NSW · Hunter · Local council, made simple
Lake Macquarie City Council
A large lakeside city in the Hunter, wrapped around Australia's biggest coastal saltwater lake — around 221,900 people across suburbs from Charlestown and Warners Bay to Toronto and Swansea. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, beaches, libraries, development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 4.5%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 6 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyLake Macquarie's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
Most major offences near the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Adam Shultz (Labor)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 4921 0333
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~221,900 (2024)
Open →What's happening
2 updatesRecent items from Lake Macquarie City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
New public EV chargers switched on across Lake Mac
Five new public EV chargers (ARENA-funded, EVX ChargeKonnect) were switched on at Belmont, Charlestown, Marmong Point, Swansea and Warners Bay.
What this means for you: If you drive an EV, there are now more places to charge around the lake; the chargers are at public car parks in those centres.
- Event
Float Your Boat winter-solstice event returns
The Float Your Boat illuminated-vessel winter event returns, with free live sites at Toronto (19 June) and Warners Bay (20 June) foreshores.
What this means for you: A free family-friendly evening event on the lake foreshore if you're nearby on those dates.
Get the important stuff, automatically
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