RESIDENTS of one of the region's major future growth areas have described "horrific" experiences trying to access healthcare and Lake Macquarie councillors want to fix it.
Despite a predicted population boom, residents living south of Toronto to the northern area of the Central Coast still have to travel significant distances to access urgent or public hospital care.
A report to councillors at this week's Lake Macquarie City Council meeting said a 20 per cent spike in emergency department presentations from residents was projected by 2036.
Labor councillor Madeline Bishop said it is not a "new issue", with talks about better access to healthcare continuing for at least four years.
"The residents living in the west tell the councillors from our ward about this all the time," she said.
"The fact is, the western side of our city is growing. A healthy community supports growth both socially and economically for our city and our region.
"Infrastructure is needed to support the community as it grows, and this notice of motion is about advocacy ... making sure our communities are seen, heard and supported."
Councillors unanimously backed asking Hunter New England Health (HNEH) for an update on the delivery of public health facilities, including a potential HealthOne in the Morisset area.
A HealthOne is a centre that brings together GPs, community health services and allied health professionals under one roof.
The council will write to state and federal politicians and Central Coast Council asking them to support the push.
Independent councillor Kate Warner said the reality was health infrastructure had not kept up with population growth.
"As a West Ward councillor, I regularly hear from residents about the challenges they have faced with healthcare services close to home, and some of the stories are horrific," she said.
"We know this takes time to plan, and given the growth we have been presented with, we are already behind, so it requires a coordinated response.
"Residents don't stop at local government boundaries when accessing their healthcare."
Residents in the Greater Morisset area, which includes Cooranbong, Morisset and Wyee, have to drive to Wyong Hospital on the Central Coast or the John Hunter, Mater or Belmont hospitals in Newcastle and eastern Lake Macquarie to access care.
As that region grows, so too are the northern areas of the Central Coast, where an estimated additional 35,000 residents are expected to put further pressure on services.
Independent councillor Anthony Swinsburg said the community was "pretty frustrated" with a lack of infrastructure and services.
"The evidence is very clear, we are growing ... so it would be good to now see the state backing that up," he said.
The council report said community consultation done as part of a broader strategy for Morisset, discussions with Central Coast Council and HNEH, had "strongly" highlighted the need for health service gaps to be addressed.
In July 2024, the Herald reported that Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper was in talks with HNEH about establishing a HealthOne facility at Morisset.
