Lake Macquarie Sports Centre
The NSW Government closed the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre in 2019 following an independent review that found the centre not safe to re-open due to the serious potential risk to clients and staff arising from the potential failure of Eraring power station’s ash dam wall in the event of major seismic activity.
In July 2020, the NSW Government announced a preferred site for a new Sport and Recreation Centre approximately one kilometre south-east of the former Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre.
Following a proposal from the Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper, an alternative site on land that was previously part of Morisset Hospital within the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area was selected for the new Centre by the NSW Government in January 2022.
Community Feedback - what were the findings of the online survey?
From November to December 2022, a total of 663 people responded to an Office of Sport online survey, with over 450 respondents stating their primary residence was in the Morisset area.
Via this survey many people shared their views as to:
- What types of facilities are used the most.
- Suggested new sport and recreational facilities that may benefit the community; and
- What other ancillary facilities should also be considered.
Respondents stated the types of facilities used the most supported peoples’ participation in active recreation and facilitated their enjoyment of the natural environment at Lake Macquarie.
Respondents suggested new facilities should support:
- The growth in adventure sport activities, for example indoor climbing, bouldering, parkour and tree canopy high ropes to name a few;
- The more traditional indoor and outdoor team-based sports; and
- The community’s growing interest in non-team based outdoor activities.
It was also suggested the new facilities be complimented with a range of public amenities such as sealed parking areas, quality toilets and changerooms, and secure storage areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the new Lake Macquarie Sport Centre?
The NSW Government is undertaking planning work and consultation to determine the design and scope of the Morisset site.
In November 2022 the Office of Sport conducted a survey of residents from Morisset and surrounding areas seeking to understand their current and future sport and recreational needs . The results of the survey were released on 1 March 2023. (PDF, 155.25 KB)
The NSW Government is now developing a vision for this project, refining what needs are to be met and undertaking further investigations of the proposed project site.
When will construction on the new centre commence?
Following the completion of the planning and consultation processes, a construction timeline will be developed.
Will the NSW Government own the new centre?
Yes.
What has happened to Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre since it was closed?
The former centre has been decommissioned and the NSW Office of Sport continues to maintain safety and security at the site prior to its planned demolition.
The NSW Office of Sport has now lodged the Development Application (DA) for the demolition of Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre with Lake Macquarie City Council.
The DA is for the demolition and removal of all land and water-based structures at the site, the decommissioning of existing electrical, water and sewer services, and minor earthworks.
The DA is available for public comment until 6 September on the Application Tracking Tool on Lake Macquarie City Council’s website.
To comment on the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre demolition DA visit: https://www.lakemac.com.au/Development/Planning-and-development-services/Application-Enquiry
Will community groups that used Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre be accommodated at the new centre?
Lake Macquarie Sport Centre will be accessible to the community and include facilities for community use.
As part of the planning and community consultation processes, the NSW Government will consider the activities of community groups in the design and scope of the new centre.