Ambitious Events and Festivals Plan gets the tick of approval

Published on 22 July 2024

A bold plan to drive international tourism and deliver eclectic events year-round has been adopted by Lake Macquarie City Council.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the ambitious but attainable 2024-2028 Events and Festivals Action Plan was a blueprint to increase the impact of events and festivals across the city.

“This plan aims to activate the night-time economy, attract major festivals, deliver unique and surprising events, and highlight the region’s natural assets to drive tourism,” she said.

Key items from the 67 actions within the plan include: facilitating events in the city as a ‘producer’ rather than ‘creator’, improving the quality and variety of live music and performing arts, taking advantage of tour, adventure, and international tourism opportunities as well as aiming for 100 per cent zero-waste to landfill events by 2028.

“Our city’s events injected $28 million into our economy during the 2022-2023 financial year, and I am confident this plan will build on that figure,” Cr Fraser said.

Councillors also adopted the 2024-2028 Lake Mac Libraries Strategic Action Plan following public exhibition.

The plan, which supports the important role of literacy and libraries in the city, aims to deliver 137 actions. These aim to enhance community engagement, leverage technology for improved access, and refine Council operations for efficiency.

The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes.

The stream of tonight’s meeting will be available online at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours.