LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY - River Oak Group
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LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY
The Lower Hunter Region is rich in natural resources with potential for
ongoing economic and population growth. The landscape provides
an extensive contrast in environments, from highly urbanised areas,
to extensive rugged mountain ranges to the coastal and estuarine
environments of Lake Macquarie and the Hunter River. Similarly,
there is a sense of place that binds and creates a healthy and vibrant
community. With such attractions, the NSW Government will ensure
that the Lower Hunter can continue to be a place of strong population
and economic growth.
The Regional Strategy applies to the five local government areas of
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland and Cessnock,
and is one of a number of regional strategies prepared by the
Department of Planning.
The Regional Strategy represents an agreed NSW government position
on the future of the Lower Hunter. It is the pre-eminent planning
document for the Lower Hunter Region and has been prepared to
complement and inform other relevant State planning instruments.
The primary purpose of the Regional Strategy is to ensure that
adequate land is available and appropriately located to sustainably
accommodate the projected housing and employment needs of the
Region’s population over the next 25 years. The Regional Strategy
plans for the provision of sufficient new urban and employment
CONTENTS
lands to meet expected strong demands for growth. The Regional
Strategy also refocuses development in the Lower Hunter towards PREFACE .......................... INSIDE COVER
the strengthening of vibrant centres that support the role of Newcastle
FOREWORD ............................................1
City Centre as the regional city.
THE LOWER HUNTER REGION ...............3
The Regional Strategy works with the Government’s Regional
Conservation Plan to ensure that the future growth of the Lower REGIONAL CHALLENGES........................5
Hunter makes a positive contribution to the protection of sensitive A VISION FOR THE FUTURE ....................9
environments and biodiversity. A number of important green corridors
have been identified for protection on the Wallarah Peninsula, between CENTRES AND CORRIDORS ................14
the Watagan Ranges and Stockton Beach and along the Karuah River EMPLOYMENT AND THE ECONOMY......19
and Port Stephens’ foreshores.
HOUSING ..............................................23
The Regional Strategy incorporates the specific regional infrastructure
TRANSPORT .........................................29
requirements identified in the State Infrastructure Strategy 2006–07
to 2015–16. The Regional Strategy will continue to inform future ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL
infrastructure investment priorities for the Lower Hunter. Infrastructure RESOURCES .........................................31
planning will take into account the broad planning framework identified
RURAL LANDSCAPE
in the Strategy, to ensure that future population growth is supported AND RURAL COMMUNITIES .................36
by services and associated infrastructure.
NATURAL HAZARDS ............................ 38
The Lower Hunter Regional Strategy applies to the period 2006–31
WATER ................................................. 40
and will be reviewed every five years.
HERITAGE ............................................ 41
Lower Hunter Regional Strategy
IMPLEMENTATION ................................43
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Planning
October 2006 MONITORING AND REVIEW ..................44
23-33 Bridge Street Sydney NSW Australia
www.planning.nsw.gov.au APPENDIX 1
Photography credits: cover (children, housing), p. 4 (both), p.7 (top right), p.9 (top right), p.11 Sustainability criteria ...............................45
(top right, bottom right), p.27 and p. 28 reproduced courtesy of Honeysuckle Development
Corporation and AJM Photography. APPENDIX 2
DoP 2006_0034 Major infrastructure projects ......................47
ISBN 0-7347-5768-9
MAPS
Disclaimer: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct
at the time of publication, the State of New South Wales, its agents and employees, disclaim Lower Hunter Regional Strategy .......12–13
any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or
omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document. Natural resources ...................................32
F
Foreword
The NSW Government released It will guide the Lower Hunter’s For example, the majority of new
the draft Lower Hunter Regional growth for the next 25 years by development within the Region
Strategy in November last year. The identifying future development will be located in close proximity
Strategy emphasised the need to areas, principal land use types, to major centres and employment
ensure this vital Region continues to settlement patterns and lands, maximising access to
grow and prosper in a sustainable conservation outcomes. services and employment
way, while creating long-term opportunities.
business certainty and attracting In particular, the Strategy will:
more investment and jobs. Overall, the Lower Hunter
• ensure that sufficient Regional Strategy sets a clear and
After extensive community employment lands are available sustainable direction for growth
feedback, I am now pleased to to cater for 66 000 new jobs that will continue to evolve to
release the final Lower Hunter • plan for an additional 160 000 reflect long-term trends and build
Regional Strategy, which achieves residents and 115 000 new on the Region’s strengths. The
these aims and more. dwellings Strategy will be continually
monitored and comprehensively
In finalising the Strategy, the Iemma • establish important green reviewed every five years.
Government has established corridors, to protect and even
important green corridors across enhance the Region’s strong
the Region. We have also environmental and biodiversity
negotiated the dedication of assets
significant landholdings, including
government lands, for public • reinforce the role of the
protection. Newcastle City Centre as
the Regional City.
These environmental gains are a
once-in-a-generation opportunity The final Strategy aims to harness
that will provide an enduring legacy the Region’s competitive
for the community. advantages to maximise
economic opportunities over The Hon. Frank Sartor MP
This Strategy identifies how the the next 25 years. These include Minister for Planning
expected growth in the Region its strong manufacturing and Minister for Redfern Waterloo
will be managed to provide for industrial heritage, internationally- Minister for Science and
both economic development and significant port and airport and Medical Research
the protection of environmental world-class teaching hospital and Minister Assisting the Minister
assets, cultural values and educational facilities. for Health (Cancer)
natural resources.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 1
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 2
1
The Lower Hunter
is the sixth largest The Lower
urban area in
Australia. It is located Hunter region
160 kilometres north
of Sydney, covers an The Lower Hunter is a region of parts of these lands into new
diverse landscapes and land uses. reserves created and managed
area of 4291 square Its coastline, mountains, lakes, under the National Parks and
kilometres and is floodplains and rivers are key Wildlife Act 1974. By identifying
a major population elements of the Region’s identity, and protecting such large areas,
culture and lifestyle. the Government has recognised
centre that includes the significant value that these
the regional city The Lower Hunter is characterised corridors contribute to the
by large areas of rural, agricultural biodiversity and conservation
of Newcastle, the and forested lands. Based on a values of the Region.
State’s second major river and coastal estuary,
it contains areas of high quality Economically the Lower Hunter
largest urban centre. agricultural land, important drinking has a strong mining and
water aquifers and internationally industrial manufacturing heritage
The Region is home and nationally significant upon which it is building an
to the Darkinjung, environmental assets. The region’s increasingly diverse economic
rural and semi rural landscapes base, skilled workforce and
Awabakal, Wonnarua account for around 80 per cent nationally significant economic
and Worimi of the Region’s land, and are infrastructure, including the
themselves further characterised world’s largest coal exporting
Aboriginal people. by key industries of mining, wine port. Building on these important
production and tourism. economic assets will further
enhance the capacity of the
The NSW Government has region to provide continued
identified important green employment growth. This will
corridors traversing these different require the identification of
landscapes and has identified additional employment lands,
mechanisms to protect these as well as the renewal and
lands by incorporating substantial
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 3
1 the lower hunter
revitalisation of the commercial — its beaches, liveable residential
centres in the Region. environments, cultural city life
and proximity of coastal and rural
Population growth has been landscapes.
closely associated with the
coastal areas of the Region, The Regional Strategy is based
particularly Newcastle, Lake upon a population growth
Macquarie and Port Stephens. scenario which forecasts a
However in recent years a regional population of 675 000
reduction in the availability of persons by 2031. This equates
new urban land in these areas, to an additional 160 000 persons
combined with the relative over the period 2006–31. This
affordability of land further up the growth scenario responds to
valley, has seen strong residential current levels of growth and
growth in the Maitland area. recognises that this growth will
Furthermore the City of Newcastle continue as the Region broadens
has experienced a resurgence its economic role in the context of
as a lifestyle city, with strong the NSW and national economy.
growth in residential apartment Monitoring of population growth
living. The Region’s population, will ensure that the Strategy can
increasingly a mix of ages, skills respond to growth rates higher
and backgrounds, was estimated or lower than expected. It is also
at approximately 515 000 in 2006 recognised that growth is likely to
and continues to grow strongly, continue beyond 2031.
with accelerated growth rates The adopted growth scenario
experienced in recent years as is one which responds
evidenced by the most recent responsibly to the challenge of
estimate of residential population managing growth in a way that
released by the Australian Bureau is economically, socially and
of Statistics in 2006. People move environmentally sustainable
to the Lower Hunter attracted and enables the environmental
by the Region’s combination and lifestyle assets and values,
of economic opportunity, which are themselves key drivers
affordability and lifestyle assets of growth in the Region, to be
preserved. As the Lower Hunter
Region grows and develops,
regular monitoring and review will
ensure that the Strategy remains
relevant.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 4
THE LOWER
HUNTER IS THE
SIXTH LARGEST
URBAN AREA IN
2
AUSTRALIA.
Regional challenges
If the Lower Hunter is to prosper with the concentration infrastructure provision and the
and benefit from its growth of employment and services ability to identify sufficient new
opportunities while maintaining within centres. urban areas to meet demand.
it’s environmental and lifestyle
values, careful planning is needed Greenfield housing or ‘new Although traditionally focused
so that growth occurs in a way release’ areas represent 75 per on new urban land releases
which balances environmental, cent of all new housing, with the for housing supply, the Region
economic and social outcomes, remaining 25 per cent of housing contains a number of strategic
enhancing the quality of life now located in existing zoned urban centres and corridors that have
and in the future. In particular, the areas. There are approximately significant potential for renewal.
Region will need to address the 205 000 existing dwellings, The development of these areas
following specific challenges. comprised of 85 per cent as will help boost the economic
single detached cottages, with capacity of the Region, as well as
15 per cent as units, flats and creating a better balance between
POPULATION AND townhouses. The historical focus the provision of infill and greenfield
HOUSING of providing new housing in urban housing, matching other
release areas is being reflected in contemporary urban regions.
Population growth in the
very low levels of public transport
Lower Hunter has been strong, The Lower Hunter is characterised
usage, increasing congestion
averaging one per cent per by a population which is older
on key connecting roads and
annum (or approximately 4400 than, and continuing to age
underutilised infrastructure
persons per year) in the period at a rate faster than, the NSW
capacity in some existing urban
1991–2001 and increasing average. Despite strong growth
areas. Whilst the amount of
more recently to more than in its population a high level of
greenfield development to
6200 people in 2004–05 out-migration by young people
some extent reflects consumer
(Australian Bureau of Statistics, continues, projections suggest
preferences, it also places a
Estimated Resident Population). that a much greater proportion
significant burden on State and
Overall development trends still of the population will be aged 65
local governments in terms of
favour low density, dispersed and over in the future. This has
development, increasingly at odds
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 5
2
regional
challenges
implications for the Region’s social The cost of housing in the Lower • provide sufficient land and
diversity and future infrastructure Hunter is lower than the State development opportunities to
and servicing needs, including average and the rate of home provide housing for the future
health, education and transport ownership is higher. Nevertheless, growth of the population
25000
needs. Significantly, the ageing of the Government recognises that
the population will also require a
Males
housing affordability is an issue • achieve higher residential
2001 2031
different approach to the provision for current and future households densities in-and-around
of housing as smaller and easier
20000
within the Region. Responding to major centres to maximise
to maintain dwellings will be the issue of housing affordability proximity to employment
necessary. The ageing of the through the expansion of the and services and the use of
population also presents particular
15000
supply of land for housing and existing infrastructure, while
challenges for the economic the management of development maintaining amenity
growth potential of the Region staging and approval processes • provide housing choice
10000
and for maintaining a strong and is an important challenge for the and affordability in the right
diverse workforce. Government. locations reflecting changes
The population and5000
housing in population and associated
challenges are to: reduction in household
occupancy rates
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100+
Age
Figure 1. Comparison of the Lower Hunter Region population’s age structure in 2001 and as projected for 2031
25000 25000
Males Females
2001 2031 2001 2031
20000 20000
15000 15000
10000 10000
5000 5000
0 0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100+
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100+
Age Age
(Source: Transport and Population Data Centre, Department of Planning 2005).
25000
Females
2001 2031
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 6
20000
• ensure quality urban design through the Port of Newcastle. industrial land will, however,
and amenity that is sensitive In addition, it is Australia’s largest remain very important to the
to and complements the port in bulk terms and the regional economy as the Region
character and lifestyle of the world’s largest coal exporting capitalises on the opportunities
Region’s towns and new port. Projected economic activity presented by its geographical
urban areas in the Lower Hunter, together location, existing infrastructure
with that in the Illawarra and and skills base. Ensuring that
• refocus the housing industry Western Sydney, is recognised as ongoing capacity is provided
in the Region to increase providing a significant number of for both new and traditional job
the amount of total housing new industries and workforce that opportunities for the growing
provided in the existing will substantially drive economic population is an important focus
urban areas so that a more growth in NSW. of the Regional Strategy.
sustainable balance between
the need for new greenfield The Region has a high level of The economic challenges for
land releases and the ability of employment self sufficiency (a the Region are to:
existing urban areas to meet high percentage of employees
housing demands is created residing within the local • maximise the economic
government area where they opportunities associated
• provide a framework for work). The Lower Hunter also with the Region’s competitive
planning and delivering has strong economic links with advantages, in particular its
new and upgraded regional adjoining regions, including the economic infrastructure and
infrastructure and facilities for Central Coast, Mid-North Coast specialised centres
the growing population and and Upper Hunter, as well as
ageing demographic. • ensure sufficient employment
being connected to national and lands are available in
international economies through appropriate locations,
ECONOMIC the port and the Newcastle Airport. including within centres and
The Lower Hunter contributes Recently, the Lower Hunter as traditional industrial land,
to the global competitiveness has enjoyed strong job growth to provide sufficient capacity
of the Greater Metropolitan and a matching reduction in to accommodate growth
Region, with the Newcastle City unemployment rates. The majority in existing and emerging
Centre the largest and most of new jobs have been generated industries and businesses
diversified city centre outside of in the tertiary sectors, such as • maintain or improve the
the Sydney Basin. The Region health, education, financial and employment self sufficiency
also contains the capacity for the personal services, as well as of the Region
ongoing growth of employment tourism. This trend is expected
opportunities due to its extensive to continue and strengthen such • ensure activity within the
employment lands and existing that in the future much of the Lower Hunter complements
infrastructure. jobs growth is expected to be rather than competes with the
in the tertiary sectors and of a economies and communities
The Region accounts for 14 per
type appropriately located in the of adjoining regions.
cent of Australia’s total exports
Region’s major centres. Traditional
sent to international markets
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 7
2 regional challenges
ENVIRONMENT A number of important green on manufacturing, service and
corridors have been identified tourism industries. Finally, the
Environmental features that running through the Region. The Region still retains significant coal
characterise the Hunter include protection and management of resources and the potential for
its wetlands, which are of these corridors for conservation ongoing coal production
international significance, the and biodiversity will need to be and export.
largest mobile sand dune in a key focus of both government
NSW, the largest saltwater lake in and the community. The Regional The key environmental
Australia and high quality aquifers Strategy, and its companion challenges for the Region are
that supply drinking water to planning document the Regional to accommodate significant
the people of the Lower Hunter Conservation Plan, provide population growth whilst:
and Central Coast. Much of the a planning and management
native vegetation remaining in the • protecting and managing the
framework that will enable the biodiversity and conservation
Region is of high conservation expansion of public reserves in
significance and provides habitat values of the key green
these corridors, the protection of corridors of the Region
for numerous threatened species. their environmental values from
The existing low density dispersed inappropriate development and • maintaining or improving the
nature of settlement in the the ongoing management of land biodiversity value of the Region
Lower Hunter has implications to enhance its biodiversity and
conservation values. • protecting the rural character
for the Region’s environment. and viable agricultural lands of
Continuation of these trends will The Region is also characterised the Region
lead to high demand for urban by its abundant natural
land, often at the expense of resources. As an agricultural • protecting the mineral and coal
agricultural or biodiversity values, area, the Region has extensive resources of the Region.
and high reliance on private agricultural landscapes providing
transport. Population growth and opportunities for the dairying
the demand for new housing and industry as well as cropping and
associated services, can lead vegetable production. The Region
to increasing pressure on the is also home to one of the largest
Region’s environment including a and most successful vineyard and
greater demand for drinking water winemaking districts in Australia,
and recreational opportunities. with spin-off impacts
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 8THE LOWER
HUNTER IS THE
SIXTH LARGEST
URBAN AREA IN
3
AUSTRALIA.
A vision for the future
The Government’s vision for This future for the Lower Hunter is • there is access to quality
the Lower Hunter embraces one that is sustainable, affordable, infrastructure and services,
a sustainable future for the prosperous and liveable; where: including education and health
Region — balancing
environmental, economic and • there is a sense of community • ecological and culturally
social outcomes so that quality spirit and regional identity significant landscapes are
of life can be enhanced without valued and protected
• innovation is supported and
burdening future generations. there are diverse employment • the Region’s quality lifestyle is
This aspiration is based on opportunities protected and strengthened
characteristics unique to the for its residents and visitors.
Region, but also reflects what is
important to people wherever they
might live.
SUSTAINABLE
AFFORDABLE
PROSPEROUS
LIVEABLEE
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 93
a vision for
the future
THE STRATEGY AT A GLANCE
The Regional Strategy is the • Promote Newcastle as the • Utilise dwelling and
strategic land use planning regional city of the Lower employment projections as
framework to guide the Hunter, supported by a a focus for detailed planning
sustainable growth of the Lower hierarchy of major regional of centres.
Hunter over the next 25 years. centres at Charlestown,
The key elements of the Strategy Cessnock, Maitland and • Provide capacity within
are to: Raymond Terrace, emerging employment zones, major
major regional centres at centres and strategic centres
• Provide for up to Morisset and Glendale–Cardiff to accommodate up to 85 per
115 000 new dwellings by as well as specialised centres cent of the anticipated 66 000
2031 ensuring the potential and lower order centres. jobs required by 2031.
to accommodate both the
changing housing demands • Boost the economic and • Monitor the supply of
of smaller households and housing capacity of key residential dwellings and
reduced occupancy rates centres by refocusing a higher employment land through
of the existing population as proportion of new housing in the creation of a new Lower
well as meeting the housing these centres. This will help Hunter Urban Development
demands for an additional to maintain the character of Program.
160 000 people. existing suburbs, provide • Enable the release of up to
greater housing choice, 69 000 new greenfield lots
• Identify and protect new maximise use of existing and
green corridors between the in a coordinated way, with
future infrastructure, including improved neighbourhood
Watagan Ranges and the public transport, and achieve
Stockton Peninsula, across design and more efficient use
a more sustainable balance of of infrastructure.
the Wallarah Peninsula and infill to greenfield development.
along the riverine environments
of the Karuah River and the
foreshores of Port Stephens.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 10• Where development or rezoning
increases the need for State
infrastructure, the Minister
for Planning may require a
contribution to the infrastructure
having regard to the State
Infrastructure Strategy and equity
considerations.
• Maintain or improve the Region’s
biodiversity through a Regional
Conservation Plan, which
will establish a framework for
biodiversity protection.
• Identify and protect environmental
assets, rural land and natural
resources, landscape and rural
amenity, rural communities and
the character of existing rural
villages.
STRATEGY MAP 1
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 11LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY MAP LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 12
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 13
Centres and corridors
BACKGROUND leisure, entertainment and Within that hierarchy, Newcastle
cultural facilities) City Centre is clearly identified as
Strong vibrant centres bring
the regional city. Newcastle City
people, housing, jobs and • better use of existing Centre is not only the iconic focus
services in close proximity. In infrastructure of the Region’s settlement and
so doing, they reduce the need
• increased housing choice, structure but also makes a vital
for people to travel, and greatly
which caters for changing contribution to economic, social,
increase the opportunity to
housing needs and cultural, recreational and housing
provide viable public transport
affordability through the needs of the Region.
systems, to the benefit of those
who do need to travel. provision of a diversity of The regional city is supported
housing stock by major regional centres,
By promoting stronger centres
• more sustainable transport specialised centres, and town
that play a much greater role
and healthier communities by centres as well as a wide network
in providing jobs and housing,
giving more people the option of smaller neighbourhood centres
the Strategy is able to reduce
of taking public transport, and villages. By focusing a
the further sprawl of suburban
walking or cycling greater proportion of development
development and create more
within these centres, the
compact urban areas. Specific
• greater safety, amenity and Regional Strategy will achieve
benefits of concentrating activities
sense of community (as a a more sustainable balance of
and housing more people in and
result of more people being infill development, as well as
near our centres include:
present in the centre during encouraging strong, diverse
• it reinforces the existing the day and at night) and well connected centres that
hierarchy of centres, promoting provide the jobs and commercial
• reduced pressure on space needed to support the
Newcastle City Centre as a
established suburban housing Newcastle City Centre.
regional city of national and
areas to provide higher density
international importance
housing. In recent years the regional
• improved access to economy has been evolving
employment, shopping and and diversifying so that greater
CENTRES HIERARCHY
other services (including employment opportunities are
health, community and The Regional Strategy establishes being created around commercial
personal services, education, a hierarchy and network of urban and tertiary sector growth. While
centres for the Lower Hunter.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 144
a significant share of future 86 per cent of all current jobs are activity at a regional scale. These
employment will still be provided already in centres). centres currently range in size
in the Region’s traditional industry and intensity and will need to be
sectors, already the majority of The centres of the Lower Hunter the focus for a greater proportion
new jobs created are occurring will continue to grow to become of total jobs and a greater
within centres (approximately a focus for social and economic percentage of total housing.
Table 1. Centres hierarchy
Centres Commercial centres servicing the Lower Key functions of centre
hierarchy Hunter
Regional city Newcastle City Centre Services the Region with higher order administration,
education, health services, cultural and recreational
facilities, higher density commercial and residential.
Commercial centre focus with large retail and
commercial floor area, including department store/s.
Major regional Charlestown, Glendale (emerging), Morisset A concentration of business, higher order retailing,
centre (emerging), Maitland, Raymond Terrace, employment, professional services and generally
Cessnock including civic functions and facilities. A focal point
for subregional road and transport networks and
may service a number of districts.
Specialised Port of Newcastle, Airport precinct, Centres and concentrations of regionally significant
centre University of Newcastle, John Hunter economic activity and employment.
Hospital, Pokolbin vineyard and tourism
precincts, Nelson Bay tourism precinct
Town centre Belmont, East Maitland, Jesmond, The Shopping and business centre for the district,
Junction, Lambton, Lochinvar (emerging), including health and professional services mixed
Mayfield, Mt Hutton, Rutherford, Swansea, with medium and higher density residential.
Thornton, Toronto, Wallsend, Waratah,
Warners Bay
Renewal Hamilton–Islington (Tudor Street) The renewal corridors are situated along strategic
corridor Mayfield–Islington (Maitland Road) transport routes and link strategic centres. These
corridors present opportunities for economic renewal
Broadmeadow–Adamstown (Brunker Road) and/or housing renewal and intensification.
Charlestown–Windale (Pacific Highway)
Glendale–Cardiff (Main Road)
Stand-alone Kotara and Greenhills retail and commercial Privately-owned centres located away from other
shopping centres commercial areas, containing many of the attributes
centre of a town but without housing or open space.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 154
centres and
corridors
The Regional Strategy will Renewal corridors sustainable balance between infill
continue to build on the economic and new release development is
activity within the larger centres The Regional Strategy also achieved.
of the Region by creating the identifies five renewal corridors,
capacity for a further 40 000 which link strategic centres and Strong public domain and urban
jobs to be located in the larger are situated along strategic design themes drive the renewal
centres of the Region. These transport routes. These corridors and revitalisation of centres
larger centres include Newcastle present opportunities for economic so that they are vibrant places
City Centre, the major regional renewal and/or housing renewal accepted by local communities.
centres, the specialised centres and intensification. In total, the five
Employment and dwelling
and stand-alone shopping renewal corridors have the capacity
projections for Newcastle City
centres (as described in Table to provide for an additional 4000
Centre, major regional centres
1 above). To complement the dwellings as well as supporting
and specialised centres are
forecast growth in employment the operation of public transport
established in consultation with
capacity, the Regional Strategy networks linking the larger centres
local councils, in conjunction with
also identifies the capacity for an of the Region.
detailed planning by local councils
additional 15 300 dwellings to be for centres in their local areas.
located in these larger centres. Five renewal corridors
Dwelling and job projections for Maitland Road (Newcastle West Employment and dwelling
these larger centres are shown in to Mayfield) projections for Newcastle
Table 2. The State Government City Centre reflect its role
Tudor Street (Newcastle West to as the regional city for the
will work with local councils and
Broadmeadow)
other stakeholders to promote Lower Hunter and adjoining
the strategic outcomes sought for Brunker Road (Nine Ways to regions. The revitalisation and
these centres. Adamstown) transformation of the city centre
drives renewed investment and
The hierarchy of centres also Main Road, Edgeworth (Glendale
to Edgeworth) provides opportunities for global
includes town centres and other style employment as well as a
mid- and lower-order centres. Pacific Highway (Charlestown cosmopolitan lifestyle.
These centres are integral to the to Gateshead).
network of centres within the Development in-and-around
Region and perform a similar centres takes advantage of
OUTCOMES
and essential role but on a more increasing public transport
local scale. The future services, The hierarchy of centres clearly rates as well as maximising
housing and employment role of defines the role, and supports the infrastructure use and liveability.
those centres is not specifically functioning of, centres as key job,
addressed in the Regional service and residential locations Town centres are planned by
Strategy but will be addressed in within the Region. These centres councils to provide employment
the local strategies prepared by will take an increasing share of new and housing opportunities that are
the individual councils. dwellings in the Region as a more appropriate to the local area.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 16A strategic approach to the issue of • maximise redevelopment and master-planning, urban design
mine subsidence allows increased infill opportunities for medium and other relevant studies.
development potentials in major and high density housing
regional centres such as Glendale within walking distance of • The Department of Planning
and Cardiff to be achieved. centres. will work with relevant State
agencies (including the Mine
The network of centres are linked • The Department of Planning Subsidence Board), local
and strengthened through the will work with local councils to councils and other relevant
development of new housing ensure that local strategies, stakeholders to facilitate
opportunities along identified local environmental plans ‘global’ investigation into
renewal corridors, which follow and other statutory planning risk assessment from mine
strategic public transport corridors. controls: workings in nominated
intensification areas and
> adopt the employment and develop risk management/
ACTIONS dwelling projections for the mitigation strategies in the
• The centres hierarchy, and role centres nominated in affected areas identified.
and function of the nominated Table 2
centres will be embodied in the • The Department will work
> establish employment with Newcastle and Lake
planning of local councils by
and dwelling projections Macquarie councils and
ensuring that local strategies,
for other lower order other key stakeholders to
local environmental plans
centres, consistent with ensure local strategies, local
and other statutory planning
local strategies that address environmental plans and other
controls:
urban consolidation and statutory planning controls
> contain appropriate intensification in urban areas. recognise and facilitate the
provisions that reflect renewal of the nominated
• The Department of Planning
the nominated role of renewal corridors.
will work with local councils,
particular centres
where necessary, to ensure
> do not permit retail and that planning for dwelling
commercial offices outside projections within centres
commercial centres other does not impede the ability to
than where consistent with achieve employment capacity
adopted State policies projections.
such as ‘The Right Place
• The Department of Planning
for Business’
will work with local councils
> facilitate the concentration to facilitate the revitalisation
of activities along transport and renewal of these centres
routes and within and through structure planning,
adjacent to centres
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 174 centres and corridors
Table 2. Job and dwelling projections
Centre Jobs Dwellings
Regional city
Newcastle CBD 10 000 4000
Major regional centres
Glendale–Cardiff 6200 4000
Charlestown 4400 3200
Maitland 3200 1300
Morisset 1600 600
Raymond Terrace 1600 300
Cessnock 2300 300
Specialised centres
Airport precinct 3000 0
John Hunter 300 0
University 1600 400
Pokolbin 1600 0
Nelson Bay 1500 1200
Stand-alone shopping centres
Kotara 1200 0
Green Hills 1500 0
Total 40 000 15 300
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 185
Employment and the economy
BACKGROUND Trends in the growth of jobs in the jobs to be located in these areas.
tertiary sector, those jobs most The remaining additional jobs will
The Lower Hunter has a high level appropriately located in centres, be provided through dispersed
of employment self sufficiency are expected to continue as the employment locations including
and potential for continued strong Region’s economy increasingly home-based businesses.
employment growth due to its reflects the economy of
extensive areas of employment metropolitan Sydney. The Lower
land. A population increase of Hunter Regional Strategy will
160 000 people will require the facilitate job growth opportunities
creation of sufficient employment and reinforce the concentration
capacity to provide an additional of jobs in larger centres and
66 000 jobs by 2031 if current employment lands, by creating
rates of employment are to the capacity for 85 percent of new
be maintained.
Table 3. Distribution of new jobs by employment location
Employment location Additional jobs (no.) Total new jobs (%)
Centres* 40 000 60
Employment lands 16 500 25
Dispersed employment 9500 15
Note: * Includes Newcastle City Centre, major regional centres, specialised centres and stand-alone shopping centres.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 195
GREATER
PROPORTION OF
JOBS IN MAJOR
CENTRES
Centres that not only accommodates (16 500 jobs) will need to locate
its own economic growth, but in major employment land sites.
The Lower Hunter Regional also contributes to meeting the These 16 500 jobs will occupy
Strategy will ensure that the employment land needs of the approximately 825 hectares
larger centres of the Region, broader metropolitan region of employment land (Table 4).
including the Newcastle City of Sydney. While the Lower Accommodating these jobs, and
Centre, major regional centres, Hunter’s centres provide a providing an adequate buffer
specialised centres and stand- range of sites for commercial supply of employment land,
alone shopping centres, provide and retail uses, land is also will be achieved through the
a sufficient supply of commercial, required for more industrial development of 500 hectares of
retail and residential floor space employment uses. Employment zoned but vacant employment
to meet their employment land includes the older industrial land and the zoning of a further
and service centre functions. areas, which traditionally have 1000 hectares of additional
In particular, the economic housed light industry, as well employment land identified
opportunities associated with as newer ‘business park’ style through the Regional Strategy,
the Region’s specialised centres developments such as the estates including land at West Wallsend,
(centres identified as of regional at Beresfield and Thornton. Tomago and Black Hill.
significance due to their economic
importance and complex planning In recent decades, additions A further 1200 hectares of vacant
issues) will be maximised. to the supply of industrial land ‘special purpose’ employment
Employment capacity projections have often been inaccessible to land remains available for
for the larger centres are shown in major transport, especially public special purpose industry needs,
Table 2 (Chapter 4). transport links, and much of the including port- and airport-related
available land has been largely development. The additional
Employment land taken over by retailing activities. employment land identified under
This occurs through ‘bulky the Regional Strategy recognises
The identification of a diverse
goods retailing’ provisions and that although there is currently
range of employment land,
can undermine the role of key a supply of vacant employment
including sites that differ in size,
centres and deplete the supply land across the Region, localised
range of services and location, is
of industrial land for activities supply-and-demand issues
important to provide the capacity
genuinely requiring that land. exist and an increase in the local
to attract different employment-
supply of employment land for
generating businesses. The Lower It is expected that 25 per cent general industry needs is required
Hunter requires employment land of the 66 000 new jobs required in some areas.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 20Table 4. Additional employment land required to accommodate employment capacity projections
Anticipated jobs Current zoned
Projected total jobs Land required Current zoned
within employment vacant additional
demand (hectares) vacant supply (ha) *
lands land required (ha)
66 000 16 500 825 503 322
Note: * Zoned vacant supply does not include the additional 1200 hectares of vacant ‘special purpose’ employment land.
Expansion of freight movements. The identification OUTCOMES
handling of additional employment lands
at Stony Pinch and Black Hill, The existing high level of self
The Regional Strategy identifies which directly support the freight sufficiency in employment within
the opportunity, in the long term, hub, will provide a competitive the Region will be maintained,
to enhance the Region’s freight- advantage to new industries with opportunities for maximising
handling role and capacity. through the minimisation of home based and localised
Integral to capitalising on this transport and handling costs. employment. A greater proportion
economic opportunity is the of employment will be in centres
designation of a site for a future The proposal to create an close to higher population
freight hub and investigation into associated freight rail bypass for densities and accessible through
a Newcastle freight bypass. The the Region would improve the a variety of transport options.
Strategy identifies and preserves efficiency of freight movements
on the rail network. Development The needs of major industry
land for a freight hub within
of the site and construction of the and businesses for employment
proximity to the port and in the
freight rail bypass is likely to be lands are facilitated by the
vicinity of the junction of the New
linked to the commencement of identification and supply of
England and Pacific highways at
containerised freight movement sufficient appropriately located
Beresfield. This site also provides
through the Port of Newcastle. and supported employment land.
access to the Golden Highway
and main north-south railway, The proposed site has significant Employment growth capitalises
providing a central focal point and conservation values that will on key regional infrastructure such
distribution hub for goods from need to be managed so that a as the port and airport, research
northern NSW, western NSW, positive environmental outcome and development experience,
north-west NSW, Queensland and accompanies the development. and the Region’s skills base and
Sydney. This is to be achieved through a natural amenity.
structure-planning process that
The site is intended as a facility brings together the owners of
for distribution, coordination of the various sites in the freight
containerised freight, storage hub precinct.
of empty containers and
coordination of trucking and rail
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 215 employment and the economy
ACTIONS • Newcastle University, with the • Councils will identify
support of the Department opportunities for bulky goods
• Local councils are to adopt
of Planning and Newcastle style retailing in appropriate
employment capacity
City Council, will develop a locations in commercial
projections for larger centres
strategy that maximises the centres and restrict this form
and local government areas
employment opportunities of retailing in employment and
through the identification
associated with the university industrial zones as set out in
and zoning of sufficient
and strengthens the physical the NSW Government Policy
employment land as identified
and intellectual linkages ‘The Right Place for Business’.
in Tables 2 and 4.
between the university,
industry and the broader • Require local environmental
• The Department of Planning
population. plans to be amended, where
will establish as a component
necessary, to incorporate
of the Urban Development
• Ensure that local planning provisions that facilitate
Program:
provisions reflect and appropriate home based
> an employment land promote the role of the Port of employment and localised
database Newcastle as identified in the employment in town and
NSW Port Growth Strategy, as neighbourhood centres.
> a program to monitor the the site for a second container
uptake of existing vacant port facility for NSW. This will • Ensure a mix of housing types
zoned employment land include ensuring that local in proximity to employment to
and utilisation of existing planning provisions maintain provide the necessary supply
zoned employment land ‘port-related’ employment land of labour locally. This includes
around the Port of Newcastle housing for lower as well as
> a program for the release of higher income groups to fill
for industries that specifically
further employment land. the diversity of employment
require port access.
opportunities provided.
• Local councils will rezone
• The Department of Planning,
proposed employment
in partnership with key
land as identified in the
stakeholders, will coordinate
Regional Strategy (Strategy
the preparation of a land use
Map) through their local
development strategy for the
environmental plans.
RAAF Base Williamtown–
• The Department of Newcastle Airport Employment
Planning in conjunction with Zone. Once completed, local
Newcastle, Maitland and environmental plans will be
Cessnock councils as well as amended, where necessary, to
landowners, will develop a reflect and promote the role of
structure plan that maximises the RAAF Base Williamtown–
the employment and Newcastle Airport Employment
conservation outcomes for the Zone as identified in the land
freight hub precinct. use development strategy.
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 226
Housing
BACKGROUND with dependent children. These More compact settlement
changes in the types of household
The Lower Hunter currently has and number of people in individual The principal challenge for the
approximately 205 000 dwellings. households also mean that a Region is to refocus the current
It is estimated that an additional greater range of housing options housing trends so that a more
115 000 dwellings will be required is required to satisfy the different sustainable balance between new
to house the Region’s growing housing needs of this changing release and infill development is
population over the next 25 years. population. achieved. To achieve this, the
Strategy will facilitate greater
Of this number, 80 000 dwellings Over recent decades the great opportunities for housing to
will be required to house the majority of housing (at least 75 be provided within the existing
additional population (160 000 per cent) has been provided urban areas. New dwellings in
people), while an extra 35 000 in the form of single detached the existing areas will be provided
dwellings will be required to meet cottages in new housing estates in and adjoining the Region’s
changing housing demands. on the urban fringe. This has centres, through new dwellings
These changing demands include led to a dispersed pattern of in renewal corridors, and through
a reduced occupancy rate, settlement with people living in general urban infill, on existing
predicted to continue to decline areas more remote from major zoned but undeveloped land and
from 2.5 persons per dwelling in centres of employment, and land within proximity to centres.
2001 to 2.1 persons per dwelling removed from the commercial and
in 2031. This trend toward smaller service centres where essential There are many benefits from this
households is consistent with services are located. The current approach. They include better
national and global trends. It is pattern of low density settlement use of existing infrastructure, and
a consequence of significant on the fringe of existing areas is reduced travel by placing people,
changes in the nature of also difficult and expensive to jobs and services closer together.
households themselves, including provide with new services and Achieving a more sustainable
a growing number of lone person infrastructure, including viable and balance of infill to new urban
and single parent households effective public transport. development also reduces the
as well as a decline in couples pressure to find large scale new
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 236
housing
URBAN RELEASE
AREAS TO
BE BASED ON
NEIGHBOURHOOD
PLANNING
PRINCIPLES
greenfield sites for development, employment lands, minimising each of the local council areas of
as well as preserving future impacts on regionally significant the Lower Hunter (shown in Table
sites for the ongoing growth of agricultural lands and biodiversity 5). The distribution of the dwelling
the Region beyond the 25-year corridors. Where additional projections has been developed
planning horizon of the Regional infrastructure is required to cater with local councils and reflects
Strategy. for the demand generated by the differing characteristics of the
the development, contribution individual council areas to provide
New release areas to the costs associated with the infill and multi-unit housing. The
Existing trends are that 75 per provision of this infrastructure will best opportunities to achieve
cent of all new housing is being be necessary. higher density housing within and
built in new release areas and just adjacent to major centres are in
The Strategy identifies individual Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
25 per cent in the existing urban ‘release areas’ generally with an
areas. The Strategy provides that council areas. The Department
area of greater than 50 hectares. will work with individual councils
60 per cent of new dwellings will Sites less than 50 hectares may
be provided in new release areas to support the planning of centres
be developed if consistent with and corridors.
and 40 per cent will be provided the principles of the Strategy and
in existing urban areas — that is, if they are identified within an The revitalisation and renewal
a 60:40 split in the provision of endorsed local strategy. of the Newcastle City Centre
new dwellings. in particular will be the subject
Other release sites, not currently of specialised and detailed
Currently, approximately 3500 identified in the Strategy, may be
new dwellings are being approved planning carried out by the Cities
considered if it can demonstrated Taskforce (announced in the NSW
each year in the Lower Hunter, that the proposal satisfies the
with 80 per cent of these Government’s 2006 Economic
Sustainability Criteria (Appendix and Financial Statement).
dwellings located in Newcastle, 1). However, these opportunities
Lake Macquarie and Port for settlement expansion will not The Regional Strategy
Stephens local government areas. apply to development that is acknowledges that some local
In recent years, strong growth proposed to be located within the environmental plan amendments
in housing has occurred in the identified green corridors. may be appropriate for minor
Maitland local government area changes of a local scale. For these
— a trend expected to continue. Dwelling projections by proposals the Regional Strategy
The proposed new release areas council area requires that the Sustainability
in the Strategy are located to Criteria (Appendix 1) are met.
ensure that new housing has The Strategy nominates specific
access to major centres and projections for new dwellings in
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 24Urban Development • Cooranbong (up to 3000 Housing affordability
Program dwellings)
Housing is more affordable in the
Sufficient release area land has • Bellbird (up to 4000 dwellings) Lower Hunter than other parts of
been identified in the Strategy to the Greater Metropolitan Region.
• North Raymond Terrace (up
supply 69 000 dwellings (60 per The cost of housing in the Lower
to 5000 dwellings — subject
cent of total dwellings required). Hunter is lower than the State
to detailed consideration of
There is currently active planning average and the rate of home
airport noise impacts).
underway toward release and ownership is higher. Nevertheless,
development of at least half of Other major release sites include the Government recognises that
this potential supply. There is Lochinvar (up to 5000 dwellings), housing affordability is an issue
a clear need to coordinate the Anambah (up to 4000 dwellings), for current and future households
release of land in alignment Wyee (up to 2000 dwellings) and within the Region.
with infrastructure provision and Branxton–Huntlee (up to 7200
infrastructure funding to achieve The Department of Housing
dwellings).
an orderly and efficient pattern of has significant assets within the
land release. To initiate the Urban Development Lower Hunter. Other housing
Program a working group will be cooperatives with a charter for
Detailed planning by local established comprising executive provision of affordable housing
councils, in liaison with the level members from State and also operate within the Region.
Department of Planning, will local authorities. The working However, with a stock of over
be supported by an Urban group will help to prepare an 10 000 dwellings, the Department
Development Program that will initial staging and sequencing of Housing is clearly the major
be established and administered plan, which will then be reviewed supplier of affordable housing.
by the Department to monitor annually based on a Monitoring Greater opportunities for private
total dwelling supply and uptake, and Forecasting Program. The sector involvement in the supply
and to coordinate the planning, Monitoring and Forecasting of affordable housing will be
servicing and development of new Program will be prepared by the explored.
release areas. Department with input from State
and local authorities and the
Major priority release areas and
development industry, to review
areas where planning for release
housing supply and demand.
is well advanced are:
• Thornton North (up to 7000
dwellings)
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 256
housing
Neighbourhood Planning Principles
• A range of land uses to provide • Streets and suburbs planned so • Conservation lands in-and-
the right mix of houses, jobs, that residents can walk to shops around the development sites,
open space, recreational for their daily needs. to help protect biodiversity
space and green space. and provide open space for
• A wide range of housing choices recreation.
• Easy access to major town to provide for different needs
centres with a full range of and different incomes. Traditional • Public transport networks that
shops, recreational facilities houses on individual blocks will link frequent buses into the rail
and services along with be available along with smaller, system.
smaller village centres and lower maintenance homes, units
neighbourhood shops. and terraces for older people and
young singles or couples.
• Jobs available locally and
regionally, reducing the
demand for transport services.
Urban design and in some areas with careful Local planning will ensure that
neighbourhood planning planning and urban design. nominated new release sites
principles The development of increased
and existing urban areas have
the capacity to accommodate
Good urban design outcomes densities within renewal areas
115 000 dwellings, of which
will be critical for all form of new should deliver quality architecture
40 per cent are able to be
settlement within the Region. New that respects local character.
accommodated in the existing
release areas should be designed This will be achieved through well
urban areas.
based on ‘Neighbourhood connected and usable public
Planning Principles’ to ensure spaces supporting accessible and Local planning will be undertaken
that new suburbs have access to vital centres. to enable increased housing
jobs, centres and transport choice densities in-and-around centres
within their communities. OUTCOMES to support existing infrastructure
and services and facilitate
New urban release areas will be An adequate supply of land and revitalisation.
planned to achieve an average sites for residential development
yield of 12 dwellings per hectare. will be provided to cater for Local plans and strategies will
However, it is recognised that the housing needs of the provide for a mix of housing
higher densities can be achieved Region’s changing population. types and densities near jobs,
LOWER HUNTER REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 26You can also read
