Development applications in Lake Macquarie surged to a remarkable $1 billion this fiscal year, a milestone achieved despite a decrease in applications compared to previous years. The Lake Macquarie City Council greenlit a total of 1824 development applications and modifications, collectively valued at over $1 billion from 2024 to 2025.
David Antcliff, the Director of development planning and regulation, indicated that the decline in application numbers was not unique to the council but reflected a broader national trend. Despite the reduced volume, Lake Macquarie remains one of the top Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, second only to the Central Coast in the quantity of applications processed in the last year.
Antcliff highlighted that the council’s median processing time for development applications stands at a commendable 23 days, underscoring the efficiency of the approval process. Noteworthy growth areas within Lake Macquarie, as per council data, include Morisset with $49.6 million in new approved DAs, followed by Wyee Point, Wyee, and Cooranbong contributing significant amounts to the approved developments.
Boolaroo and Edgeworth also emerged as key areas with substantial approved DAs, amounting to $34.9 million and $34.3 million, respectively. The council reported that the cumulative value of approved developments in Lake Macquarie since 2019 has now surpassed $8 billion, signifying sustained growth and investment in the region.
Antcliff emphasized that the shift towards commercial and residential developments has been instrumental in transitioning Lake Macquarie’s economy from its historical reliance on mining and traditional industries to a more diversified landscape encompassing services, health, tourism, and innovation sectors. This transformation not only fosters economic growth but also creates job opportunities for the younger population, preventing talent drain to larger cities.
Mayor Adam Shultz expressed optimism for the upcoming year, citing favorable interest rates and council initiatives aimed at attracting fresh investments to the region. The positive outlook reflects a strategic approach to bolstering Lake Macquarie’s economic prospects and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development.
The $1 billion milestone in approved developments underscores Lake Macquarie’s resilience and attractiveness as a thriving investment destination, poised for continued growth and prosperity in the years to come.
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