Lake Macquarie is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional areas, attracting new families, businesses and talent. To explore the city’s rapid development, how to overcome challenges (like an arson attack!), and what the future holds, we sat down with Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz.
Our interviewer, Alan, has known Adam for over 30 years. They grew up just two doors apart and even played saxophone together in their primary school band. With that familiarity, the conversation offered both warmth and deep insights into local government, community resilience and economic opportunity.
Q&A with Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz
Q: Adam, you’ve been Mayor for six months now. What have the highs and lows been so far?
Adam Shultz: It’s been a whirlwind. I was a councillor for eight years, so I had a fair idea of what to expect. But just as I started, there was an arson attack at the Lake Macquarie City Council offices in November, which completely changed things. We had to shift to remote working and find temporary office spaces. Right now, 450 staff are at Warners Bay and Wallsend, and we’re slowly adapting. Leading a team of 1,300 staff, with a newly refreshed council of 12, including four new councillors, has been a challenge, but we’ve hit the ground running.
Q: How has the transition to remote work been for Council staff?
Adam: COVID helped change mindsets around flexible working, but traditionally, most of our staff have worked in the office. We’ve now moved to a three-days-in, two-days-out model, but with such a large team, everyone has different rhythms and needs. It’s all about finding balance and staying productive.
Q: In uncertain times, like after the arson attack, what values guide your leadership?
Adam: Three things are key for me: lead by example, stay calm under pressure, and be fair. As mayor, I chair a politically diverse council, so it’s crucial to encourage open debate and ensure every voice is heard. While I’m a Labor mayor, when I’m chairing a meeting, I set that aside to focus on good governance and sound decision-making.
Q: What are some major economic projects on the horizon for Lake Macquarie?
Adam: Our role as a council is more about enabling development than directly investing. We’re working to repurpose old mining land, for example, the $100 million Black Rock Motorsport Park is being developed on a rehabilitated site. It’ll be a high-end motorsport and tourism destination. We’re also actively liaising with state government to unlock further land for economic use.
Q: For a business thinking about relocating to Lake Macquarie, what’s the pitch?
Adam: Lake Macquarie is currently the third fastest-growing regional LGA in Australia. We’ve got everything, award-winning beaches, a stunning lake, the Watagans Mountains. Plus, we have Dantia, our economic development company, which helps streamline the process for businesses looking to relocate or expand here. We’re seeing a demographic shift too, lots of young families moving in, which creates demand and opportunity.
Q: You’re the youngest Mayor ever elected in Lake Macquarie. What’s happening in the city that excites young families and professionals?
Adam: I’ve got three kids myself, a six-year-old, a three-year-old, and a one-year-old, so I get it! We’re building new learn-to-swim pools, like the one breaking ground in West Wallsend. We’re also looking at indoor pools for Morisset and Swansea. Recently, we completed a $52 million redevelopment of the Hunter Sports Centre in Glendale. It includes a new trampoline centre of excellence, gym and athletics track. It’s all about creating vibrant spaces for families to enjoy.
Q: We work with a lot of clients in engineering and manufacturing, how is that sector tracking locally?
Adam: It’s growing. Areas like Cardiff are expanding industrially. We’ve got the land, the workforce and the infrastructure to support growth in manufacturing and engineering. We’re keen to support businesses in those sectors to thrive in Lake Macquarie.
From navigating unexpected crises to planning transformative projects, Mayor Adam Shultz is focused on building a future-ready Lake Macquarie. With strong leadership, economic momentum and a vision for community wellbeing, the city is proving to be one of Australia’s most exciting places to live, work and invest.
Whether you’re a family thinking of relocating or a business seeking new opportunities, Lake Macquarie might just be the place to make your next move.
View the full video below.
