# Lake Macquarie council arson

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lake-macquarie-council-arson
> Updated: 2026-07-31T03:54:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

In November 2024, an arson attack on the Lake Macquarie City Council administration building in Speers Point, New South Wales, caused extensive damage estimated at $38‑40 million and forced the evacuation of roughly 400 council staff. Initial court proceedings highlighted the involvement of arsonist Scott Paul Matheson and his driver Tony Charles Graham, with prosecutors calling for strong condemnation and the community anticipating a three‑year rebuilding program, unlikely to finish before October 2027.

Later, in July 2026, Matheson was sentenced in Newcastle District Court to a maximum of 12 years’ imprisonment, with an eight‑year non‑parole period. The judgment reiterated the financial and operational impact on the council and linked the arson to a contract with a developer, as well as to other criminal activity involving firearms and a drive‑by shooting. The sentencing closed the legal phase of the case while reconstruction of the council building continues.

Overall, the timeline moves from the discovery and initial legal response to the final sentencing, underscoring the severity of the crime, its financial cost, and the ongoing rebuilding effort.

## Claims

- Scott Matheson, a 45‑year‑old parolee, was sentenced to a maximum of 12 years imprisonment with an eight‑year non‑parole period for arson. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The arson targeted the Lake Macquarie City Council administration building, causing an estimated $38‑40 million in damage. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The blaze displaced about 400 council staff and forced relocation of meetings, with repairs expected by October 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Matheson and an accomplice broke into the council building on 27 November 2024 and poured petrol on the ground floor before igniting the fire. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Matheson was hired by a developer to commit the arson in exchange for cash to pay rent and buy drugs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Matheson was involved in a drive‑by shooting at a home in Elermore Vale on 29 January, carried out for drugs and cash. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Police found six firearms hidden in cavities behind kitchen cupboards at Matheson’s Bar Beach home. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Scott Matheson sentenced for Lake Macquarie council arson that caused $40 million damage

Parolee Scott Matheson received up to 12 years for the Lake Macquarie council arson that caused $38‑40 million damage, displaced 400 staff and led to a drive‑by shooting and seizure of six firearms.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scott-matheson-sentenced-for-lake-macquarie-council-arson-that-caused-40-million-damage

### 2026-07-27: Lake Macquarie Council arson driver admits reckless role in $38 million blaze

Two men pleaded guilty to setting a $38 million arson fire at Lake Macquarie Council building, displacing 400 staff; rebuilding expected to cost $40 million and finish by Oct 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-macquarie-council-arson-driver-admits-reckless-role-in-38-million-blaze

---
Cite as: Lake Macquarie council arson. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lake-macquarie-council-arson