The improvements program has earned council the NSW Local Government Award for excellence in asset management.

Council received the award for its work at the four council-managed holiday parks: Wangi Point Lakeside Holiday Park, Belmont Pines Lakeside Holiday Park, Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park, and Swansea Gardens Lakeside Holiday Park.

Council’s property and business development manager Kate Cramp said the six-year capital works program was funded solely from income generated by the parks’ operations. 

“By reinvesting back into our holiday parks, we have been able to increase their combined revenue by nearly 50 per cent and provide improved accommodation options and facilities for visitors to Lake Macquarie City,” Ms Cramp said.

“As part of the program, council completed 74 individual projects including the upgrade and refurbishment of park offices and entries, cabin accommodation, amenities blocks, roads and the installation of new recreational facilities such as camper kitchens, recreation rooms and a resort-style swimming pool.

“These improvements not only helped raise additional revenue, they also resulted in Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park and Swansea Gardens Lakeside Holiday Park increasing their Australian Star Rating to four stars, and Belmont Pines Lakeside Holiday Park being awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015, an accolade granted to establishments that receive consistently positive feedback from guests.”

Wangi Point Lakeside Holiday Park, at the end of Watkins Road, is located between the shores of Lake Macquarie and Wangi Point Flora and Fauna Reserve.

There is a public boat ramp and jetty adjoining the park which makes it a popular family destination for those interested in fishing, canoeing, swimming and boating.