In this edition...

Planning for Pelican and Blacksmiths - Preparing a Local Adaptation Plan

Update: Newly formed community working group to help prepare a Local Adaptation Plan for Pelican and Blacksmiths

Event: Community Event - Webinar - Introduction to the Coast Adapt Tool developed by the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility Tuesday 22 November

Implementing the Marks Point and Belmont South Local Adaptation Plan

Update: Report to Council recommending changes to Council's Development Control Plan.

Update - Newly formed community working group to help prepare a Local Adaptation Plan for Pelican and Blacksmiths

The most recent community workshop to inform the creation of a Local Adaptation Plan for Pelican and Blacksmiths saw the formation of a smaller community working group of 12 individuals. Together with Council staff and help from experts, this group will assess the many options suggested to date by the wider community to manage the risks of ongoing sea level rise, future flooding, evolution of the Swansea Channel and other dynamic coastal hazards. At various points in time, Council and the sub-committee will report back to the wider community and ask for feedback. The group will first meet in late November.

Event - Introduction to the Coast Adapt Tool - Community Webinar

Tuesday 22 November, 3.30pm - 5pm, The Ocean Room, Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre

The National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) has released a draft version of a new tool, CoastAdapt, to help governments and communities plan for changing coastal environments. CoastAdapt provides a wealth of resources that may assist with understanding local hazards and risks, the changing climate, and adaptation planning. You can view it online now at https://coastadapt.com.au/. 

Council staff have arranged for an NCCARF representative to introduce the tool to our community via an interactive public webinar to be held at the Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre, Swansea. Participants will have the opportunity to ask NCCARF questions about the tool. Any feedback you have on the day or shortly afterwards may be used by NCCARF to improve the tool. The tool is available as a resource to assist with the development of the Local Adaptation Plan for Pelican and Blacksmiths. 

The webinar will be held at the Lake Macquarie Visitor and Information Centre (Swansea Centre and Library, 228/234 Pacific Hwy, Swansea) on Tuesday 22 November between 3.30pm and 5pm.

Limited places. RSVP essential.

Update - Report to Council - Recommended changes to Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan 2014

Council is reviewing planning and development controls for land affected by lake flooding and tidal inundation in Marks Point and Belmont South following adoption of the Local Adaptation Plan. We thank the community members who provided input into the review at the workshop on 18 August 2016 and in response to the Discussion Paper.

As part of the review, Council is seeking to amend the Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan 2014 (LMDCP 2014). A report seeking to place the draft controls on exhibition for public comment. An agenda for the Council meeting, including a copy of the report, is available here from Tuesday 8 November 2016.

For more information contact Hannah Benson at hbenson@lakemac.nsw.gov.au or phone Council on 4921 0333.

Get involved and have your say

Pelican and Blacksmiths Local Adaptation Planning http://haveyoursaylakemac.com.au/futurepelicanblacksmiths

Marks Point and Belmont South Local Adaptation Plan http://haveyoursaylakemac.com.au/future-flood-planning