It is a fair question, because building an interchange and roads that provide access to new land does not, in itself, create jobs. But Lake Macquarie City Council strongly believes that providing that infrastructure and public transport connectivity will encourage many new businesses and industries to establish in or relocate to the area, hence creating new employment opportunities.

The North West Lake Macquarie area, which takes in Glendale, Cardiff, Boolaroo and surrounding suburbs, has enormous potential to deliver new jobs and housing for not only Lake Macquarie but the Hunter Region.

That is why the council has been working with the Department of Planning and Environment to have it identified in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan as a Catalyst Area.

The draft Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan outlines a 20-year vision for the area that comprises all or significant parts of the five Lower Hunter council areas: Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens.

This is the first time the state government has formally recognised the Lower Hunter as a metropolitan area for planning purposes and the plan provides a common blueprint for growth that will help our five councils work collaboratively.

The plan will influence where government funds are directed over the next two decades. 

That is why it is important that North West Lake Macquarie, the emerging hub around Glendale and Cardiff, be formally recognised in the final version of the plan as a Catalyst Area, which are areas identified as key drivers of economic growth.

There is already is much happening in North West Lake Macquarie: the first phase of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange is open, construction of the Munibung Road extension – linking Boolaroo and Cardiff – is imminent, about 1500 dwellings are earmarked for the former Pasminco site in coming years and Stockland has plans to double the size of its Glendale Shopping Centre.

It is an exciting time, but watch this space, because there is more in store.