Toronto locals push to save town’s sporting facilities amid development plans

Hundreds of Lake Macquarie residents have raised concerns over redevelopment plans at Toronto Workers Club.

It would see the bowling green and tennis courts make way for new over-55s units, and a motel.

FULL STATEMENT FROM TORONTO DISTRICT WORKERS CLUB:

“Our focus and goal remains to reduce our reliance on gaming and to help create & shape the future of Toronto for the current and generations to come. Affordable housing to the over 55’s, job creation & security for hundreds of people & businesses and a major tourism impact on the local economy by addressing the need for short term accommodation on the western side of Lake Macquarie.

Whilst the displacement of the bowling & tennis facilities is a loss to the immediate local area, this is in response to a decline in usage for quite some time. Discussions with Lake Macquarie City Council & Tennis NSW have confirmed an oversupply of these facilities on this side of the lake.

We have been upstanding & transparent with the sub-club members since early 2024. We have promised to not only financially support these members for the next 3 years with uniforms and registration fees but also provide regular transport from Toronto Workers Club to their new venues.

This support package was announced in November 2024 with payments having already commenced.

This Masterplan won’t stop or decrease our ongoing commitment to local sporting groups and contributions to in-need charity groups in the Hunter Region. This type of support remains a priority to our business and our entire team. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive from our staff & the community.”