Lake Macquarie council faces 60% rise in Anzac Day expenses

Lake Macquarie City Council reported that the cost of its Anzac Day commemorations jumped by more than 60% in a single year, rising to $62,252 for 19 events attended by about 27,500 people. The increase is driven by higher traffic‑management and safety requirements, including hostile vehicle mitigation, and a steep rise in fleet costs as the number of council‑owned trucks and drivers grew from 23 to 31, with additional external trucks hired.

Councilors will discuss the escalating expenses at their meeting on Monday, after a workshop with RSL sub‑branches, Lions clubs and other community organisers highlighted the growing demand for Anzac events across the Lake Macquarie region.