Council 'open to negotiations' to let Helen stay in her home in Cardiff land acquisition dispute

Lake Macquarie City Council says it is open to a deal that would allow resident Helen Cook to remain in her home during the property acquisition process linked to the Cardiff Town Park construction.

However, Ms Cook rejected the idea of being a tenant in the home that's been in her family for generations.

"How much does it take for them to finally get it through their skulls that I want to stay where I am? I don't want to sell, I don't want to move," Ms Cook said.

In a statement to the Newcastle Herald, a spokesperson from Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) said it "remains open to negotiations that would enable the property owner to remain in her home as part of the acquisition process".

The spokesperson said they were "keen" to find a solution to enable Ms Cook to stay "while still ensuring future stages of developing Cardiff Town Park can proceed".

Ms Cook is facing the possible forced sale of her home - along with four other adjoining properties - as the land sits on the proposed site for green space.

In August, 2025, Ms Cook met with LMCC's property team, where she said the possibility of a life tenancy agreement was discussed.

Also present were her two adult sons, Wayne and John, who said they were told a formal life tenancy agreement would be drafted and sent to them.

The council's property team outlined they would buy the home, then lease it back to Ms Cook for an unspecified amount, the family said.

A spokesperson for LMCC said it was "seeking to continue discussions" with Ms Cook "in good faith with a view to reaching a genuine mutual agreement".

A life tenancy is a legally binding status granted to an individual for the duration of their lifetime under the Real Property Act 1900. After their death, the property reverts to the owner specified in the agreement.

The tenant has the right to use the property but, similar to a traditional rental, the occupant has obligations to maintain the property and pay for repairs.

"I don't trust them," said Ms Cook.

"I'm inclined to think that if they become the owners, that they're going to come here and start finding all sorts of things wrong and then say, 'oh no, you can't live here'."

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