A 241-page agenda with matters from Lake Cathie dredging to COVID-19 economic impacts will go before Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's final meeting of the current term.
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The meeting begins at 5.30pm on Wednesday, November 3, while the local government election is on December 4.
The Lake Cathie dredging report outlines past dredging, the approvals held and the process to amend the approval for coastal hazard management purposes.
A development approval allows dredging for recreational purposes every five to 10 years and requires a NSW Crown licence to initiate dredging.
The report said the council recognised the limitation in the approval and commissioned a study to develop an additional trigger based on mitigating the coastal hazard vulnerability of Lighthouse Beach in front of Illaroo Road.
An application to modify the development approval to include this trigger is under assessment.
"When approved, a Crown licence permit, if also approved by NSW Crown Lands, would allow more frequent dredging of the lake when appropriate conditions are met and for works to be initiated when the erosion risks are high," the report said.
The council report follows a call from Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams for the council to consider dredging the lagoon.
Mrs Williams recently spoke in parliament on the Coastal Management Amendment Bill 2021.
She said the Bill aimed to amend the Coastal Management Act 2016. This will enable certified Coastal Zone Management Plans to remain in force to December 31, 2023, she said.
This means the council will be able to continue to implement actions in their Lake Cathie Coastal Zone Management Plan, Mrs Williams said.
"These actions include providing community opportunities to enjoy our natural environment through reserve improvements, continuing public access, periodically dredging of Lake Cathie entrance and beach nourishment," she said.
Saving Lake Cathie supports Mrs Williams' dredging request and Revive Lake Cathie has asked council to consider a pre-Christmas lake opening.
Push for overpass at highway intersection
Another matter on the council meeting agenda is a move from mayor Peta Pinson in support of a push for an overpass at the Houston Mitchell Drive and Pacific Highway intersection.
The matter follows a submission from the Bonny Hills Progress Association.
A nine-point recommendation includes a request to again write to Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and Deputy Premier Paul Toole asking for a funding commitment for overpass designs.
Meanwhile, work is underway on a $2.9 million state government-funded upgrade to improve safety at the intersection.
These works include installing acceleration and deceleration lanes southbound on the Pacific Highway and widening the road shoulders.
The Port Macquarie MP continues to advocate for a graded separation (overpass) at the intersection.
Council chambers open to the public
The council chamber will be open to the public for Wednesday's meeting but numbers will be limited due to COVID-19 health orders.
The best way to view the meeting, given the restriction on attendees, will still be via council's live YouTube stream from 5:30pm.
Members of the gallery must be fully vaccinated and be able to show evidence before being allowed entry into the chamber. Everyone will also be required to wear a face mask.
Other matters on the council meeting agenda include the COVID-19 impacts on the Hastings economy, Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan and an update on Rawdon Island bridge.
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