What was once a small town on the edge of the city is expected to become one of the Hunter's major economic hubs under a 20-year blueprint to steer Morisset's growth.
By 2046, Lake Macquarie City Council predicts a population boom to more than 50,000 people, 7900 new homes and a further 7800 jobs will be created.
Now, it is the community's turn to have their say on the suburb's future after Lake Macquarie councillors unanimously backed placing the draft Morisset place strategy on public exhibition at Monday night's meeting.
Independent councillor Kate Warner said there is no doubt that Morisset is one of the fastest growing areas in Lake Macquarie.
"We need a clear plan, and a stepped out guide to growth, because the reality is that Morisset is no longer a small town on the edge of the city," Cr Warner said.
"There's a theme emerging tonight around this growth that's coming, and it's coming whether we plan for it or not."
Cr Warner said West Ward councillors know transport, traffic, housing and access to health services are a huge issue for residents in the area and said the strategy recognises those concerns.
"Residents expect access to health services, recreation facilities, community spaces and quality public domain," she said.
"The future of Morisset will shape the future of West Ward for generations."
The footprint of the strategy includes Morisset, Cooranbong, Wyee, Mandalong and Bonnells Bay.
The strategy aims to provide a long-term direction for land use, housing, transport, employment and environmental protection through evidence and community feedback.
Under the plan, Morisset's low-rise central business district (CBD) would be transformed into a hub of medium-density housing up to four to six storeys and mixed commercial and residential developments.
Medium-density housing would be to the south of the Morisset train station and east and west of the CBD.
Labor mayor Adam Shultz said the state government will also have a "major role" to play in seeing the strategy come to fruition.
"Particularly in the health space, but also major roads, and obviously with the federal government's announcement that they're considering a high-speed rail stop in and around Morisset," he said.
"All of those things are well and truly outside our control, but it's important that as part of a 20-year vision document, those things are captured and put on the record."
Cr Shultz said there are a number of developers with "substantial holdings" around Morisset who will need to "come to the party" to support the vision set out in the plan.
It is predicted there is capacity for 4000 to 5000 urban infill dwellings and 3500 homes in urban expansion areas.
