The Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) unanimously approved the plan on Thursday.

The decision allows Johnson Property Group (JPG) to build the project's first 94 marina berths.

Planning authorities are still assessing the land component of the $388 million plan.

Council received 127 public submissions about the proposal; about 75 per cent opposed it.

Nobody who objected to the marina registered to speak at Thursday's meeting. Only three residents spoke, all in favour of the marina.

Morisset Park resident Gary Wilson said part of the reason he moved to the area was because of the marina.

"I look forward to enjoying the marina, cafe and boats," he said.

Dora Creek resident Robert Cowan was glad JPG had taken the risk to put a marina at the southern end of Lake Macquarie.

"The boating community and myself are looking forward to it," Mr Cowan said.

JRPP acting chair Jason Perica said he wasn't sure if the lack of people speaking out against the project at the meeting was due to JPG's "terrific consultation" with the community, or if the community was worn out after six years of fighting.

The JRPP praised the marina for being consistent with its concept plan and delivering some much-needed facilities to the southern end of Lake Macquarie.

The project's developer, Keith Johnson, said he was humbled to get the support of the community and unanimous approval of the panel.

"The community has known for years that we were working hard to make this dream a reality," Mr Johnson said.

"It's good not only for Johnson Property Group - it's good for Lake Macquarie - and it's good that everyone can move on."

The marina's original concept plan was approved by the state government in 2009.

Subsequent modifications to the plan, and the new approvals that were required, delayed the project for six years.

The project is planned to include 250 tourism and residential apartments, 188 marina berths, a 60-room hotel, a restaurant, cafe and a 300-seat conference centre.