DEVELOPER Keith Johnson defended claims his Trinity Point marina was in the wrong location, saying Johnson Property Group simply followed the city's vision for the area.
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"We never chose [the location], council did," Mr Johnson said.
"This was done by Lake Macquarie City Council when they reviewed the whole city-wide LEP [Local Environment Plan] in 2000."
Mr Johnson said the council wanted the development to boost tourism and employment.
"So we are following the strategy of the city."
Many residents opposed to the marina have accused JPG of using a "Trojan horse" approach, where one application is submitted to get a foot in the door, then the application is drastically modified.
Mr Johnson said the modifications may not have been necessary if the original application had been approved sooner.
"As time has gone on, changes have happened - we're in a different economic climate and we are reacting to the market of the day," he said. "It's a tragedy how long it's been delayed."
