Former Lake Macquarie Catchment Coordinator Jeff Jansson chaired the first meeting attended by academics, local government authorities and community representatives.

During the meeting Eraring Energy confirmed its commitment to spend $300,000 over three years on research to improve the health of Lake Macquarie.

Manager Eraring Operations Jeff Hogan saidEraring Energy has spent $230,000 since February 2009 on research studies and operational improvements of which $92,000 was spent on direct improvements recommended by the working parties.

Fish screening and plankton working parties will continue, but the meeting confirmed that the seagrass and turtle management strategy working parties have achieved their outcomes and will continue as watching briefs only.

It was announced that two new working parties, land management and air emissions, will be established to identify and consider community issues in these areas.