newy.com.au – A 20-year planning blueprint for Morisset is expected to go before Lake Macquarie councillors next week, with a recommendation that the draft strategy be placed on public exhibition.
The draft Morisset Place Strategy sets out the suburb’s proposed direction for the next two decades, as Lake Macquarie City Council prepares for significant growth in the area.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Morisset was earmarked for some of the Hunter Region’s most significant growth and development during that period.
“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,” he said.
At the centre of the draft strategy is a structure plan intended to guide future land use and infrastructure planning. Its priorities include advocating to the NSW Government for a future health facility, as well as improvements to traffic management and public transport in Morisset.
The draft document also identifies five strategic directions for the suburb, including encouraging greater housing and lifestyle choice, protecting biodiversity while managing growth sensitively, strengthening Morisset’s centre as its civic and economic heart, improving movement and transport options, and creating a more flexible framework for land use and transport planning.
Council’s Manager Integrated Planning Matthew Hill said community feedback had played a major role in shaping the draft, with almost 300 survey responses and 65 written submissions received.
“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,” he 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.”
Further community feedback will be sought if councillors vote to place the draft strategy on public exhibition. More information is available at shape.lakemac.com.au/morisset-place-strategy.
