These are some of the popular ideas up for discussion as Lake Macquarie City Council pauses to ask residents if it believes the council is on the right track with its plans for the future of the city. 

Council’s integrated planning manager, Sharon Pope, said staff and the community had been thinking broadly over the last 12 months about what the city should be like toward the year 2050.

Those ideas are starting to form the directions of a long-term land use strategy. 

“We’ve gathered from previous extensive community consultations what residents value most about this city, including what they want to see more or less of in the future,” Ms Pope said.

“Council is using this information to develop high-level directions for the future of housing, transport, recreation, the environment, and the economy in Lake Mac.

“Flexibility to allow for changing technology and employment, more apartment-living in town centres, extensive walking and cycling networks, better public transport options, and plenty of public places for people to enjoy are some of the ideas on the table.

“We’re checking in with the community, because we want to get it right.”

Ms Pope said the issues that the city’s land use strategy will deal with can affect all aspects of people’s lives.

“That’s why it’s so important for the community to provide feedback.”

Using an online interactive map of the city and watching our video, residents can find out about the concepts proposed for their hometown, with the opportunity to provide feedback on whether they feel council is on the right track.

Visit shape.lakemac.com.au/LM2050.

Westlakes residents will also have an opportunity to speak with staff about the project and provide feedback in person at Toronto Lions Markets, on Sunday, September 17; the Living Smart Festival at Speers Point, on Saturday, September 23; and the Morisset Markets, on Saturday, October 7.

Consultation concludes on October 20.

Council will place the draft Lake Macquarie City 2050 Land Use Strategy on exhibition, for final community feedback, in mid-2018.