Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre is on track for demolition, citing safety concerns.
The once-popular camp venue was permanently closed in 2019 following an independent review that found it unsafe due to potential risks from the nearby Eraring Power Station’s ash dam wall.
The report found the wall presented a serious potential risk to clients and staff arising from a potential failure the power station in the event of major seismic activity.
On 4 August, the NSW Office of Sport lodged a Development Application (DA) for the demolition of the Centre with Lake Macquarie City Council.
The DA is available for public comment until 1 September on council’s website.
At its weekly meeting on Monday 28 August, councillors discussed the DA for demolition, decommission, remediation and earthworks at 21A Wangi Road, Myuna Bay.
Their hope was to fully consider future use of the site, a replacement facility for the centre and the long-term safety of the site for public use.
Myuna is an Awabakal word meaning “clear water”.
The recreation area is an 11-hectare site that forms part of the Lake Macquarie State Recreation Area.
Previously jointly-owned by Pacific Power and the Dept. of Land and Water Conservation, it was also the site of P. Whitehead’s vineyard in 1898.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser said the site was a unique and significant community asset… and that it was important all aspects be considered as part of the application process.
“Proper consideration needs to be given to the longer-term risks associated with the ash dam and the prospects of the Myuna Bay site again becoming available for community use,” she said.
“While council is unable to refuse, or include conditions on an approval of the application, without the agreement of the relevant Minister, this will provide an opportunity for the elected council to give consideration to outstanding questions it has in relation to the site.”
In July 2020, a new site for the Sport and Recreation Centre was identified approximately one kilometre south-east of its current location.
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 was sought from Lake Macquarie residents via an online survey from November to December 2022.
A total of 663 people responded.
The Office of Sport is currently undertaking planning work and consultation to determine the scope and design of the facility with a construction timeline to be developed following the completion of the planning and consultation processes.
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