Lake Cathie foreshore upgrades move closer with plan adoption

A LONG-TERM blueprint for the future of Lake Cathie’s foreshore has been signed off, after months of community consultation and public exhibition.

The decision was made at last week’s Port Macquarie-Hastings Council meeting, with councillors noting feedback received during the exhibition period and endorsing the final version of the plan as a long-term framework for future foreshore improvements.

The updated master plan replaces the original 2018 plan and is identified as a short-term priority in the council’s Recreation and Open Space Action Plan 2024–2029.

It is also referenced in the council’s delivery program under the Spaces and Places program to guide future recreational infrastructure planning.

Public consultation on the draft plan was carried out between 17 August and 14 September this year, following earlier engagement with the Lake Cathie community in April.

In total, 52 formal submissions were received, alongside more than 1800 visits to the project webpage and 63 participants attending pop-up sessions.

Key themes raised by the community included erosion control, shared pathways and pedestrian connections, parking and traffic management, safety, protection of the natural environment, drainage and flooding concerns, and the need for clear funding and delivery timelines.

Council officers reported strong support for improving safety, access and recreational facilities, alongside a clear message that erosion control and pathway connectivity should be prioritised ahead of other elements such as parking and new infrastructure.

As a result of community feedback, several amendments were made to the final master plan.

These include extending pathways and parking along sections of Ocean Drive, refining seawall alignment and erosion protection measures, improving beach access at Aqua Reserve, upgrading amenities at Jonathan Dickson Reserve, and introducing features such as a cantilevered lookout, drinking fountain and updated outdoor fitness equipment.

Councillor Lisa Intermann said the process highlighted the importance of improving how the council communicates with local residents.

“I would like to give a heads up to the notion that we completely revamp how we communicate with the community, and on more occasions, we actually give them data-driven information,” she said.

While the master plan has now been adopted, council noted that no funding is currently allocated, with future projects to be prioritised through upcoming operational plans and the 10-year works program.

By Matt TAYLOR