The burgeoning Lake Macquarie suburb of Morisset is strongly positioned to become the local stop on the ambitious high-speed rail line proposed to connect Newcastle and Sydney, a development set to dramatically reshape the region's transport and economic landscape.
Strategic Choice for a Growing Region
While a recent report from Infrastructure Australia confirmed the inclusion of a Lake Macquarie station in the transformative project, it stopped short of naming a specific location. However, the Newcastle Herald has learned that Morisset is the understood frontrunner for the coveted stop.
This alignment makes strategic sense, as the south-west area of Lake Macquarie, encompassing Morisset, Wyee, and Cooranbong, is earmarked for substantial population expansion. Under the Lake Macquarie Local Strategic Planning Statement and the Hunter Regional Plan 2041, the population in this corridor is projected to surge from 18,093 residents in 2021 to an estimated 32,322 by 2046.
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz, welcomed the prospect of a local stop, highlighting its necessity for a city whose population is expected to grow from 222,000 to 260,000 in the coming decades. "It makes a lot of sense, particularly with moving people down to Sydney or the Central Coast or into Newcastle in an efficient and effective manner," Cr Shultz stated.
More Than Just a Transport Hub
The selection of Morisset is not solely based on residential growth. The suburb is already designated as a "strategic centre" in the council's planning framework, making it suitable for medium- to high-density housing. Furthermore, Morisset is poised to become a significant tourism and entertainment destination.
Major developments in the pipeline include a proposed 10,000-capacity indoor arena by Winarch and the approved $665 million expansion of Morisset Park, a project billed as "Australia's leading waterfront destination."
Nuatali Nelmes, Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director, emphasised the transformative economic potential. "High-speed rail isn't just a transport project it's a catalyst for economic transformation," Ms Nelmes said. "Morisset offers a rare combination of affordability, connectivity, and lifestyle appeal... it can become a powerhouse for jobs and innovation."
The Road Ahead
Despite the strong indications, the final decision rests with the High Speed Rail Authority. A spokesperson confirmed that station locations are still under consideration and will be determined through a formal planning process involving community and stakeholder consultation.
Mayor Shultz remained cautiously optimistic, refusing to pre-empt the Authority's studies. "To say we're earmarked for a stop is a fantastic announcement... but there's a long way to go between now and then," he noted, adding, "We don't want to get people's hopes up."
The inclusion of a Lake Macquarie stop, particularly in the high-growth Morisset area, represents a critical step in a project that promises to unlock the full potential of the Hunter and Central Coast regions, bringing Sydney within a dramatically shorter commute.
