephone advice, information, advocacy, and (where appropriate) representation at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). You can access their website and information resources here: Hunter Tenants Advice and Advocacy Website Muswellbrook or the Great Lakes areas of Mid Coast Local Government Area Access is via the telephone advice line on 4969 7666 or freecall 1800 654 504 If you can't get through during advice hours You can leave a message outside advice hours and we will endeavour to give you a call back within 24 hours If you have an Order of the Tribunal, a Notice of Termination or are being threatened with eviction please fill in the contact form here: https://forms.gle/pzBzpTxLziDazVKC7 Lake Macquarie continues its upward trajectory according to the Annual Report 2023-2024 which was approved at tonight's Ordinary Council meeting The annual report demonstrates how Council met its goals over the financial year achieving 144 actions which accounted for 97 per cent those assigned Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Council has remained steadfast in supporting diverse events activities and projects over the past 12 months “We had almost 900,000 people visit a Council event or facility in the 2023-2024 financial year and our city hosted more than 240 events in that period,” he said “They ranged from the Living Smart Festival celebrating sustainability and multiculturalism to the Fast and Loud weekend of super boats and superb onshore entertainment.” “We’ve completed major infrastructure projects including the spectacular Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track extension and the Windale Hub bilyabayi – a facility the Windale community has longed for and deserved for many years.” Councillors adopted financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2024 and authorised the presentation of Council’s audited financial statements to the public Council achieved a favourable operating surplus of $4.12 million against a revised March budget of a $1.3 million surplus Councillors nominated members to represent Council on 14 external committees Committees spanned from the Hunter Sports Centre Advisory Board to the Lake Macquarie City Council and Rural Fire Service Liaison Committee Eraring Power Station Community Forum and more Another item passed saw Councillors approve a Planning Agreement that includes significant environmental measures for a proposed residential subdivision in Edgeworth featuring biodiversity offsets and the dedication of 5 Caravel Street And Councillor Madeline Bishop was nominated to attend SWITCH 2024 the NSW Public Libraries Association annual conference which is going ahead in Coffs Harbour from 12-15 November 2024 with sessions covering a broad range of topics relevant to Lake Mac Libraries and the wider community 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 but what about those days when you just crave something sweet Fear not – there are a myriad of bakeries cafes and ice-creameries dotted across Lake Mac to help sate that sugary desire That’s not to mention the growing number of specialty eateries pimping up traditional baked treats and desserts turning them into creations that would give Willy Wonka a coronary Mama-PCharlestown this little store on the Pacific Highway is now making its mark in a completely different way The treats produced by owners James and Kylie Pheils prove that allergies gluten intolerance or vegan diets don’t spell an end to enjoying a bit of culinary decadence and more than 95 per cent of the food on offer is made in-store by hand There’s good reason this local foodie institution took out a top gong at the 2019 Australian Small Business Champion Awards but avert your eyes for a few moments to peruse a menu featuring more than a dozen varieties of pancakes and waffles Kit Kat and Tim Tam varieties are among the most popular but those with more adventurous palates could sample the maple and bacon waffles served with ice-cream and cream It’s not just humans who deserve a treat every now and then While Gourmet Dog Barkery’s internet presence boasts customers from across Australia the bricks-and-mortar shop at Bennetts Green is a sight for your four-legged friend to behold of course) and 30 different dog biscuit flavours make this the equivalent of a canine candy store The little tubes filled with flavoured cream are the perfect accompaniment to a coffee … or just about any drink tarts and friands provide further toothsome temptation Wangi Bakehouse has racks upon racks of handmade baked classics to scratch that sugary itch when you get a hankering for good old-fashioned bakery treats vanilla slices with the perfect custard/pastry/icing ratio and custard tarts made with real baked custard are among the highlights The bakery has operated for more than 20 years for visitors who want something slightly more substantial The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media Find out what Lake Macquarie City Council facilities and services are operating this Australia Day Long Weekend with the public holiday on Monday 27 January 2024.  Operating hours (for Monday 27 January 2025) Administrative Centre (which has relocated to Speers Point Library) Morisset and Toronto swim centres set and advertise their own hours, find out more at swim.lakemac.com.au/Our-pools/All-hours Self-access is available for inducted members at Wangi Sugar Valley Library Museum and Belmont libraries between 7am and 7pm.  This exhibition explores the intricate tapestry of habitation and ecosystems and memory; traversing deep time to envision sustainable futures Museum of Art and Culture (MAC), 1A First Street First Class 24 celebrates the exceptional works of local HSC Visual Arts Students Theatre of Memories is an immersive art installation that harmonises the tactile art of Batik painting with modern digital technology creating a narrative that explores the local history of the Lake Macquarie region mima, 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point 2284 Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra will showcase some of the great Romantic works at Warners Bay Theatre baramayiba, Corner of Lake and Johns Streets, Speers Point 2284 The Lake Macquarie Sailing Calendar is a series of sailing events held across Lake Macquarie 'Four Prefaces to Recalling Lost Memories' transforms the foyer into an intimate space of quiet discovery offering visitors the opportunity to encounter miniature worlds Unwind on a Friday evening as you enjoy listening to a mix of popular covers jazz and blues on the Warners Bay foreshore Warners Bay Foreshore, The Esplanade, Warners Bay 2282 Hailing from the Eastern Highlands and New Ireland provinces of Papua New Guinea strained through the lens of a First Nations Papua New Guinean songwriter baramayiba, Corner of Lake and Johns Streets, Warners Bay 2284 JamFactory is excited to launch a new touring exhibition project bringing together contemporary design Museum of Art and Culture (MAC), 2A First Street Opus - An Artist's Odyssey builds on Trevor Weekes’ commitment to artmaking over the past fifty years Max Dupain recorded Australian wartime experiences with his photographs He captured day to day life at military bases including RAAF Rathmines and Goodenough Island Rathmines Heritage Centre, Stilling St Art Play offers an awesome art program that are free and available for everyone Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima) Lake Macquarie, 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point 2284 by 2 April 2025 This year Groovin the Green will be held on April 4 Groovin the Green an annual community event comprising of a fun fair-like feel that will take place involving both St Brendan’s and St Brigid’s 🍔Yummy food trucks and stalls🎨Shopping and market stalls🐥Entertainment for the whole family🎤Live music🎾Carnival games & activities This event is open to the community so bring along family and friends The event will be held at the St Brigid’s Catholic College Campus from 3.00pm to 7.00pm Both Cash and eftpos facilities will be available on the day for games and most food We will have a number of exciting food trucks and stalls open to the community – bring along family and friends Please watch our social media platforms for more information regarding this NOTE: Please note that events listed on this site are subject to change by the artist Every effort is made to ensure that the event information listed on this site is accurate should you be concerned please contact the specified venue for verification We encourage you to contact the venue before making plans Privacy Policy Our simplified product lineup offers bespoke and affordable advertising options designed to capture the attention of our hyper-local audience We create original and engaging media to tell your story sell your tickets and get people through the doors it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region The annual Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards acknowledge and support business accomplishments in Lake Macquarie City and ultimately encourage all businesses in the City to strive for excellence The 2025 Business Excellence Awards will open for nominations around April 2025. Subscribe to the business e-newsletter to stay in the loop and receive information about key dates Sponsorship of the Awards provides an exciting opportunity to promote your organisation and connect with our local business community. We have a variety of affordable sponsorship packages available. To get more information or a copy of the sponsorship prospectus, please email: [email protected] Proudly sponsored by Dantia This award recognises an organisation that demonstrates overall excellence in their field After thorough assessment from the judging panel Dynamic Business Technologies was chosen as the winner as the company showed outstanding results in innovation is a managed services provider which specialises in digital transformation The company ensures seamless IT operations safeguarding business data while optimising performance Nathan Franks established the business 18 years ago and his visionary leadership has developed a culture of innovation and inclusivity exemplified by strategic initiatives and achieving ambitious growth targets mentorship and community involvement highlights his outstanding contributions to the industry and beyond Dynamic Business Technologies has been a finalist in previous years and their perseverance has certainly paid off this year The company was a finalist in Small Business and Diversity and Inclusion Nathan Franks won Outstanding Business Leader and they won Employer of Choice A very worthy Business of the Year winner for 2024.  Proudly sponsored by Origin Energy 8 at Trinity redefines the benchmark of how an accessible regional area like Lake Macquarie can develop a world-class venue They offer a premium yet approachable 350 seat modern Australian dining restaurant in a setting inspired by the luxurious beauty of international seaside destinations Sophisticated food and drinks combine with a buzzing five-star resort atmosphere overlooking Trinity Point Marina and Lake Macquarie 8 at Trinity transports diners to what feels like distant corners of the globe creating a day trip destination or overnight stay for the key Sydney target market Proudly sponsored by Newcastle Herald Branding savant Alex McCallum is renowned for his outstanding contributions to Lakes Custom Computers’ marketing success He has played a pivotal role in their marketing efforts leveraging his exceptional Photoshop skills to drive sales growth substantially since 2017 His creativity was showcased in a memorable 10m banner in Lake Munmorah Instagram and Google presence to boost brand awareness His innovative strategies and dedication have significantly elevated their brand visibility and customer engagement making him an invaluable asset to the team triumphed over adversity to become practice manager at Rimmington Legal His journey from overcoming struggles at school to leading an up-and-coming business showcases resilience and determination Jye fosters a culture of empowerment and excellence innovative thinking and strategic decision-making position Rimmington Legal well for sustainable growth Jye advocates for positive change and greater opportunities for Indigenous people in the business world His future vision is to provide accessible legal assistance for all by expanding the business to include satellite offices and offering virtual consultations to ensure distance is not a barrier to accessing quality legal services Jye’s story inspires others to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential Highly commended - Trystan Auddino - Lakes Custom Computers Nathan Franks founded Dynamic Business Technologies it’s a leading IT services provider specialising in digital transformation As Managing Director of both Dynamic Business Technologies and Newvo Business Communications His leadership fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity exemplified by strategic initiatives like implementing a new professional services automation platform and achieving ambitious growth targets Nathan’s dedication to mentorship and community involvement highlights his outstanding contributions to the industry and beyond cementing his reputation as a visionary leader Melanie has a long and proven career in business strategy Since joining Lake Group Strata three years ago as a consultant Some of her key achievements include introducing a peer mentoring program starting a personal development fund for her team and instilling an inclusive workplace culture that prioritises a work life balance Her greatest passion is the amazing team of unique people she gets to support whilst having the scope and resources to be the type of leader who makes a positive difference Melanie’s passion to mentor others to achieve their goals is evident through her additional roles which include Business Chamber Vice President charity board membership and volunteering weekly with community organisations Proudly sponsored by Ramsay Health Care Dynamic Business Technologies in Warners Bay stands out as a premier employer of choice within Australia’s IT services landscape and security solutions along the east coast the company excels in optimising client operations while prioritising its workforce Through initiatives such as an inclusive “Open Door” policy a servant leadership philosophy and personalised work environments Dynamic Business Technologies fosters a culture where team members thrive With a notably low eight per cent turnover rate and high office-vibe scores the company demonstrates its commitment to creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to excel Proudly sponsored by NGM Group a leading strata and community management company celebrating 30 years in business excels as an employer of choice in Lake Macquarie and the Greater Hunter region Known for their commitment to quality training Lake Group Strata fosters a unique workplace culture rooted in support and empowerment With initiatives like a nine-day fortnight mental health training and extensive professional development funding they prioritise their team’s wellbeing and growth they offer flexible work arrangements and tailored support Lake Group Strata’s dedication to a supportive environment ensures longevity and excellence in service delivery Proudly sponsored by University of Newcastle Definiti revolutionises business operations with cutting-edge automation solutions integrating artificial intelligence and robotic process automation to streamline tasks across industries like finance Definiti liberates teams from mundane tasks boosting productivity and accuracy while reducing costs and errors enhances efficiency and customer satisfaction With a proven track record spanning more than a decade Definiti exemplifies leadership in digital transformation ensuring measurable returns on investment and positive impacts on communities through enhanced service delivery and crisis response capabilities Proudly sponsored by Hunter Water With a steadfast focus on sustainability for more than a decade the social design project stands out as a leader in ethical fashion Collaborating with 12 endorsed fair traders and social enterprises like The Mbuyu Foundation they’ve championed microfinancing initiatives Their influence spans global talks for organisations like Zonta International and local mentorship for businesses As an executive committee member of the Fair Trade Association Initiatives like transformative book clubs and upcycling competitions underscore their commitment to circular fashion Using certified organic cotton and upcycled materials they set a benchmark for waste reduction in the industry Proudly sponsored by Charlestown Square by the GPT Group The Car 2 Home Project allows people who are experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in their cars a safe place to park The vision for The Car 2 Home Project is to keep people safe while they are enduring homelessness in their vehicle and to provide casework support to any person experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in their car Their goal is to work with people to find long-term safe and secure housing that is financially sustainable Proudly sponsored by Lake Mac Holiday Parks Anchored by founder Dominic May’s passion for marine adventure CoastXP epitomises excellence in Lake Macquarie’s tourism landscape Renowned for their bespoke coastal and lake experiences captivating whale-watching expeditions and insightful guided bushwalks Their commitment to authenticity shines through partnerships with local experts in geology CoastXP pioneers sustainable tourism practices earning accolades for ecofriendly initiatives like carbon offset programs and community engagement projects With a stellar reputation bolstered by over 700 five-star reviews CoastXP sets the standard for exceptional visitor experiences enhancing the allure of Lake Macquarie as a premier destination Highly commended - Matt Hall Racing Proudly sponsored by Lake Group Strata Telethrive aims to bridge the gap in allied health services ensuring that every individual can access the comprehensive care they need to thrive in all aspects of their health and wellbeing occupational therapy and dietetics company blending online and in-clinic consultation to provide greater assistance locally and nationwide they have expanded their team from five to 10 clinicians increased their client base by 75 per cent and launched a series of community outreach service programs Proudly sponsored by Umwelt Flying Colours Education is a learning support and intervention service catering for students from preschool to Year 12 in literacy and numeracy Flying Colours Education’s unique programs have a strong focus on assisting students with specific learning disorders (such as dyslexia ADHD and ASD) to understand literacy and numeracy concepts using evidence-based principles and practices for neurodivergent students Their service also assists students who aren’t engaging with the standard way of learning that schools deliver and consequently have significant gaps in their learning Andersen Pest Services is a highly respected pest control company committed to delivering exceptional pest management solutions for both residential and commercial clients With a dedicated team of highly trained professionals innovative pest control services since their establishment in 2020 they take pride in helping their local community grow creating jobs for local people and contributing to the economy of the Hunter and beyond Andersen Pest Services firmly believe their involvement in the community and efforts to help local people thrive Proudly sponsored by ATUNE Health Centres Design Anthology describe themselves as design renegades straight talkers and problem solvers who partner with SMEs manufacture and launch their products with a bang they’ve played a vital role in partnering with countless local businesses corporate SMEs and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into products that are better than imagined From product launches to market expansions each success story adds to the vibrancy and dynamism of our local business community promotion of entrepreneurship and fostering of innovation they play a pivotal role in driving economic growth prosperity and sustainability in the community Highly commended - Evolution Advisers View the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Award winners for 2023 The inaugural meeting of the Former Munmorah Power Station Site Community Consultation Group was held recently by owner and caretaker of the site Generator Property Management (GPM). It brought together nine individuals from the Central Coast, each with an individual perspective and expertise, reflecting the diversity and richness of the community. Members were invited to share their insights, ideas and questions with GPM staff regarding the ongoing dialogue about the site’s future. The meeting allowed attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the site’s history, the significant demolition and remediation works already undertaken and the proposed future plans. A guided site tour allowed participants to witness firsthand the scale of the transformation and the potential opportunities that lie ahead. “We are pleased to engage with the local community and value their input as we explore the future possibilities for the site,” GPM Acting CEO Dougal Mulvey said. “The Munmorah Community Consultation Group will play a vital role in shaping the future of this significant piece of Central Coast history.” He said it was important to note that only a small portion of the former Munmorah Power Station had been declared significantly contaminated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). He said GPM was working diligently to address the issues behind the declaration and ensured that the site was managed in an environmentally sound manner. Following the successful demolition of the former power station, GPM is actively monitoring the site and its surrounding 700ha of land and infrastructure. I travel on the new trains daily from Woy Woy to Central and vice versa. I love the new trains apart from (the fact) they are absolutely freezing. I bought… Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club in Springwood St, Ettalong Beach, and Everglades Country Club in Dunban Rd, Woy Woy, have both submitted revised plans to Central Coast Council for significant improvements… Humpty Dumpty Foundation has sprung into action to help Central Coast Local Health District provide seven breast pumps for its midwifery and Aboriginal health services. The Pumped For Life Mother’s… A group of Lake Munmorah residents have written to Central Coast Council opposing proposed exit and entry points for a new housing estate on the Pacific Hwy on safety grounds. The development application, now on public exhibition, proposes 283 residential blocks, two conservation allotments, a public park and internal roads. It proposes vehicular access to and from the highway via Tall Timbers Rd and Chisholm Ave on the western side of the site, with a secondary access to be provided to the highway in the east via Wallaby Rd, Kookaburra Ave, Possum St and Kangaroo Ave and an internal collector road to link Chisolm Ave to Wallaby Rd. But residents say it would be safer and make more sense for the exit and entry to be directly out of the estate rather than via Tall Timbers Rd and Chisolm Ave. The group has also written to relevant MPs on the matter. “We are not opposed to the estate, just the entry and exit (plans),” a spokesperson said. “A more current and accurate traffic study needs to be carried out, which should include holiday and football season times. “The amount of traffic stated in the proposal isn’t anywhere near the amount of traffic our roads encounter every day and certainly not during these times. “No-one that we have spoken to can figure out how those numbers had come about, unless it was carried out during COVID lockdown time. “In holiday time and pre public holiday time Tall Timbers Rd is chaotic to negotiate; exiting the shopping centre turning right onto Tall Timbers Rd is near impossible and extremely dangerous to say the least. “On football days it is even worse with cars parked on Tall Timbers Rd. “Adults and children crossing the road between cars is an accident or death waiting to happen now, and adding further traffic into the mix will be catastrophic.” The residents say in the event of an emergency there will be extreme chaos with only one right-hand turn exit from the estate through Chisholm Ave onto Tall Timbers Rd to the highway. “This is not just a traffic flow problem, but in the case of an emergency, access would be catastrophic, and where are the evacuation plans for any extra homes?” the letter to Council says. “It would make more sense, and be much safer, to put a set of traffic lights exiting the estate opposite Colongra Bay Rd (with) left and right turns. “It has been brought to our attention that having multiple sets of traffic lights within a short distance on the highway may be an issue, but there are two sets of lights on the main road close together on the highway at San Remo and Northlakes shopping centre. “For the sake of traffic congestion, a separate exit with traffic lights would be a more suitable option. “It would also be a much safer option for pedestrians crossing the highway going to the club and recreation facilities on the  eastern side.” DA/161/2024 is available for public submissions on the Central Coast Council website. Yes,I agree that the proposed entry and exit to this new estate is beyond foolish.The development requires direct access to the main road with traffic lights.In time this estate will have a thousand plus vehicles entering and exiting every day. This is shortsighted and is not in anyone’s interest but the developers. Reg has been found safe and well enjoying the waters in Swan Bay, Lake Macquarie. Back in July 2024, Tuggerah Lakes Care (TLC) ran a campaign to have The Entrance Channel dredged, so as to remove the large amount of sand shoals which contributed to holding back the escape of floodwaters from Tuggerah lakes (Lake Munmorah, Budgewoi Lake and Tuggerah Lake).  The removal of sand shoals from The Entrance Channel was usually conducted with the use of a Council-owned dredge, until it disappeared, and dredging was carried out by contractors. Since the disappearance of Reg the dredge, questions were asked including what happened to Reg and where did the dredge go? A TLC spokesperson said the location of Reg remained a mystery, until recently, when one of the members, with a bit of detective work, managed to locate Reg happily floating in Swan Bay. Lake Macquarie Council has recently been awarded $10M Federal funding which will be used to design and construct a dredge and sand transfer system with NSW State government contributing $6M to run it.  TLC is a community group focused on the rehabilitation of the Tuggerah lakes which aims to engage council, state and federal governments to undertake wrack management works, flood mitigation and to facilitate stormwater management in the Tuggerah Lakes Catchment. The spokesperson said with large sand shoals once again building up in The Entrance Channel impeding the exit of water from the lakes, it was hoped something is done before the arrival of another adverse weather condition that could result in another “disastrous” flood event. “We at TLC note that five floods in seven years have impacted every member of our community to varying degrees,” he said. “Those residing near the lakeshore bear the brunt, facing property damage, emotional strain and soaring repair costs.   “The entire community feels the ripple effects as insurance premiums rise across our postcodes due to these flood related issues. “Adding to this burden is the damage to roads and infrastructure, prompting the Council to raise rates to cover repair costs and causing delays in normal operations. “Local businesses and clubs also miss out on tourism and the tourist dollars that trickle down into the community. “It is crucial for all of us to work together to mitigate the damage caused by floods.” TLC meetings are held bi-monthly at Wallarah Bay Recreation Club, Wallarah Rd, Gorokan, on the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm. So is the dredge going to be used in conjunction with the Lake Macquarie project and how did it come to be up there? l live on Tuggerah pde and so sick on be flooded in we can’t get out cars out because it could flood of night when you are a sleep and when we can’t go to work they need to put a break wall there do you honestly think that insurance will come down because you move some sand The lake has been in a low level flood since the rains of a couple of weeks ago. The build up of sand in the channel east of the bridge is massive. The role of the groyne built south of the channel in changing sand migration needs to be properly investigated. I wrote to council requesting information such as hydrological surveys etc that informed the construction of the groyne, but was told it was state government decision. At the moment, a moderate rain event will be sure to lead to flooding. So I can see nothing happening unfortunately once again. this council area for years has been to hit the boss in the pocket year on year. And why has their been a police enquiry as to why and where this dredge went to. you didn’t report it possibly . Is the dredge going to be returned to the coast. and will we have to pay for all of this. remember “yes minister” and the episode of “Open government”. Or are we on replay. replay. replay. so why is reg the dredge in lake Macquarie? the story kind of trailed off from the subject and ended up talking about TLC? Judging by the number of print ads in our local papers of late, the Liberals seem to be outspending Labor three to one in the campaign to win the seat… Community group Future Sooner is calling on the NSW Government to hold a Royal Commission into the failure of environmental and health authorities to protect citizens from the health impacts of coal-fired power stations. The demand is made in the final report from the group’s Citizens’ Inquiry, which was tabled in State Parliament this week. The report outlines the failure of the EPA, NSW Health authorities and the owners of coal-fired power stations at Lake Munmorah and Lake Macquarie to protect the health of residents on the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Lower Hunter Region. “A safe, clean and sustainable environment is a human right that is not enjoyed by residents who live near coal-fired power stations,” Inquiry Chair, Associate Professor Dr Ian Charlton, said. “The Citizens’ Inquiry was the first time in over 50 years that residents living close to Eraring, Vales Point and Colongra/Munmorah Power Stations have been given an opportunity to share their health stories. “Those stories were deeply distressing – residents living near coal-fired power stations have many questions and they deserve answers from the individuals and institutions that are supposed to protect them from harm. “The transition to renewable energy is urgent and imperative for the health and wellbeing of millions of NSW citizens.” The report recommends that no exemptions or extensions be granted to the operations of the Vales Point or Eraring coal power generators, saying the health and wellbeing of millions of people depend on it. It also says the NSW Government must prioritise public health in all energy policy decision-making, particularly in relation to coal-fired power stations and coal ash dams. The government must establish a compensation program for residents suffering ill health due to processes associated with coal-fired power stations including air and water pollution, PFAS contamination and coal ash dam pollution, the report says. It also recommends reform of pollution standards to ensure they are health-based and equal to, or even better than, overseas standards. The Federal Government also needs to act, the report says. Its says the government should urgently establish the Net Zero Economy Authority and ensure its functions extend to addressing legacy pollution, waste and contamination from coal-fired power stations. Operators of coal-fired power stations in NSW must be legally compelled to invest in the latest technology to reduce toxic pollutions and this compulsion and compliance needs to be fully disclosed to the public. The report also says all coal-fired power stations must close by or before their scheduled closure dates without exception as the only sure way to guarantee the end of pollution in communities living within their wind shadows. Future Sooner is committed to establishing a Permanent Citizens’ Tribunal into the health impacts of coal-fired power stations to monitor and report on the extent to which the NSW Government, Federal Government and power station owners are breaching human rights. It also believes that there is a substantive need for lawyers to consider legal action against the NSW Government and relevant corporations for the harm to the health of residents perpetrated by coal fired power stations. Picture by Peter Lorimer A FAMILY-OWNED business at Lake Macquarie says it is on the brink of collapse after a drawn-out battle with the Environment Protection Authority cost it $1.5 million in legal fees Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueDamien Jensen owns JET Group a green waste recycling business with a separate arm that sells to the public under Oz Landscape Supplies/Oz Mulch Mr Jensen was granted an Environment Protection Licence (EPL) to undertake composting resource recovery and waste storage activities NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officers raided the property three times in 2022, and then, in May 2023, the EPA suspended his licence for "multiple breaches" of its conditions which the EPA argues may have resulted in ammonia levels 10 times higher than the guideline values in groundwater downstream. "I can't express the toll this has taken on me," Mr Jensen said. "Financially, emotionally, I'm destroyed. I'm nowhere near the person I used to be. "It's completely and utterly destroyed me, I don't sleep anymore." Mr Jensen believes his business has been unfairly targeted due to a conflict of interest caused by personal relationships and a bitter history with the EPA following a previous court battle. The EPA has since launched an internal investigation into its handling of Mr Jensen's case. In its suspension notice, the EPA ordered Mr Jensen to remove all wood waste, including unpainted and untreated timber pallets from the premises as well as all organic waste. Mr Jensen took the EPA to court about the suspension, arguing he faced issues securing a long-term lease on the land at Toronto which prevented him from undertaking the costly works the EPA wanted done before lifting his suspension. Waste resource recovery businesses can store, process or dispose of 1000 tonnes or 1000m3 on-site at any one time without needing an EPA licence. NSW Land and Environment Court (NSWLEC) documents show JET Group argued it should be able to undertake activities while suspended below the threshold that would trigger its licence conditions. NSWLEC Senior Commissioner Dixon rejected that logic, instead giving Mr Jensen six months to complete the works demanded by the EPA or potentially face his licence being revoked. Mr Jensen has operated his Lake Macquarie green waste recycling business for two decades. Picture by Peter Lorimer An EPA spokeswoman said the company had failed to install leachate and stormwater controls on-site while continuing to receive waste, in breach of both its 2015 Lake Macquarie council development consent and the licence conditions. "EPA testing of the groundwater downstream found ammonia up to 10 times above the guideline values," she said. "This is unacceptable as it has the potential to pollute water and cause environmental damage," she said. The EPA spokeswoman said it carefully considers whether suspending a licence is appropriate. "When considering a suspension, a range of factors are taken into account, including the seriousness of contraventions of a licence, previous compliance history, and the level and extent of harm or potential harm to the environment and community," she said. The NSWLEC found the EPA had acted within its powers in issuing the suspension notice, and court documents noted that JET Group accepted it had contravened the conditions of its licence and the suspension was appropriate. Court documents show JET Group also conceded that pollution has occurred at the premises and that it is possible or likely some of the contamination detected by the EPA was in part due to a former uncontrolled landfill and prior composting activities carried out uphill of the leachate pond. A joint report submitted to the NSWLEC written by two independent environmental experts agreed the previous composting and pasteurising operation did not appear to have impacted water quality (groundwater or surface water) much beyond a localised area near one of the dams, nor appear to have impacted beyond the boundary of the premises. The experts also agreed that, provided appropriate management was in place and maintained, it was unlikely that if Mr Jensen operated at a level below a certain threshold, his operation would adversely impact surface water and groundwater. Mr Jensen has until the end of the month to have a DA modification approved with Lake Macquarie City Council that could allow him to continue operating at a lower level. But Mr Jensen said the council has dragged its heels on the DA and, with the deadline fast approaching, he fears the EPA will revoke his licence altogether, and the community could lose its recycling service for good. "There is absolutely no environmental harm and never has there ever been," he said. "They never say it's no risk, but it's low risk, and low risk is the lowest possible outcome you can have, yet I'm still sitting here with business closed." Mr Jensen lodged the DA modification with Lake Macquarie council in January 2023. Almost two years later, his application still hangs in the balance. JET Group owner Damien Jensen feels Lake Macquarie council is dragging its heels on his DA modification. Picture by Peter Lorimer A Lake Macquarie council spokesman said that the proposed wording of the DA modification would impact operations at the site. He said the implications are "complex" and require an "involved assessment". The spokesman said the DA seeks to modify the consent to introduce thresholds for certain wastes to be received at the site and delay the delivery of environmental protection works until the thresholds are reached. "Assessment of the application has been ongoing and three requests for information have been requested by council staff to help with that assessment," he said. "In August 2024, a detailed response, including external reports, was provided by the applicant to the most recent request for information, and we are assessing this information." The council spokesman said that until August, Mr Jensen's responses had not "adequately addressed" its requests for information, so the application could not progress. Mr Jensen said he has tried to be as compliant as possible and work with the council. "They said to provide all the information you can, new documents, new plans, new environmental reports, which we did," he said. "We've done that now, we've provided way more than we have to, which makes it a lot more complicated, but we feel like we've ticked every single box above and beyond anyone else and we're still sitting here unsure if we're going to get an approval or not." Having reviewed Mr Jensen's case, Greens MP and environmental lawyer Sue Higginson is calling for an inquiry into the EPA. Ms Higginson said the details of Mr Jensen's case "rang alarm bells" and left her with more questions than answers. "I have looked at Damien's matter and it does concern me that the weight of the hand that is being dealt to him and his business does not seem like what I see when I see the EPA dealing with some of the really big polluters out there," she said. "Why does there seem to be such a propensity to work with the big guys to keep them open, to adjust their licences to fit and suit the operation, and here we have a smaller operator and the threat seems to be, 'No, if you're not complying and we say so, we will shut you down or we will just revoke your licence'? "I think there is a fundamental missing piece here, and that is, who is overseeing the EPA? And the answer to that is no one." Ms Higginson has since written to EPA chief executive Tony Chappel asking for any regulatory action against JET Group to be deferred until the internal review is complete. following a pursuit in an alleged stolen vehicle spanning from the Central Coast to Lake Macquarie Police say it started at Long Jetty around 4 o’clock this morning after a white Nissan failed to stop for a random breath test The pursuit allegedly continued through The Entrance moving through multiple suburbs before road spikes were deployed on the Pacific Highway at Pelican The 14-year-old male driver is facing four charges… while four female occupants are being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act – the youngest aged 12 existing Busways services in Crangan Bay on the Central Coast have had its routes adjusted so students can travel to and from school safely and on time This will be the first time that bus services in the area have catered to schools aiming to enhance accessibility for families students who live in the Crangan Bay Estate who attend St Brendan’s Primary School or Lake Munmorah Public School will benefit from these bus services providing more convenient access closer to home While travel times on the existing school bus services will increase slightly by three minutes these route adjustments will ensure better overall service reliability for all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 Morning services will see route 2195 servicing St Brendan’s Primary School and St Brigid’s Catholic College while route 2209 with cater for Lake Munmorah High School Route 2205 will be servicing Gwandalan Public School and Lake Munmorah Public School students from Lake Munmorah High School can jump aboard route 2793 to get home with Gwandalan Public School taking route 2654 St Brendan’s Primary School and St Brigid’s Catholic College taking route 99 and Lake Munmorah Public School taking route 98 Australasian Bus & Coach (ABC) is the leading bus and coach publication in the region providing news directly to the local industry ABC has released monthly magazines all about buses and coaches while our website and eNewsletter continue to keep the industry updated each and every day.  For the first time students from Crangan Bay will have access to school bus services From February 24 existing bus services to five local schools will be adjusted and expanded to include the newly developed and growing Crangan Bay Estate Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said that while travel times on the existing school bus services would increase slightly by three minutes the route adjustments would ensure better overall service reliability for all students from kindergarten to Year 12 are working closely with schools and parents to ensure they are aware of the updated bus services that take them to and from school St Brendan’s Primary School & St Brigid’s Catholic College; Route 2209 Gwandalan Public School and Lake Munmorah Public School St Brendan’s Primary School and St Brigid’s Catholic College; Route 98 Catley said that at what is always a busy time of year tweaks to routes and timetables meant parents and carers should check the best way for their children to get to school in plenty of time by visiting the Trip Planner website Busways Head of Service Delivery NSW Central Coast said these service changes would give students in Crangan Bay better travel options “We’ve started informing local families and are pleased to work with (Swansea) MP Yasmin Catley to bring these changes to life We hope it benefits all students in the area.” Catley said this was fantastic news for Crangan Bay families ensuring students had safe and reliable transport to school “This move will be welcomed by our growing community and I thank Transport for NSW for listening to residents and making this happen,” she said Judging by the number of print ads in our local papers of late the Liberals seem to be outspending Labor three to one in the campaign to win the seat… Hometown Australia – the local arm of US-based all age communities operator Hometown America – has snapped up two more land lease villages south of Newcastle wedged between two Hometown Australia facilities Oasis Redhead – as it has been marketed to residents – will contain 252 dwellings upon completion at the end of the year Currently there are 87 homes with 35 under construction Hometown Australia joint managing director “Oasis Redhead will support residents focus on wellness and connectivity with the proposed amenities including an outdoor swimming pool and spa and clubhouse designed with communal sitting spaces cinema and outdoor BBQ amenities,” he added The second property Hometown Australia is buying – Saltwood Lake Munmorah a greenfield block until now marketed to residents as Oasis Lake Munmorah it is close to other Hometown Australia assets The deals come six weeks since we reported GreenFort Capital bought two regional Queensland LLC sites able to accommodate projects with a c$500m end value (story continues below) Oasis Communities offered the Oasis Redhead Hometown Australia will add them to a portfolio with over 60 communities accommodating some 12,000 residents “The [Australian] acquisitions support Hometown Australia’s strategy of acquiring and developing quality land lease communities in desirable retiree markets where there is a gap in affordable living options for those over 50,” joint managing director “These communities are strategically located in the popular Lake Macquarie and Central Coast Local Government Areas which are highly desirable markets for retirees over 50,” he added “Both communities are undergoing development and will ultimately include resort-style amenities with quality and affordable homes providing the opportunity for those over 50 to enter into retirement with a focus on their best years ahead,” according to the executive Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page A former property analyst and print journalist Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au Forgot your password? You will receive mail with link to set new password Back to login Revenue NSW is responsible for the receipt and processing of fines as well as administering the enforcement system to collect unpaid fines. To manage your penalty please refer to the Revenue website, via the Service NSW app or by phone on 1300 138 118 Council uses the 'Print and Post' fine delivery service system to issue parking related fines via Revenue NSW parking fines are no longer placed on the vehicle windscreens. Instead Revenue NSW will post the fine to you on behalf of Lake Macquarie City Council.  To request a review of a fine, contact Revenue NSW.  Or If you believe your fine was issued incorrectly you can request to have it reviewed by Revenue NSW by completing an online request for review If you have received a penalty notice, you can pay it online or view your options at the Revenue NSW website Revenue NSW can be contacted by phoning 1300 138 112 or by mail - PO Box 786 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 Picture by Simone De PeakThe withdrawal from the fossil fuel economy in Australia over the next decade will hit hardest on the western shores of Lake Macquarie About 1800 jobs in coal mining and power generation will likely disappear probably more than any other local government area in the nation By 2035 the Eraring and Vales Point power stations will be closed Mandalong and Chain Valley - will also likely shut Suppliers and contractors along the coal chain will also be hit hard Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueCoal's occupation of the western shores of Lake Macquarie started in the 1880s Wikipedia lists 29 separate coal mine leases along those western shores since that time The western shores have hosted four NSW-serving power stations tells of the Lake Macquarie shoreline before coal and thermal power over the following century The article recounts a Newcastle Cricket Club picnic aboard the steamer Maggie Johnson Sixty 'gentlemen' enjoyed the vessel's passage through the 'magnificent estate' of the western shore and the 'beautiful sheet of water known under the appellation of Chain Valley This once magnificent estate now faces rehab as coal's toxic legacies are confronted The Wangi Wangi power station site is dormant Full restoration at Eraring will be deferred by a large-scale battery project taking advantage of access to existing substations and transmission lines The Vales Point site has its own question marks Under its privatisation deed in 2015 liabilities for decommissioning and remediating the Vales Point site are capped at $10 million according to revelations at a NSW parliamentary inquiry Yet rehab costs are likely to soar beyond this amount AGL says the cost of rehab for its Liddell power station site The Czech leaseholders of Vales Point are likely users of the get-out-of jail clause in the privatisation deed Waist deep in this transition is Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) This year the council launches its decade-long strategic plan a vision for a city distinguished by natural environment and lifestyle quality Withdrawal from coal mining and power generation is accepted in the plan without dispute Actions to prepare for the impacts of climate change A challenge addressed in the plan is population growth It says population in Lake Macquarie will grow from 220,000 in 2024 to 260,000 in 2046 with a third of the growth to be in the Morisset-Cooranbong-Wyee corridor LMCC plans show the need for community-scale projects along this corridor is targeted with town centre redevelopment and improved education commercial and recreational facilities and services Having a railway station and access to the M1 and the Pacific Highway give Wyee a leg up in its move away from fossil fuels there is no material support for Lake Mac from new state and federal transition authorities Perhaps these authorities think the transition from fossil fuels is a thing for old industrial regions like Victoria's Yallourn Valley not a task for an urban area in the middle of the NSW coastline in a region experiencing substantial population growth and suburbanisation pressures It's sad that Lake Macquarie's task of restoring the once magnificent estate of the western shore - of enacting the nation's first major transition from fossil fuels - hasn't featured in local election campaigning It's easy for politicians to be tambourine shakers on the coal industry bandwagon It's harder to confront the reality of climate change and embrace the transition from the fossil fuel economy The resources needed by Lake Macquarie in its mammoth transition task won't appear by magic Lake Macquarie Fire Boat and multiple firefighting crews were called out late on Thursday night to a boat on fire off Summerland Point The alarm was raised at about 11pm on September 5 when the vessel was seen well alight on a mooring off Kullaroo Rd A crew of five on Fire Boat Alpha responded along with Rural Fire Service crews from Wallarah and the Fire and Rescue team from Doyalson On arrival Wallarah crews quickly got to work utilising the monitor to combat the fire initially before transitioning to a hose line once safe to come alongside given the extent of the damage to the vessel and a small section burning to the waterline Crews used an anchor and fender to give a visual location of the sunken vessel along with GPS co-ordinates in order to facilitate a later salvage operation to remove the vessel Part of the site is affected with petroleum hydrocarbon and PFAS pollution Already have an account? Sign in here AMM: Premier information hub for Australia's mining innovation and excellence each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team MMI Future Fleets Report 2025 looks at how companies are using alternative energy sources to cut greenhouse gas emmissions Exclusive research for Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates Aspermont Media is a company registered in England and Wales Please enable javascript to access the full functionality of this site first-class fishing and grand views are just a taste of what is on offer at Munmorah State Conservation Area Munmorah State Conservation Area is a park for all seasons and dazzling ocean views make this a place to return to time and again surfing and swimming are just some of the activities you can enjoy at Munmorah Frazer beach is only patrolled during Christmas and Easter school holidays though so please be cautious when swimming there as the surf can be unpredictable You might like to bring your binoculars to spot passing whales in winter and keep an eye out for some of the incredible bird species that call this park home You might see a bar-shouldered dove in the coastal dunes or the southern emu wren on the low coastal heaths Munmorah State Conservation Area illustrates the impressive geology of the region The views are spectacular and it's no wonder they’ve been millions of years in the making See more campgrounds See more attractions See more activities NSW national parks have the best vantage points to see whales during their annual migration Australia is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species many of which are found nowhere else in the world Saving our Species is a statewide conservation program that addresses the growing number of Australian animals and Australian native plants facing extinction Munmorah State Conservation Area is open 5.30am–9pm from the start of the NSW school holiday period in September (Friday) until 1 May Munmorah State Conservation Area is open 5.30am–7pm from 1 May until the day before the start of the NSW September school holidays (Friday) $8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept cards, or you can pay via the Park’nPay app. Information submitted on this form, including any personal details, will be a matter of public record and will be stored in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) records system. You can find out more about how DCCEEW handles the personal information it collects online by reading our privacy policy you consent to the collection and use of your personal information in accordance with this policy \n\t\t").concat(status, " due to current alerts Picture by Simone De Peak DRIVERS caught speeding or running a red light have been stung with more than $9.6 million in fines across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueRevenue NSW data has revealed the worst-hit suburbs for mobile fixed and red light speed camera offences in the 2023-24 financial year Charlestown topped the board for both the number of fines dished out to drivers and the amount of revenue raised with 11,734 fines costing a whopping $2.58 million The majority of those came from the red light speed cameras on the Pacific Highway and Charlestown Road, with just four fines as the result of mobile speed camera detections on Dudley Street. Transport for NSW Safety, Environment and Regulation deputy secretary Sally Webb said speed is the biggest contributing factor to road trauma in the state, accounting for about 40 per cent of fatalities and 24 per cent of serious injuries. "Any death on our roads is a tragedy, and one is too many," she said. "Camera enforcement programs, including mobile speed cameras, are among the most effective measures to reduce speeding and enhance road safety." Speed camera locations are picked based on several criteria, including crash and trauma history. Mobile speed cameras are deployed at high-priority locations determined by the NSW Automated Enforcement Strategy. The strategy takes into account recent road trauma, crash risk, community nominations and a geographic spread of sites. Lambton and New Lambton were the second highest-hit suburbs for fines, totalling $1.54 million. The majority of those fines came from the red light speed camera at Griffiths Road, which raked in $1.5 million from the pockets of 8169 drivers. Fanging it: new data reveals top 10 suburbs where drivers copped finesThe overall number of fines was higher in Lake Macquarie, but speeding cost drivers more in Newcastle, who forked out more than $4.9 million. Ms Webb said the most recent review of the NSW automated enforcement camera programs identified that speed cameras continue to offer substantial benefits to road safety. "Data indicates that road trauma rates are significantly lower at locations with fixed, red-light, and average speed cameras compared to before their installation," she said. According to Transport for NSW, that reduction in road trauma represents a saving of $1.1 billion to the NSW community from 2016 to 2020. At Gateshead, the fixed speed camera on the Pacific Highway brought in the third-highest number of fines at 4569, totalling $1.18 million. Hamilton, Hamilton East and Hamilton South came in slightly behind at 2275 fines which raised $989,981. Drivers who copped those fines were caught at red light speed cameras on the Pacific Highway, Tudor Street and Donald Street, as well as mobile speed cameras at Donald Street and Stewart Avenue. Mayfield and Mayfield West were next hardest-hit with $932,238 in fines from a mix of red light, fixed speed and mobile speed cameras handed out across the Pacific Highway, Industrial Drive and Vine Street. Wallsend hot spots included mobile speed cameras on Minmi Road and Newcastle Road as well as the red light speed camera on Thomas Street. Kotara and Adamstown came in ninth and 10th thanks to the red light camera on Charlestown Road, the red light speed camera at Park Avenue Adamstown and mobile speed cameras on Glebe Road. In Newcastle, mobile speed cameras stung the most drivers at Griffiths Road Broadmeadow, Newcastle Road at Wallsend and Lake Road Elemore Vale. Mobile speed cameras hit the most drivers in Lake Macquarie at Main Road Glendale, Anzac Parade Toronto and Freemans Drive at Cooranbong and Morisset. All fines from camera-detected offences go to the Community Road Safety Fund. The funds support the implementation of the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, road and vehicle safety programs, enhanced enforcement by NSW Police, road safety infrastructure, protective equipment and public education. The Transport for NSW 2026 Road Safety Action Plan has set new road trauma targets for 50 per cent fewer deaths and 30 per cent fewer serious injuries by 2030 on NSW roads. The state government aims to improve safety features in vehicles by investing in new technology and influencing fleet purchasing policies to encourage take-up of 5-star safety rated vehicles. It will also do more to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians, motorbike and bike riders by creating safer roads and raising awareness of risks. World-first mobile phone detection cameras are designed to further reduce trauma by also enforcing seatbelt laws. Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Love footy? We've got all the action covered. The latest news, results & expert analysis. Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. Get the latest property and development news here. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! The old Lake Munmorah Power Station site has been officially named as the location for the new Waratah Super Battery, which is set to help secure the state’s clean energy future and be operational by 2025. Treasurer and Minister for Energy, Matt Kean, said the battery will act as a “shock absorber” for the electricity grid. “The Waratah Super Battery will be the biggest network battery anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere, providing at least 700MW of standby network capacity to the grid,” Kean said. “Lake Munmorah has a long history in energy generation, with the now demolished power station helping to power the state for over 40 years. “I’m thrilled that we are announcing the return of more energy capacity to the area. “The Waratah Super Battery will drive up to $1B in private investment in new energy storage and associated network upgrades, generating more than 100 jobs in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.” Kean said the battery will ensure electricity consumers in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong have access to more energy from existing generators while new transmission connections are developed. Transgrid has been appointed the network operator and the project was granted Critical State Significant Infrastructure status earlier this year. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023, pending approval, and to be completed by mid-2025 in advance of the closure of Eraring Power Station. The Coast’s labor MPs, who have been pushing Lake Munmorah as the ideal site for the battery for months, said the announcement was a big win for the Coast. “The battery will help shore up the region’s energy supply and take advantage of the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone.” “The Renewable Energy Zone was established after Labor successfully moved amendments to the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020.” Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley, said it made perfect sense to locate the battery at the old power station site. “It is owned by the Government and all the transmission infrastructure is already in place,” she said. “‘Not only will this project deliver up to 150 construction jobs during its development and 10 to 15 ongoing jobs, but it will also open up an opportunity to turn the old power station into a renewable energy manufacturing hub on the Central Coast. “This will mean good paying, highly skilled jobs into the future.” Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said Labor MPs fought hard for the Central Coast to be included in the Renewable Energy Zones, understanding that power generation has been a part of the region’s heritage. “As transition takes place we should continue to have an important role into the future,” he said. “Skills and knowhow is in abundance and the Coast is well placed to ride the transition wave to renewables.” Member for the Entrance, David Mehan, said the announcement ensures a continuation of energy jobs on the Central Coast into the future. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said the Coast community is being smashed by cost of living pressures. “It is very clear we need alternative energy solutions,” she said. “Locating the battery close to home, where existing energy infrastructure is already in place, is huge win for the Coast.” Source:Media releases, Oct 14NSW Government and Central Coast Labor MPs CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) has approved adjustments to a planning proposal for a 300-lot housing subdivision adjoining the Lake Munmorah shopping centre following public exhibition The project has been in progress since 2020 and involves rezoning the land known as 6W Kemira Rd and 285-325 Pacific Highway leading to various amendments to development control plans and the Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan They do not stray much further from the plan which was publicly exhibited earlier this year with the only obvious changes being a road connection to Kemira Rd Chisholm Ave being upgraded to a collector road as well as more landscape buffers along the highway and pedestrian pathways This development has already received a positive Gateway Determination from the NSW Government and now Council will proceed with a Planning Proposal for government approval so the developers can move forward with a formal development application The proposal is for housing on a minimum lot size of 450sqm in the residential zone and areas of high biodiversity value and drainage land to be zoned for environmental conservation with a minimum lot size of 40ha as well as a recreation zone for a 3,000sqm park A Council report says that a Planning Agreement will be to dedicate and embellish land for open space upgrade Chisholm Ave and other local roads along with provision of a collector road to service the new development Peter Francis spoke on behalf of the developers at Council’s Tuesday night meeting saying it was a $285M investment that over a five-year construction period would support 425 construction and ancillary jobs “New resident incomes will support 775 jobs annually in perpetuity,” he said “It’s an in-fill project between two existing residential estates adjoining the Woolworths shopping centre and educational precincts at Carters Rd and the integration of environmental conservation and recreation areas will create a residential environment of quality living and active lifestyles for both existing and new residents at an affordable price point,” Francis said who has lived in Chisholm Ave for 30 years told the meeting the 2,200 vehicle trips per day (verified by Council report) would be a significant impact on Chisholm Ave “Kemira Rd and Deakin Ave need to be upgraded as the traffic flow through their streets is already queueing up to get out on to Tall Timbers Rd “The Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan indicates a road would be built behind Deakin Ave to link with Carters Rd and that plan would be more viable as it doesn’t affect any existing residents,” she said Council Director of Environment and Planning said at the Council meeting that the proposed location of the collector road in the Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan was indicative and subject to further detailed studies “Those studies in relation to this proposal identified that the Deakin Ave option would require relocation of high-voltage power poles as well as significant clearing of coastal wetlands and threatened species habitat including the Swift Parrot “Construction of a collector road off Chisholm Ave allows lesser traffic congestion at Carters Rd and the Pacific Highway and upgrades are proposed at Chisholm Ave including road widening construction of a roundabout at the intersection at Tall Timbers Rd and construction of kerb and guttering and pedestrian pathways,” Howe said A Council report says that the development would also trigger an upgrade to the Tall Timbers Rd/Pacific Highway intersection but this would not be required until the release of the 181st residential lot in the subdivision The Central Coast Local Environment Plan will now be amended to reflect the zoning changes and a Site-Specific Development Control Plan Chapter will guide future development of the site We are installing new air monitors around Lake Macquarie to provide a better picture of outdoor air quality help identify areas of concern and to help inform future initiatives to protect the environment and human health The EPA has recently progressed a number of strategic initiatives across the coal-fired power stations to address air emissions and increase transparency around the generation and re-use of coal ash We are installing PurpleAir sensors to further monitor air particles in warmer drier conditions predicted over summer.  PurpleAir sensors are a low-cost sensing device used for community-based air monitoring. These sensors are small devices, about 8.5cm by 8.5cm by 13cm in size. They are easy to attach to outdoor structures and maintain.For more information about the sensors, go to the PurpleAir website. PurpleAir sensors provide us with a picture of regional dust. They use laser particle counters to count the number of airborne particles in the air in a range of sizes. These particle counts are then used to estimate PM1.0 and PM10 mass concentration in micrograms per cubic meter air or µg/m3 These particle counts are then used to estimate the PM2.5 air quality index (AQI).Particulate matter describes solid particles suspended in air These sensors provide us with a picture of regional dust They do not identify the source or composition of any dust.Data provided by the sensors can be impacted by smoke from barbecues the sensors may measure water droplets in fog as particles The community can access air quality data from the sensors in near real time using the PurpleAir interactive map. The map identifies an approximate location of the sensor as well as providing a public display of the data You can see other sensors installed around Lake Macquarie in real time on the interactive map.  PurpleAir sensors are designed to assess air quality in a more accessible way for the community than standard air quality monitoring instruments These sensors are very useful in reporting current air quality to the community but are not certified for monitoring for legislative purposes.  The local government areas of Lake Macquarie and Wyong are on the central coast of NSW approximately 100 kilometres north of Sydney with rural valleys to the west and large coastal lagoons to the east The population of nearly 340,000 is clustered in coastal towns and settlements around the bays and peninsulas Major transport routes run north–south and east–west The main sources of air emissions in the Lake Macquarie-Wyong area are from electricity generation plants at Eraring and Vales Point (and previously Lake Munmorah) You can learn more about emission sources in Lake Macquarie and Wyong by using the EPA's Air Emissions in My Community web tool The EPA commissioned a review of air quality of the Lake Macquarie-Wyong region, in response to a community request. The review considered data collected by the NSW Government and industry from September 2013 to June 2016. A detailed review of 2014 and 2015 found that air quality was very good to fair 99% of the time during 2014 and 2015, compared to the NSW Air Quality Index The review concluded with the June 2016 report, having demonstrated that air quality in the Lake Macquarie and Wyong areas is consistently good to very good. The Office of Environment and Heritage provides air quality monitoring data for Wyong in near-real time. The Lake Macquarie-Wyong air quality annual reports The Lake Macquarie–Wyong air quality monthly reports provide a summary of available air quality and meteorological information from industry and government monitoring sites. Community feedback to the EPA suggests that air quality monitoring data published online by various sources is often complex and difficult to interpret. The EPA air quality reports present complex air quality information in an easy-to-read format. The report format was developed in consultation with councils, community, industry and NSW Health. We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW, and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture. Our bookable service gives you flexibility to dispose of your bulky household items when it’s most convenient for you Each household in Lake Macquarie that pays a ‘Domestic Waste Management Charge’ as part of their rates is entitled to receive two bulky waste services in a rolling 12-month period There are two service options to choose from: You are entitled to request up to two services within any 12-month period Your 12-month rolling entitlement cycle begins on the date of your first booking—either when you schedule your first kerbside collection or when a drop-off voucher is issued via email Entitlements reset every 12 months from that date giving you control over when your entitlement cycle starts Regardless of your choice of drop-off voucher or kerbside collection booking you can choose to use them in any combination that suits your needs you can make a booking or check the available bulky waste entitlements below Book your bulky waste service or request a drop-off voucher  You can change or cancel your existing kerbside collection booking up to three days prior to your booked collection day below Change or cancel your existing booking You can put out up to 2m3 of bulky items per booking.  if you have more you can use both your services at once and put 4m3 of material out for collection.    vinyl or linoleum will not be collected.  Some of the items above can be recycled at the Community Recycling Centre at Awaba Waste Management Facility, free of charge. See what items are accepted.  A drop-off voucher entitles you to dispose of 250kg of waste per drop-off or book both your services at once allowing up to 500kg to be dropped off Loads over the voucher weight limit will be charged as per Council’s fees and charges If you are disposing of asbestos, please select the asbestos only waste voucher option. You must provide 24 hours’ notice of your drop-off by calling 02 4921 0778 Only one asbestos voucher can be booked and presented at a time Mixed loads containing asbestos material will not be accepted.    Recycle a wide range of items free of charge at the Community Recycling Centre, located at the Awaba Waste Management Facility Organise your trailer or ute so you can easily access these items when you arrive before crossing the weighbridge Find out more about the Community Recycling Centre.   Look in the Lake Macquarie City Council A-Z waste and recycling guide for more ideas and places that can accept the items You can avoid sending waste to landfill by repairing selling or recycling your unwanted items.  Find out more about how you can repair, reuse or recycle.  If your property has no available entitlements the property will then be eligible to book and pay for additional kerbside collections Fees apply for additional kerbside collections and must be paid by credit card at the time of booking residents that rent can book a service for the property they reside at authorised Property Managers or Client Service Officers can also book on a tenant's behalf If you live in a strata complex and pay the Domestic Waste Management Charge (DWMC) through your rates you are entitled to two bulky waste services in a rolling 12 month period for your dwelling individual dwellings have not pre-paid for a service through their rates check with your complex manager or landlord to confirm what arrangement applies to your property.  you can book a kerbside collection and pay the additional service fee by credit card at the time of booking.   this service is only available for residential properties Options for commercial properties to dispose of bulky waste include taking it to the Awaba Waste Management Facility, checking the A- Z waste and recycling guide or services provided by private contractors.   You can check your property's entitlements by clicking the Book your bulky waste service button above A drop-off voucher entitles the user to drop off up to 250kg of household bulky waste at the Awaba Waste Management Facility For residents utilising two drop-off vouchers in one visit the load size limit is 500kg Fees apply for waste over the voucher limit.  An asbestos only voucher entitles the user to drop off up to 100kg of asbestos waste at the Awaba Waste Management Facility Download our accepted bulky waste items guide to find out what you can dispose of through the bulky waste service Placing your waste out on the kerb the day before your collection day minimises the opportunity for others to dump waste on your pile and helps keep our streets tidy and safe.  Residents only have approval to place acceptable items safely on the kerb outside of their house the day prior to their booked collection it is unlawful to place anything on a footpath or anywhere within the road reserve On your scheduled collection day our bulky waste trucks operate throughout the LGA bundled and tied green waste and bulky waste are collected by different trucks If your pile has not been collected by 4.00pm on your collection day please call our Customer Service centre on 49 210 333 to request an investigation into your bulky waste collection it usually means it fell outside the bulky waste guidelines in some way A notice would have been left in your letterbox detailing why your waste wasn't collected.  If you followed the guidelines and think your waste was accidentally missed, please call us on 02 4921 0333 to discuss If you followed the rules and think your waste was accidentally missed, please call us on 02 4921 0333 to discuss.  You will receive an email letting you know that your pile exceeded the 2m3 limit and your second entitlement was used The bulky waste service entitlements belong to the property and are intended to be booked and used by the occupier of the property This ensures the bulky waste service is accessible to renters and residents living within the city The bookable bulky waste service is more cost-effective to ratepayers than the previous scheduled service The bookable service allows trucks to operate across the city through collection zones similar to the kerbside garbage collection system The switch to the bookable service is expected to reduce bulky waste operating costs by around $5 million over the next 10 years These savings will be used to slow the increasing costs of waste disposal which ratepayers pay for through their annual Domestic Waste Management Charge (a cost-recovery charge that makes up part of rates) The bookable service provides greater flexibility for our residents to book a kerbside collection when they need it or choose a voucher to drop-off their waste at Awaba Waste Management Facility The majority of councils in NSW that offer a bulky waste kerbside collection service deliver the service through a booked collection method The amount of bulky waste collected in Lake Mac has increased by 69 percent over the past 10 years (2012- 2022) The amount of bulky waste collected per household in Lake Mac is the sixth largest in NSW at 131kg per household The bookable service encourages residents to book a service when they need one and consider reuse and recycling options for their unwanted items Based on the experience of other Councils it is expected to result in 15 -30% less bulky waste material sent to landfill each year extending the life of our only landfill at Awaba to make a submission on a 288-lot subdivision proposed for Lake Munmorah The development application (DA) lodged with Central Coast Council consists of 283 residential allotments two conservation areas and a park on land located at 285-325 Pacific Hwy The State Government has recently allocated a number of biodiversity credits needed that will allow the land to be developed See the notice at https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p… A State Planning Agreement has been negotiated which would require: upgrade of the Pacific Hwy/Kangaroo Ave intersection to allow only left in / left out vehicle movements to be completed prior to the issue of the Subdivision Certificate for the first lot created; and upgrade of the Pacific Hwy/Tall Timbers Rd signalised intersection to increase capacity to cater for the additional traffic volumes The proposal has attracted one submission so far The resident says all authorities turn a blind eye to the potential cumulative impacts each DA will have on the immediate region in the near future “They ignore the cumulative impacts of population increase impacts having this one particular proposal in Lake Munmorah increasing by a staggering 17% with just one housing estate,” the submission says “This proposal is only five kilometres from Vales Point Power Station and its ash dams local doctors and the community have seen the health of the region deteriorating with cancers chronic asthma and other respiratory diseases “The region is simply a toxic time bomb waiting to explode with poor air quality for both PM2.5 & PM10 particles.” will turn the region from a semi-rural aspect into a high density housing ghetto and offers a photo as an example You can see the plans on the council website: 1/ Search ‘Central Coast Council track a development’ 2/ Click on the “E-planning portal” link in the first sentence on that page 3/ Click on Applications on exhibition and hit next 4/ Scroll through the DAs currently on public exhibition and note the suburbs until you get to Lake Munmorah and 5/ Click on the DA number:  DA/161/2024 That will take you to all the documents: The Statement of Environmental Effects gives the overview of the proposal The infrastructure in our area is already struggling to support new estates being built In Gwandalan The school traffic in the area is a nightmare now New subdivision will place further strain on schools and the traffic in this area I’ve lived north end budgewoi n lake Munmorah over 30 years The roads are the same Doyalson intersection an absolute nightmare every afternoon The mindset of local n state government of doing nothing about infrastructure around here is beyond diabolical Already Kanangra rd is impossible to get onto pacific hwy with that development n now another major project in a area which hasn’t changed in decades except a shopping centre that’s not even remotely large enough for another 1,000 people on top of gwandalan n Catherine hill bay explosion Politics aside wake the hell up n spend time looking at the future of this area us locals call home ! More people equals less of everything else.The natural environment is getting smashed on the Central Coast.The big Australia cult Everyone who lives here has a right to express their concerns about having more people coming to live here and congesting the area but I who do live in Sydney all of my life and do come up here and stay at my parents property only a short walk from this property in question and l understand why a lot of you people do not want more development in this area I come up here as often from Sydney to get away from the rat race which it is and it is bad to my parents place which I find is more quiet and open spaced which I can walk around and enjoy Maybe it would be better if not to have too many people coming to live here but what are people like me wanting to escape the mess which Sydney is in and come to a more peaceful place like here I would like to live up here but I will need to have a house and that is the problem The Central Coast's Most Trusted News Source For Over 30 Years A significant component of the Plans for 1,300 new homes to be built in the Doyalson / Lake Munmorah area may come to nothing as the State Government prevaricates over funding for an upgrade of the Pacific Highway / Chain Valley Road intersection at Lake Munmorah and the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council are anxious to get moving with their projects that will see over 800 homes built at Chain Valley Bay with Vivacity saying they could start construction of 270 homes immediately the one sticking point is the cost of upgrading the intersection estimated by TFNSW to cost $6.7 which is already failing the existing population (many elderly residents) While the three landowners are prepared to contribute $1.7 million the government needs to come up with the remaining $5 million Home | Contact Us | Site Map | Print this page | Top of page Regionally significant investment is booming in Lake Macquarie despite Australia’s economic downturn with a new primary school for children on the autism spectrum and a $30 million health services hub among the major projects in the pipeline Lake Macquarie City Council Director Development Planning and Regulation David Antcliff said the recent influx of high-value development applications reflected the growing confidence investors and developers had in the city “We’re talking about new facilities and infrastructure that will improve services for our growing population,” he said “These are considered regionally significant developments so they’re assessed by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.” is planning to build a new $6.9 million school on Harrisons Lane at Cardiff Heights catering for up to 80 primary school-aged children would offer tailored learning for children from kindergarten to Year 6 Aspect Education National Director Maryanne Gosling said Lake Macquarie and the broader Hunter Region were home to more than 5500 children on the autism spectrum “We’re extremely excited to have secured this site in Cardiff Heights,” she said parents and carers have told us there is a need to provide more autism-specific schools.” A separate development application outlines a four-storey $29.8 million medical centre on a long-dormant site in Charlestown on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Smith Street Developer GPV Property has proposed a new hub that would include a GP clinic a 23-bed private hospital or day clinic and onsite parking The development would further cement the adjoining suburbs of Charlestown/Gateshead as one of the region’s focal points for health care with plans released last month for a major expansion of Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and a range of medical services already in place in Charlestown Mr Antcliff said a number of other regionally significant Lake Mac developments were also before the Regional Planning Panel “It’s a promising start to 2023 and we’re confident our city will continue to grow and thrive,” he said “We’re focused on supporting infrastructure and services where they are needed most.” Go to lakemac.com.au for more information about development in Lake Macquarie