I'm delighted to see work start on the $2.3 million project that will provide a high-quality cultural facility for our community and boost visitor numbers to our region.

I am a great supporter of the growing arts and creative industries.

I believe the arts enrich our community and add to the liveability of Lake Macquarie.

Through the council's Arts, Heritage and Cultural Plan, we aim to play a greater role in fostering creativity through support and investment in urban and public art, place activation, creative industries, heritage and cultural development programs.

The enhancements to the building will allow our gallery to better cater to the community through diverse and inclusive programs.

There will be an emphasis on Aboriginal programming, contemporary art and artists, cultural tourism and public education programs.

The gallery has had an interesting history, moving locations multiple times.

So I am very excited to see the redevelopment take shape at its permanent home at Booragul.

The work is scheduled to be completed in the latter part of this year.

To stay up to date with the project, visit lakemac.com.au/city/works/art-gallery-expansion.