LAKE Macquarie City Council has stepped up its efforts to protect the Coal Point ridgeline. The ridge is one of the city's most prominent coastal backdrops, and can be seen from Belmont foreshore. Earlier this month councillors voted to spend $40,000 to acquire 92 Coal Point Road, which forms part of the ridgeline. The land, along with another 15.3 hectares the council has secured, will be protected as a conservation area under the Lake Macquarie Local Environment Plan 2014.