In an op-ed piece written for the Newcastle Herald earlier in August, Ms Cameron explained the development’s many

“People come to Lake Macquarie to enjoy our beautiful lake, and the lake is also the reason many in our community choose to live in the city,” she said.

“Surprisingly, for a city with 175 kilometres of lake foreshore, Lake Macquarie has relatively few spots where visitors and locals can eat or stay directly on the waterfront.”

Ms Cameron believes that enhancing recreational opportunities around the lake would give a “greater sense of connection” to both the region’s waterfront and foreshore assets.

After successful enhancement projects completed in other areas in Lake Macquarie like Warners Bay and Speers Point, Ms Cameron now believes that Toronto deserves the same upgrades, as “walkers, joggers, riders, exercisers and picnickers” now flock to the developed areas.

“Toronto is one of our most picturesque town centres, with a main street that runs right down to the lake,” she said.

“Some parts of the foreshore are activated already but there is potential to make it a much more vibrant and accessible area for people to enjoy, as well as a drawcard for tourists.

“Tourism presents great opportunities for Lake Macquarie, and growing tourism opportunities is an important part of council’s strategy to diversify the city’s economy as we shift from a traditional reliance on mining, manufacturing and power generation.”

As well as the multi-storey development that has already raised community outrage in many parts of Toronto, Ms Cameron outlined in the piece council’s desire to see new facilities, amenities and environments also developed along the stretch from Goffet Park to Bath Street.

She detailed boardwalk developments and shared pathways, as well as exercise equipment, playgrounds, picnic tables, public art and new buildings to support dining and entertainment options along the lakefront.

“The proposed Bath Street development will help fill a gap in our city for accommodation and recreational facilities on the waterfront, which will boost our tourism offering, providing flow-on effects for business operators in Toronto and beyond,” Ms Cameron wrote. 

“At the same time, it will activate and transform what has for many years been a degraded site  primarily used as an overflow parking area – a function that does not do justice to its location or potential.”

Finally, Ms Cameron acknowledged the fact the proposal has already drawn consternation from the wider Toronto and Lake Macquarie community, but believes the foreshore buffer included in the plans will “enhance” pathways and improve accessibility, rather than diminish the waterfront’s current character.

Council is now planning to create an integrated design for the precinct as part of the Toronto Foreshore Master Plan, with community consultation open for the public.

Consultation will remain open until 9am on Monday, September 24.

Responses can be made at shape.lakemac.com.au/future-toronto.