Council reveals bold 20-year vision to transform the booming south-west

A population of more than 50,000 people, 7900 new dwellings, 7800 jobs created and one high-speed rail station.

These are the predictions for the greater Morisset area by 2046, a footprint that also includes Cooranbong, Wyee, Mandalong and Bonnells Bay.

Lake Macquarie councillors are expected to formally endorse a draft plan on Monday night to steer the development of what is arguably the city's most strategically-important suburb.

Lake Macquarie City Council's draft Morisset place strategy sets the development direction for the southwestern corner of the city over the next 20 years, which is expected to become one of the Hunter's major economic hubs.

The strategy aims to bring together a long-term direction for land use, housing, transport, employment and environmental protection through evidence and community feedback.

"This draft place strategy lays the groundwork to achieve that growth sustainably, capitalise on the opportunities it creates and identifies the infrastructure and facilities needed to support the community as growth occurs," Lake Macquarie mayor Adam Shultz said.

Community consultation was sought when compiling the strategy and 300 survey responses and 65 written submissions were received.

The council's manager of integrated planning Matthew Hill said traffic and infrastructure were the leading concerns in submissions.

More than half of respondents expressed concerns about traffic, particularly through the town centre, and more than 40 per cent noted a lack of active transport options and the need to improve walking and cycling infrastructure," Mr Hill said.

"The draft place strategy supports reducing traffic impacts in the town centre, strengthening walking and cycling for local trips and improving public transport connections."

Under the place strategy the low-rise Morisset CBD would be transformed into a bustling hub of medium-density housing of four to six storeys and mixed commercial-residential developments.

The medium-density housing would be to the south of the Morisset train station and east and west of the CBD.

The mixed commercial-residential properties would take in Yambo Street and parts of Bridge, Doyalson, Stockton and Newcastle streets.

It is predicted there is capacity for 4000 to 5000 urban infill dwellings and 3500 homes in urban expansion areas.

The council warns in the place strategy that medical, community and transport services are required to drive residential development in Morisset.

"A 2026 development feasibility study indicates that mid-rise housing is not currently economically feasible in Morisset," the strategy says.

"Over time, improved amenity, placemaking and accessibility will be critical to support market demand for higher-density living and enable reforms to deliver housing as intended."

The future of medical and transport services on the western side of Lake Macquarie are expected to be debated elsewhere at Monday night's council meeting.

Labor's Madeline Bishop and fellow West Ward councillor, independent Kate Warner, have teamed up to submit two notices of motion.

The councillors are requesting that the council receive an update from Hunter New England Local Health District (HNEH) on the progress for the delivery of public health facilities, including a potential HealthOne in the Morisset area.

The notice of motion also requests that the council write to the NSW Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper and the federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi and the Central Coast Council seeking support.

In July 2024 the Newcastle Herald reported that Mr Piper was in talks with HNEH about establishing a OneHealth facility at Morisset. OneHealth facilities bring together GPs and community health professionals in multidisciplinary teams under one roof.

A spokesperson for the Hunter New England Local Health District was non-committal when the Herald submitted questions recently seeking an update on the OneHealth proposal.

Cr Bishop's and Cr Warner's second notice of motion seeks to explore the establishment of a trial on-demand bus service for western Lake Macquarie, particularly around Rathmines, Wangi Wangi and Fishing Point.

An on-demand bus service has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Lake Macquarie since 2018.

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