You are currently viewing Making a case for works program and New Council, renewed commitment

Making a case for works program and New Council, renewed commitment

Making a case for inclusion in works program

Missed out last year, but in the running for funding next year.

“AS HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY communicated, the Munibung Trail Design report is complete,” notes Lake Macquarie City Council, Community Land Planner (Sports), Steven Cowen.  (Thursday 26 September, 2024)

“Council staff are periodically discussing with Munibung Hill Pty Ltd the acquisition of easements essential to developing/constructing an integrated trail network across Munibung Hill. It is noted that there is no time frame requirements relating to the provision of easements or dedication of land, placed on Munibung Hill Pty Ltd.”

“Further trail design/construction is dependent on future council funding.  At this time, other recreation works are preferred in the adopted Operational Plan and Budget 2024-2025,” said Steven.

“A business case has been prepared for the Munibung Hill Trail Project to be included in the next 4 year forward works program. This Business Case will be considered this year for a program from 2025/2026 – 2028/2029 and recommends resolving land tenure and further design work.”

……………………………………………………………….

New Council, renewed commitment

A new Mayor and some new faces at Lake Macquarie City Council.

THE DAY DAWNED FINE and sunny with early voters beating the queues at polling booths. It was Saturday 14 September, the local government elections, and the results mean Council is back to its full complement of twelve, and a new Mayor.

In the lead up to polling day, we made contact with some of the candidates to advocate for the protection of Munibung Hill. The previous Councillors were strong supporters, with the adoption of the Munibung Hill Management Plan and Concept Plan in April 2022.  We noted that the Plan had enjoyed bi-partisan endorsement at that time and that Councillors expressed enthusiasm for what would result from implementing the Plan. We included background notes, photos illustrating community involvement and references, with a conclusion stating that …

The community has a strong expectation that the Munibung Hill Management Plan will be realised. Therefore will you work to ensure:

  • That the implementation of the Munibung Hill Management Plan* will be commenced within the first quarter of the newly elected Council four-year term, and,
  • That the 2025-2026 Operation Plan will include a budget allocation that will see on-site works, including track upgrades, within the second quarter of Councillors’ term.

I / We endorse these two statements and will work to ensure they are accomplished by Council.

Here are the responses …

  • Brian Adamthwaite, Councillor, LMCC – I know having the full support of everyone on the Labor team is important for your organisation. Note the following response which, from the full Labor team, indicates our continuing support.  … Our Labor Team for the soon to be held Local Government election in the City of Lake Macquarie, reaffirm its support for the Munibung Hill Management Plan, adopted by Council in 2022. We will continue to advocate for Government grants to implement this plan.    Cr Brian Adamthwaite​​​​.
  • Bryce Ham, Greens Party – Thank you for the opportunity to provide a statement of support to your group, the Munibung Hill Conservation Society. I think that this is a worthy issue and one that I would be willing to help get moving if elected onto Council. If elected, I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more from your group but for now I am pleased to provide my signature attached to this email. Thanks, Bryce.
  • John Gilbert, OLC Group – Many thanks for reaching out to Our Local Community, Lake Macquarie. I am aware of some of the detail regarding this issue, and OLC most certainly stands firmly in favour of resolving funding and getting on with required works as a matter of high priority!  Also, thank you on behalf of OLC, for the great civic commitment you have made to the cause, and your significant works to date.  Best regards – John Gilbert, Our Local Community, Lake Macquarie Group Leader.
  • Kate Warner and Colin Grigg, Lake Mac Independents – there was no response.
  • Melody Harding, Liberal Party – Thank you for your emails and I’m sorry for the late reply. Generally speaking our Liberal Team are supportive of your ideas.

Our advocacy work with the successful candidates that have been elected to Lake Mac Council will remind the new Councillors that Munibung Hill needs to be given priority. 

 If at any time you get the chance to meet with your local Councillor,
please take every opportunity to weave the need for the protection and conservation of Munibung Hill, into the conversation.

   … From MMM Issue #46, Oct-Nov 2024