The Lake Macquarie community is calling on council to promise the stalled Cedar Mill project will not be funnelled into further housing development.
The proposed 30,000-capacity amphitheatre has been the centre of concern for many residents as the Winarch Group fails to meet continuing expectations.
With the development set to cost $235 million, the owners and council signed off on the venture in 2022 for the concert venue, cafes, restaurants and tourist accommodation.
Construction began shortly after but has since come to a standstill.
In March, the Winarch Group announced it would halve the project’s size.
“Our updated plans include a 5,000-capacity outdoor amphitheatre in addition to a 10,000-capacity indoor venue designed to host family events, car shows, expos and live music — ensuring a year-round destination for arts, culture and entertainment in Morisset,” a spokesperson said.
“We’re confident these enhancements will better serve the community, drive economic impact and create employment pathways.”
However, part of the outlined land has been purchased by Ingenia Communities for an over-55s housing estate, a move which has many locals wary.
Now, they’re calling on Lake Macquarie City Council to sign a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA), promising to keep the project’s remaining land dedicated to community facilities.
A petition, created by Morisset local David Gould, has already amassed more than 3,300 signatures.
“By 2025, the project has collapsed,” he said.
“Now, the rest of the land is at risk of being carved up for more housing, with Morisset families and young people left with nothing.
“This petition is not about stopping growth.
“It’s about making sure this land is used for the benefit of the whole community — not just more housing estates.
“Whether that means new shops, a water park, sports facilities, youth spaces or even a smaller cultural venue, the people of Morisset deserve something that gives back.”
The petition outlines specific demands for council, including no-net loss of open space, an early-delivered recreation facility, traffic upgrades with clear timelines, active transport to the station and town centre, and quarterly updates on ownership, development applications and contributions for transparency.
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi also weighed in on the subject.
“Despite earlier promises that both myself and the community would be kept in the loop, Winarch Group has gone quiet on its plans and people are rightly worried,” he said on social media.
“There’s a real concern this project could fold and instead be filled with houses or over-55s developments.
“The community has launched a petition… and I’m backing it 100%.
“We need to keep the pressure on council and the state government to make sure this doesn’t happen.
“This project was meant to deliver real community benefit… and I’ll stand with locals every step of the way to hold decision-makers to account.”
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