SYDNEY-CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY
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2006–31
SYDNEY–
CANBERRA
CORRIDOR
REGIONAL
STRATEGY
The Sydney–Canberra Corridor Regional Strategy applies to the
local government areas of Wingecarribee, Goulburn Mulwaree,
Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley, Palerang and Queanbeyan, and is one
of a number of regional strategies prepared by the Department of
Planning. The Sydney–Canberra Corridor Regional Strategy builds
on previous planning work, including the 1995 Sydney–Canberra
Corridor Strategy as well as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and
Subregion Planning Strategy.
The Regional Strategy represents an agreed NSW Government
position on the future of the Sydney–Canberra Corridor. It is the
pre-eminent planning document for the Sydney–Canberra Corridor
Region and has been prepared to complement other relevant State
and local strategies and planning instruments.
Many parts of the Sydney–Canberra Corridor Region continue to
experience significant growth given the strategic location of the
Region between two capital cities, although in other parts of the
Region there is less immediate demand for growth. The primary
purpose of the Regional Strategy is to accommodate and manage
growth while ensuring that the rural landscapes and environmental
settings that define the Region’s character are not compromised. CONTENTS
It will do this by ensuring that land is available and appropriately INTRODUCTION ................. INSIDE COVER
located to sustainably accommodate the projected population
growth and associated housing, employment and environmental FOREWORD.............................................1
needs over the period until 2031. The Strategy acknowledges THE SYDNEY–CANBERRA
the importance of a coordinated approach to settlement, whilst CORRIDOR REGION ................................3
taking into account demand for different types of housing and
the adequacy of supply. The broad elements of the Strategy are REGIONAL CHALLENGES .......................5
represented on the Regional Strategy Map, which identifies the A VISION FOR THE FUTURE ..................12
overall structure of the Region.
RURAL LANDS AND PRIMARY
In accordance with the memorandum of understanding between INDUSTRY .............................................17
the NSW and ACT governments on settlement, the Strategy
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND
recognises the importance of working cooperatively with the ACT EMPLOYMENT GROWTH ......................22
and represents the NSW Government’s position on settlement within
the Cross-Border Region. REGIONAL TRANSPORT .......................29
The Regional Strategy incorporates the specific regional
HOUSING AND SETTLEMENT ...............32
infrastructure requirements identified in the State infrastructure NATURAL ENVIRONMENT .....................41
strategy 2008–09 to 2017–18 New South Wales (NSW Treasury
2008). The Regional Strategy will continue to inform future WATER AND ENERGY RESOURCES .....46
infrastructure priorities for the Sydney–Canberra Corridor. CULTURAL HERITAGE ...........................49
Infrastructure planning will take into account the broad planning
framework identified in the Regional Strategy, to ensure that future IMPLEMENTATION .................................51
population growth is supported by required services and associated MONITORING AND REVIEW ..................52
infrastructure.
APPENDICES
The Sydney–Canberra Regional Strategy applies to the period
1. Sustainability criteria ...........................53
2006–2031 and will be reviewed every five years.
2. Infrastructure projects .........................55
3. Settlement principles for the
Sydney–Canberra Corridor Regional Strategy southern subregion.............................55
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Planning 2008
www.planning.nsw.gov.au
4. Drinking Water Catchments
Regional Environmental
ISBN 978-0-7347-5903-0 Plan No. 1 ..........................................56
DoP 2008_026
Photographs on p. 2 (bottom row, images 1 and 4 from left), p. 7, p. 10, p. 11, p. 17 and MAPS
p. 19 (top right) © State of New South Wales through the Sydney Catchment Authority.
Photography by TVU Pty Ltd 1. Sydney–Canberra Corridor
Regional Strategy ............................. 14–15
Disclaimer: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is
correct at the time of printing, the State of New South Wales, its agents and employees,
2. Natural resources ...............................16
disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of 3. Drinking water sub-catchments ..........45
anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document.
F
Foreword
With its classic rural landscapes, Importantly, the Strategy for This Strategy will set an important
historic towns and location the Sydney–Canberra Corridor framework for the Region’s long-
between two major Australian will also protect unique regional term growth and environmental
cities, the Sydney–Canberra assets such as the $200 million diversity.
Corridor is not only an attractive agricultural industry and scenic
place to live, but a crucial part countryside. As with the other regional strategies,
of the State’s economy and the community, local council and
environment. As the Region supports its own key stakeholders – and, in this
water supply and includes Sydney’s case, the ACT Government – will
The Region is already experiencing drinking water catchment, it is be involved in the process and
steady growth, with around 2000 important that the long-term have an important role to play.
new residents each year and a strategy identifies water resources
healthy tourism industry. and key areas supporting The Strategy will be continually
biodiversity and water quality. monitored and reviewed every five
This is the sixth regional years. I commend it to you.
strategy to be finalised by the The Sydney–Canberra Corridor
NSW Government, to manage also includes significant transport
sustainable housing and jobs infrastructure, with the Hume
growth and protect the local and Federal highways, and
environment. Completed after a major Sydney to Melbourne road
period of public exhibition, the and rail routes. These transport The Hon. Frank Sartor MP
Strategy identifies the need for backbones offer considerable Minister for Planning
25 200 additional dwellings and strategic economic development Minister for Redfern Waterloo
27 800 new jobs to 2031. This is opportunities. The ongoing flow
Minister for the Arts
in line with the State Plan aims of of trade and tourism along these
‘jobs closer to home’ and ‘housing transport corridors will also support
affordability’. jobs growth in existing areas and
attract fresh business investment.
The Strategy supports most of
the region’s new housing growth Specific future infrastructure
occurring in and around existing requirements for the Region,
major regional centres. This will identified in the State Infrastructure
assist new housing being serviced Strategy 2008–09 to 2017–18,
by transport and other services have been incorporated in the
and infrastructure. Regional Strategy.
1
The Sydney–Canberra Corridor region
The Sydney–Canberra The Sydney–Canberra Corridor distance of Sydney and Canberra
is a region of significant potential. that are also experiencing
Corridor extends from Linking Sydney and Canberra, the significant pressure for growth.
the Southern Highlands Region is a key State and
national corridor for transport, The Region’s population is
of NSW in the north, to communication flows, goods projected to be 183 350 by
and services. The volume and 2031, a growth of 46 350 people,
the NSW/ACT border in requiring an additional 25 200
flow of goods, people and ideas
the south and includes represents a significant economic dwellings and 27 800 jobs.
parts of the Southern advantage for the Region. As The Region sits between Australia’s
well as its links to Sydney and largest city, Sydney and the
Tablelands – an area of Canberra, the Region enjoys national capital, Canberra. As both
approximately 25 000 ready access to Wollongong, the cities increase in size so does
Illawarra and South Coast, and their influence on the Region. This
square kilometres. the south western slopes of NSW. is most evident in terms of the
The Region is the Together with a highly valued rural extent of commuting and where
setting and proximity to other cities development is mainly occurring,
traditional home of and regions, the Sydney–Canberra being generally at the northern and
the Gundungurra, Corridor provides significant choice southern ends of the corridor.
in terms of lifestyle, employment
Ngunawal, Yuin group and development opportunities. Historically, the Region was
of nations, Wiradjuri The current population is serviced by a highway of a much
approximately 137 000, with both lesser standard. As a result,
and Tharawal people, the northern and southern ends centres in the Region and their
whose cultural and of the Region experiencing high communities were a lot more
growth, reflecting their proximity to self-contained. Large pastoral
traditional association Sydney and Canberra. There are farm holdings were more prevalent
with the land extend a number of smaller towns in the with the character of places more
Region that are within commuting strongly linked to agriculture.
over many generations.
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 3
1 the sydney–canberra
corridor region
The Region in many ways is now government area), central • pressure on rural industries and
very different. Some communities (Goulburn Mulwaree and Upper rural communities to adapt to
that have historically been service Lachlan local government areas) changing technologies and a
centres supporting growing and southern (Queanbeyan, changing economic base
populations (e.g. Goulburn) have Yass Valley and Palerang local
seen a slowing in growth and the government areas). These • natural resource pressures and
population, as in many regions, is subregions reflect the range of implications of climate change.
increasingly ageing. Rural lifestyle different issues, communities and Helping the Region to adapt
housing is now an established and rates of growth. and plan for changes in where
significant land use in many parts people live and work whilst
of the Region and greater access Goulburn, Australia’s first inland
city, plays an important role as preserving the natural and
within and out of the Region has economic assets warrants a
considerably improved mobility and the regional service centre for
the central part of the Region regional strategic approach.
choice in terms of where people
work and shop. For many, these as well as contributing to the
choices are no longer necessarily Region’s traditional rural identity.
located in the Region. Queanbeyan, to the south, has grown
rapidly over the past three decades
While improved travel and to become a major regional centre,
communication brings increased servicing south-eastern NSW and
choice and opportunity for forms an important part of the
economic development and growth, Canberra–Queanbeyan metropolitan
it is important that the development area. To the north the major regional
of the Region is planned so that the centre of Bowral in conjunction with
greatest benefit can be harnessed adjacent major towns of Mittagong
from that growth. As the highway and Moss Vale forms the third
between Sydney and Canberra major urban area in the Region.
improves and travel times shorten,
there is a risk that its centres, towns The Region provides an example of
and villages will become simply the the planning challenges facing rural
‘space between two points’ instead and regional areas, in that it has:
of thriving and vital communities. • a high demand for urban growth
Added to these underlying trends and rural lifestyle housing in
driving change in the Region is the those areas closest to the cites
more recent significant challenge of Sydney and Canberra
of securing reliable and sustainable • a decline in the rural
supplies of water to underpin communities and centres
growth and future development. located away from the high
The Region can be described as growth areas
a collection of three subregions –
northern (Wingecarribee local
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 4
2
Regional challenges
Critical to ensuring POPULATION AND attracting retirees. Growth and
change in areas adjoining the Region,
that the Region HOUSING particularly Sydney and Canberra
The Region current population will continue to shape the future
remains a liveable and is approximately 137 000 and
population patterns of the Region.
sustainable place is the Regional Strategy plans for
a further population increase of Like other parts of the country, the
the capacity to attract 46 350 over the period to 2031. population within the Region is
economic investment; The expected growth in the Region ageing and it is anticipated that
is significant as it is one of the few the proportion of the population
provide regional non-coastal regions in Australia aged 65 or over will increase from
13.5 percent in 2006 to 27.8 percent
based housing to be experiencing population
growth. Population growth is being in 2031. The extent to which the
and job choices; driven by people moving into the Region is ageing is significant, as
it exceeds the rate of ageing in its
minimise commuting Region because of their desire to adjacent metropolitan areas.
live within a rural setting, as well
out of the Region; as those seeking more affordable
Although it has a high population
provide reliable housing, but with continued access
to the economic opportunities
growth rate, the population growth
is not evenly distributed throughout
and cost effective provided by Sydney or Canberra. the Region. Growth rates are highest
infrastructure; and Population growth in Sydney, in the Wingecarribee, Queanbeyan,
Palerang and Yass Valley local
protection of the rural, Canberra and other adjoining government areas. If historical
regions is also expected.
natural and cultural Historically, there have been trends continue, Goulburn
Mulwaree shire will experience a
assets of the Region. different patterns of growth from
region to region, with larger cities slight decline (–0.1 percent per
attracting young adults seeking annum) in population over the next
a wider range of education and 25 years and Upper Lachlan a
employment options and other modest increase 0.1 percent per
areas such as the South Coast annum. This Strategy has, however,
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 5
2 regional
challenges
adopted a growth forecast of supplies. The NSW Government possible that more dwellings will
0.5 percent per annum for is supporting the construction of be needed if council strategies
Goulburn Mulwaree based a new water supply pipeline to for growth in places like Upper
on a strategic direction that Goulburn as part of the long term Lachlan and Goulburn Mulwaree
supports and encourages water supply for that city. are successful. Accompanying
settlement in these areas, along the demand for new dwellings
with economic development Demand for new housing is will be a shift in the demand for
strategies. The Strategy also arising from both the growth in the a higher proportion of medium
recognises that both Goulburn population, as well as demographic density/infill and less greenfield
Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan changes in the population. The style development. Councils will
councils are planning for higher ageing of the population, changing be encouraged to consider and
growth rates to encourage growth lifestyles and the declining number support adaptable housing designs
of their local economies. of people per household are that can accommodate the
strong contributors to the need expected ageing of the population.
The Strategy will be comprehensively for additional dwellings. As an There will continue be demand
reviewed every five years. Any example, the average number of for a range of affordable housing
economic and demographic people per household is expected options, particularly in those places
changes, such as higher than to decline from 2.53 in 2006 close to economic development
expected population growth, will to 2.25 in 2031. This means opportunities. Finally, there is also
be monitored and the strategy that even in areas with a stable demand for dwellings to provide
adjusted appropriately. population, additional dwellings for the short-term accommodation
would be needed. The changing needs in the corridor relating to the
Access to reliable and affordable demographic patterns, including an demands of key employers and for
reticulated water will be a key increase in the number of childless tourist accommodation.
determinant of the extent, couples and single-person
location and timing of housing households, will also require a shift Although there is strong
and employment lands across in the types of dwellings that will be demand for urban growth and
the Region. Within the southern needed. At present three quarters development in the corridor, the
part of the Region, the ACT–NSW of the housing stock is detached demand is uneven with some
Cross-Border Region Settlement houses, over time it is expected areas experiencing growth and
Agreement and the Water that smaller, easier to manage other areas experiencing nominal
Resources Agreement need to dwellings, including town houses, or no growth. The challenge of
be considered when planning villas and even apartments in major the Strategy is to ensure that
for development. In the central regional centres will be required to the demand for urban growth is
part of the Region, particularly meet changing housing needs. directed to major regional centres
around Goulburn, there is a need of Queanbeyan, Goulburn and
to ensure that appropriate water It is projected that an additional Bowral. Enabling growth to occur
sources continue to be secured 25 200 dwellings will be required to within the smaller settlements
and that opportunities arising out cater for the expected population such as Marulan and Bungendore
of additional population growth growth and the demographic without losing their character as
are balanced with the ability change towards fewer people per rural settlements is also a challenge
to maintain sustainable water housing demand. However it is for the Strategy.
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 6
Linked to the type, location and • provide for the growth of other challenge for the Region. The
timing of housing in the Region towns and villages in a manner greatest pressure on the rural lands
is the provision, capacity and that is generally consistent with the of the Region comes from the
cost of infrastructure provision Strategy’s centres hierarchy, the demand for rural lifestyle housing.
and service delivery. This applies individual character of towns and Fragmentation of farm holdings
to both the utilisation of services villages and the growth planning also can also reduce the profitability
already established in the Region, being pursued by councils of farms, can lead to land use
as well as additional needs. Both conflict, and increases the cost
Goulburn and Queanbeyan contain • ensure secure and sustainable of rural lands. The proximity of
significant existing services and water supplies to meet expanding farmland to major regional centres
facilities, including an established urban and employment needs has also increased the cost of
hospital in Goulburn. In addition a arising for development out of rural lands. This has lead to a large
new hospital is being constructed in Sydney and Canberra. number of small farms and hobby
Queanbeyan, as well as a number farms within the Region. With these
of primary and secondary schools RURAL LANDS pressures on production also
and range of government offices. come the need to adapt to new
Agriculture is a major feature of the
technologies, constant competition
The key population and housing Region’s economy contributing
for national and international markets,
challenges are to: nearly $200 million per annum
as well as changing climatic patterns.
and employing, both directly and
• cater for the extra 46 350 Planning for rural lands must
indirectly, 11 percent of the Region’s
people over the period to recognise that the rural landscape
workforce1. The general farming
2031, matching housing with cannot remain fixed but must
landscapes of many parts of the
changing demographic trends, accommodate changes to ensure
Region also contribute to the scenic
particularly an ageing population objectives for agriculture, as well
environment and amenity that
and declining household as other objectives are met. State
makes the Region an attractive
occupancy rates Environmental Planning Policy (Rural
lifestyle destination. The main
Lands) 2008 (Rural Lands SEPP)
agricultural industries are broad acre
• cater for the demands for provides planning principles for
grazing, although there is strong
short-term accommodation rural lands, including the promotion
growth in viticulture and horticulture.
in the major regional centres and protection of opportunities for
and major towns arising from The proximity of the Region to both sustainable economic activities,
tourism and key institutions the Sydney and Canberra markets providing opportunities for a rural
(e.g. Police academy, federal and major road and rail networks lifestyle and balancing the social,
government departments and facilitating the supply of produce to economic and environmental
major defence establishments) markets, are the key opportunities interests of the community.
for agriculture in the Region.
• support and reinforce the role of While the Regional Strategy is
This enables diverse crops and
Bowral, Goulburn and Queanbeyan unable to resolve all the issues
agricultural activities to be pursued.
as the major regional centres by facing rural areas, its strategic
focusing new greenfield areas Preserving rural lands as a resource direction and land use planning
and medium density housing in for emerging as well as existing
and around these centres agriculture is therefore a key
1 ABS Census of Population and Housing, 2001 and
MacroPlan Australia.
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 7
2 regional
challenges
policies can be used to help the Region will be a significant • address the impact of peri-
address some of the impacts challenge. Farmers need to be able urban land uses (areas close
that make modern agricultural to pursue new markets and forms to or on the edge of existing
production challenging. of production without unreasonable urban areas) on existing farming
restrictions on land use. and future urban development
Many of the smaller rural by providing certainty for long
communities in the Region More recently the Region has term uses through appropriate
such as Braidwood, Crookwell become attractive for wind land use zonings, subdivision
and Gunning are largely reliant farming. This presents a challenge controls and the identification of
on agriculture and give the of balancing scenic and cultural long term urban release areas
economic activities of these landscape values with the
towns a strong rural focus. It is potential economic benefits for • manage the location and impacts
this predominantly rural character rural areas and the much wider of rural residential development.
and landscape of many towns reaching environmental benefits.
that is an important contributor Wind farms add a new source of
ECONOMIC
to the sense of identity of the economic activity that help to offset
Region and its attractiveness and improve the productivity of The economy of the Region is
as a place to live. In recognition traditional farming activities. diverse reflecting the range of
of the importance the its rural agricultural landscapes, the growing
landscape the NSW Government The Region contains a number of population, key national transport
has formally acknowledged the substantial hard rock, limestone links and the influence of Sydney
heritage values of the township and other extractive industries, and Canberra on large parts of the
of Braidwood and its setting, which provide considerable Region. Many features of the Region
through a listing on the State’s resources for the State’s present a number of potential
Heritage Register. The Statement construction sector. Like the economic opportunities, notably the:
of Significance listing the township traditional agricultural sector, the
Regional Strategy can ensure that • support the economic contribution
recognises not just the buildings
the potential for these resources of existing and potential primary
within the town, but the pattern of
to be sterilised by inappropriate industries to the Region
settlement and its context within a
historic pastoral landscape. adjoining uses is reduced.
The value of rural lands in the The key rural land challenges are to:
Region extends beyond primary • support the economic
production to include cultural, contribution of existing and
scenic and environmental qualities. potential primary industries to
This is reflected in the diversity the Region
of landscapes from the farming
landscape of parts of the Southern • maintain the rural character
Highlands to the timbered and diversity of land values
Brindabella Ranges in the south. across the Region, whilst
Accommodating this diversity and acknowledging competing
mix of rural land values across uses of rural land
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 8• maintain the rural character and Region for work, mostly from the both capital and entrepreneurial
diversity of land values across areas of the Region within close skills to develop new industries.
the Region, whilst acknowledging proximity to Sydney and Canberra. The Regional Strategy is unable
competing uses of rural land The central subregion is relatively to directly influence these factors,
self-contained, with most of its but it can ensure that there is
• address the impact of peri-urban residents able to gain employment adequate housing and employment
land uses (areas close to or on locally. Reducing the journey to work land to provide opportunities for
the edge of existing urban areas) to locations outside of the Region newly establishing, growing or
on existing farming and future is a significant challenge to the long relocated businesses.
urban development by providing term sustainability of the Region.
certainty for long term uses Key economic challenges are to:
through appropriate land use Unemployment is also an issue in
zonings, subdivision controls the central subregion, in particular • provide regionally based
and the identification of long Goulburn Mulwaree, which has employment opportunities (at
term urban release areas a rate of unemployment (6.1 least 27 800 new jobs) through
percent) more than double that of the identification and protection
• manage the location and the southern end of the corridor of major employment lands.
impacts of rural residential (2.8 percent). Youth employment
development. • reduce the proportion of
is also an issue within the corridor, commuting/journey to work
It is projected that at least 27 800 with the unemployment rate for out of the Region by providing
new jobs will be required in those aged between 15–24 years regionally based employment
the Region over the period to more than double the total and housing opportunities.
2031 to support the projected unemployment rate for the Region. This should aim to reduce the
population growth. The amount The high rates of unemployment, proportion of the workforce
of land required to accommodate particularly youth unemployment, commuting out of the Region
this number of jobs will be increase the potential for the from 26 percent to 20 percent
influenced by the extent of population of the Region to age
suitable industrial land already and lose its most productive age • build on regional strengths
available; the industries where job groups as young people migrate in employment including
growth is likely to occur; and the closer to employment centres. distribution/logistic clusters
alternative choices for employment One of the keys to turning around along the Hume Highway, and
outside the Region in Sydney the population decline in smaller the proximity to Sydney and
and Canberra. Conversely, those towns and villages, as well as Canberra markets
northern and southern parts of the boosting the growth rate of
Goulburn depends on providing • build the vitality and capability
Region that are highly accessible of centres within the corridor so
to Sydney and Canberra are well employment opportunities for
younger age groups. they can provide employment
placed to provide employment opportunities for necessary
lands servicing wider markets. Encouraging new economic service industries, as well as
During 2001, 23 500 people development relies on many factors, enabling the incubation of new
(26 percent of the Region’s resident including an available workforce, industries and businesses
workforce) travelled outside of the access to markets, as well as
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 92 regional
challenges
• protect the agricultural sector and the Sydney Catchment White Box, Yellow Box Blakelys
of the Region by measures Authority. The catchment areas Red Gum Woodlands. The Region
including limiting uncontrolled help to underpin the high quality also lies between other regions
fragmentation of rural lands environment and lifestyle enjoyed with their own areas of high
through subdivision and controlling by the community and helps biodiversity and environmental
the extent and location of distinguish the heavily modified value. A challenge for the Region
non-compatible land uses such landscapes of the tablelands. is to ensure the protection and
as rural residential development. enhancement of areas of high
The long history of settlement environmental significance and the
and agriculture in the Region has links between them.
ENVIRONMENT resulted in a significantly modified
While the Region has a rich and and cleared landscape. On the Past clearing practices together with
diverse array of natural assets less fertile shallow soil landscapes the underlying geology has resulted
which contribute to the Region’s there are large patches of remnant in a highly saline landscape in the
ecological and economic value, its vegetation. The majority of land Yass River valley. This has implications
landscape and character reflect the within the national parks reserve for ongoing primary production in
history of extensive modification system is on the eastern edge of the area, as well as the quality of
for agricultural activities. Currently the Region and in the north eastern its drinking water supplies.
almost 11 percent of the land is and south western corners.
Climate change presents itself
managed for both water catchment not only as an environmental
The Region contains a range of
and conservation purposes, challenge, but as a social and
distinct and related ecosystems,
predominately in the Shoalhaven economic challenge for the
including several endangered
and Metropolitan Special Areas as Region as well. Apart from the
ecological communities such as
managed by the Department of hazards associated with a more
the Natural Temperate Grasslands
Environment and Climate Change variable climate, such as droughts,
of the Southern Tablelands and the
bushfires and flooding and erosion
from increased rainfall intensity,
climate change has the potential
to alter the natural ecosystems of
the Region. Long term planning
decisions must place a high value
on development options that make
more sustainable use of land and
resources and respond to risks
associated with climate change.
The environmental challenges are to:
• ensure that development
occurs in a way that safeguards
and enhances the existing
environmental, biodiversity and
scenic assets of the Region
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 10• ensure the sustainable When considering the availability of and the case of Yass, from supplies
management of natural water to supply growth, there are managed by Yass Valley Council.
resources and the protection striking differences between the Alternative options to secure
of rural landscapes northern, central and southern water could be explored given the
sectors of the Region. In the north, severity of the current drought.
• ensure development can the area is comparatively secure in
help reduce the impact of water supply, although much of its The water challenges are to:
climate change water resources flow north towards • protect water quality and supply
• appropriately conserve and Sydney. Parts of the central subregion through planning measures such
protect heritage items and values have recently experienced severe as appropriate environmental
including European, cultural water shortages as a result of controls and the Drinking
and Aboriginal, and incorporate the recent drought. Goulburn Water Catchment Regional
these values within land use Mulwaree Council in conjunction Environmental Plan No. 1
planning and natural resource with the NSW Government are
management processes. working closely on a range of • strengthen the constraints on
options to secure Goulburn city’s certain development activities in
long term sustainable water drinking water catchments
WATER supply. These options include
council’s integrated water cycle • improve water management
Water is a crucial resource for the
management plan process; the and conservation strategies to
Region. Important watercourses
recent upgrading of Sooley Dam to secure water supply to new
include the Murrumbidgee,
increase the capacity of the dam residential areas
Shoalhaven, Lachlan, Yass,
Wingecarribee and Wollondilly by 50 percent and the construction • ensure that development does
rivers. Lake George is a major of an emergency drought pipeline not impact on the availability of
inland water body that remains dry from the Wingecarribee Reservoir water for environmental flows
for much of the time. in order to enhance the security of
Goulburn’s water supply. • recognise and incorporate the
Nearly 50 percent of Sydney’s cross-border arrangements
drinking water catchment as For Queanbeyan and the southern for water supply within a NSW
identified in the Drinking Water sector, water is supplied by the ACT strategic planning framework.
Catchment Regional Environmental under the terms of the cross-border
Plan No. 1 is contained within the settlement and water agreements
Region. The regional environmental
plan aims to manage and protect
the catchment to meet water quality
objectives. A key aspect of the
regional environmental plan is the
requirement for new development to
have a neutral or beneficial effect on
water quality as well as protecting
the water supply of Sydney and
regional centres such as Goulburn.
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 11A vision for the future
The Sydney–Canberra It is this character and sense of Thriving
place that make the Region such
The Region attracts economic
Corridor Region has an attractive place for existing
opportunities and builds on the
residents and new comers alike.
evolved from a series The rural landscapes help to define skills and experience of its residents
the sense of the Region as a place to help encourage regionally based
of individual centres, where a connection to a rural employment, whilst sustainably
managing future growth.
towns and villages lifestyle, still exists within a short
distance to thriving metropolises.
to a linked set of Liveable communities
The Region will have a vibrant and
communities that diverse regional economy built on The Region will continue to provide
the movement of goods, ideas and adequate housing opportunities
draws on a rich people along the national transport and infrastructure that maintain a
liveable community within a rural
pastoral and rural corridor between Sydney and the
landscape.
national capital.
heritage to define
It will be a region of choice where
its character. people can live and work within Rural heritage and
the corridor whilst remaining close character
to Sydney and Canberra. It will Development and growth that
build on its rural character and builds on and respects the Region’s
support a diverse range of liveable rural heritage and character.
communities with a strong sense of
identity and sense of place.
It will be a region where the
environmental values of the
landscape are recognised and
protected and natural resources are
managed sustainably for the benefit
of present and future generations.
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 123
THE STRATEGY AT A GLANCE
The Regional Strategy is an • Only consider additional • Protect the cultural and
initiative of the NSW Government development sites if it can be Aboriginal heritage values
to guide sustainable growth demonstrated that they satisfy and visual character of rural
throughout the Sydney–Canberra the Sustainability Criteria towns and villages and
Corridor until 2031. (Appendix 1). surrounding landscapes.
The aims of the Strategy are to: • No new rural residential zones NSW government agencies
will be supported unless as will use this Strategy when
• Cater for a housing demand part of an agreed structure developing their own plans
of up to 25 200 new dwellings plan or local settlement for investment in infrastructure.
by 2031 to accommodate strategy. Where development or rezoning
the additional 46 350 people increases the need for State
expected in the Region over • Ensure an adequate supply infrastructure, the Minister
the period 2031. of land to support economic for Planning may require a
growth and provide capacity contribution to the provision of
• Increase the amount of housing to accommodate a projected
in existing centres to ensure such infrastructure, having regard
27 800 new jobs, particularly to the NSW Government’s State
the needs of future households in the areas of manufacturing,
are better met, in particular the Infrastructure Strategy and equity
transport and logistics, considerations.
needs of smaller households business services, health,
and an ageing population. aged care and tourism.
• Manage the environmental • Limit development in places
impact of settlement by focusing constrained by important
new urban development in primary industry resources
existing identified growth and significant scenic and
areas such as Bowral, cultural landscapes.
Goulburn and Queanbeyan.
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 13MAJOR TOWN
Larger towns providing local and district
services and facilities, comprising the general
range of weekly and some higher order goods
and business services. Well established town
centres. The full range of housing types are
generally provided.
Tuena
Bigga
TOWN
Small centres that vary in size. Small to
medium concentrations of retail, health and
other services with generally lower density
housing. Reliant on higher order centres for
specialised services, shopping and employment.
Binda
VILLAGE
Small centres with local retail and speciality Laggan
tourism retail within the Region.
Villages contribute to the Region’s character Crookwell
and to tourism.
EXISTING URBAN AREA
Binalong
EMPLOYMENT LAND Dalton
AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES
Jerrawa Breadalbane
Gunning
LGA BOUNDARY
MELBOURNE Yass Collector
DRINKING WATER CATCHMENTS REP NO 1 Murrumbateman
Gundaroo
Tarago
MAJOR LAKE/DAM
Sutton
MAJOR AIRPORT Bungendore
CANBERRA
FREEWAY/HIGHWAY
QUEANBEYAN
RAIL LINE
A.C.T
MAJOR ROAD
Captains Flat
NATIONAL PARK
NATURE RESERVE
STATE CONSERVATION AREA
STATE FOREST
RURAL AND RESOURCE LAND46,350 more people
25,200 new homes
27,800 new jobs
SYDNEY
25 year plan
3 major regional centres
CANBERRA AND WOLLONGONG
Hill Top Yanderra
The Region adjoins the ACT and the national
Yerrinbool capital, Canberra. Canberra is an important
Taralga Colo Vale centre adjoining the southern part of the
Mittagong Region providing higher order health and
Berrima education services, major retail and specialist
professional services.
New Berrima BOWRAL
Wollongong, within the Illawarra Region plays
Moss Vale a similar role for the northern part of the
Sutton Forest Region. Centres in south western Sydney also
play an important complementary role for the
Exeter Burrawang northern part of the region.
Robertson
Marulan Bundanoon
Penrose
Wingello
Tallong
GOULBURN MAJOR REGIONAL CENTRE
Existing centres with an important role in
providing regionally based services, shopping,
Bungonia education, recreation and employment.
The full range of housing types are generally
provided. The majority of growth in both
housing and employment is to occur in these
regional centres.
BOWRAL
Although Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale
together function largely as one urban centre
for the northern part of the Region, Bowral
remains the major centre providing higher
order retail and commercial services.
This important role for Bowral should be
reinforced by consolidating regional scale
retail and commercial development and
services in Bowral. Mittagong will continue
to have an important role as a local retail and
service centre with Moss Vale maintaining its
administrative and rural service centre role. All
three centres should play a complementary role.
GOULBURN
Goulburn is the administrative and
Braidwood commercial centre of the central part of
the Region. Major government services
and facilities are located in Goulburn as
well as regionally significant commercial
development, industry and employment.
Majors Creek The provision of services and housing in
the central part of the Region should be
generally consolidated in Goulburn to
support its regional role.
Araluen QUEANBEYAN
Queanbeyan is the regional centre for the
southern part of the Region and forms part
of the larger Canberra–Queanbeyan
metropolitan area. The centre plays a key
role in providing services for the Region
and a wider metropolitan role in housing
and employment.
n
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY MAP
MAJOR REGIONAL CENTRE
Major Regional Centres within the
adjacent South Coast Region.
0 20 40 60 80kmNATURAL RESOURCES MAP
ay
wh
Hig
me
Hu
Lake
Avon
Mittagong
Mittagong
Crookwell
Crookwell BOWRAL
Moss Vale
Moss Vale
Wingecarribee Robertson
Robertson
Reservoir
Marulan
Marulan Bundanoon
Bundanoon
GOULBURN
Gunning
Gunning
Yass
Yass
NOWRA–BOMADERRY
Lake
Burrinjuck
Lake Lake
Bathurst
George
Bungendore
Bungendore
CANBERRA QUEANBEYAN
Googong Braidwood
Braidwood
Reservoir
A.C.T
BATEMANS BAY
0 15 30 60
Kilometres
Major Regional Centre Major Airport Drinking Water Catchments REP No. 1
Major Town Railway Line
Local Government Area Boundary
Major Roads
Town Highways and Freeways Non-Coal Extractive Resources
Rivers Coal Resources
Creeks
Regional City Rural Land
Water body
State Forest
Major Regional Centre Highest Wind Areas – NSW Wind Atlas
(Outside Strategy Area) Significant Agricultural Land
Existing Urban Area
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 164
Rural lands and primary industry
BACKGROUND in 2006, 27.8 percent of the new agricultural industries in the
workforce in the Upper Lachlan Region confirms the importance of
The rural lands of the Region area worked in sheep, beef cattle protecting rural lands as a long term
underpin its economic base, and grain farming 2 . economic resource for the Region.
providing the resources for
agriculture, industry and tourism. The value of agriculture to the The Region produces a wide range
However, the rural landscapes Region is not just reflected in of agricultural products, which is
of the Region also define its employment in the agriculture, becoming increasingly diverse.
intrinsic rural character, one forestry and fishing sector, but Over recent decades, the Region
of the key attraction points also in terms of its contribution has seen the emergence of new
drawing people to the Region. to the Region’s gross regional and innovative forms of agricultural
Ensuring an appropriate balance product. It also has significant flow production. As well as the
in the management of the rural on effects, in terms of demand traditional mainstay of wool, which
landscapes of the Region is critical for goods and services, to other is the most significant agricultural
to the ongoing protection and sectors including manufacturing, commodity for the Region, there
development of its agriculture and transport and storage, wholesale are also valuable honey, cut-flower
associated industries, as well as and retail trade, property, and and wine production industries.
maintaining the broad landscapes health services.
that define its strong sense of Agricultural lands in the Region
place and rural character. Traditionally, agriculture in the should not just be seen in terms of
Region has been largely centred their current values, as the Region
on cattle and sheep grazing. is strategically placed for long term
AGRICULTURE The Region’s new forms of food production. The Region’s
Agriculture contributes almost agriculture such as viticulture, capacity for the sustainable
$200 million to the economy of while providing diversification production of food and fibre,
the Region and is a significant in product, bring a different set and ease of access to markets
employer. Agriculture is the of planning issues in terms of present opportunities for primary
predominant economic contributor potential land use conflicts and industries seeking to relocate from
to many of the rural communities a generally more intensive use of the Sydney metropolitan fringe.
in the Region. For example, rural landscapes. The potential for
2 ABS Census of Population and Housing 2006
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 174 rural lands and
primary industry
The corridor has a comparative and the capacity of the small EXTRACTIVE AND
advantage in terms of food and towns and villages to support MINERAL RESOURCES
fibre production compared to other associated farm-based business
regions because of its location Extractive resources, primarily hard
along the major transport routes • increase the potential for rural rock quarries in Wingecarribee
between the major cities of Sydney, land use conflict and Goulburn Mulwaree, contribute
Canberra and Melbourne. significantly to the economy of
• decrease the economic value
the Region. The major resource
With its highly attractive rural of rural land as a resource
deposits of sand and hard
character, rural lifestyle housing as because land values are based
rock in the northern and central
rural residential development has on residential rather than
subregions have the potential to
occurred at a significant scale in agricultural capacity
supply Sydney with construction
many parts of the Region. Rural material for up to 50 years.
• impose costs on the community
residential development can cater As these resources are estimated to
to service and maintain
for demand for an alternative be in excess of 1000 million tonnes,
residential land uses within the
form of housing within the Region there is significant potential to
rural landscape
provided it is appropriately located expand the present level of supply
and planned for. The trend has • result in social isolation of the friable fine–medium
been to locate rural residential sandstone. The location of many
development largely within the • result in resource and
of these resources, near rail and
commuting zone of Sydney, ecosystem degradation
freeway access and close to
Canberra and Goulburn, in the • potentially constrain the use Australia’s biggest construction
Wamboin and Bywong areas of of rural land for agriculture materials market in Sydney,
Palerang shire and adjacent to and resources such as mining makes them particularly significant
established centres such as Yass through conflict between rural from a State perspective.
and Murrumbateman. However, industries and those seeking a Significant extractive resources
if not appropriately located, such rural lifestyle. areas are shown on the Natural
development has the potential to Resources Map.
adversely impact on agriculture Putting in place strategies,
and other primary industries. including State Environmental Within the Region, there are a
Where this has occurred it has Planning Policy (Rural Lands) 2008, number of large potential resources
involved the general subdivision of which recognise the value of rural of hard rock. Quarry operations in
rural land into small lots, including landscapes, agricultural lands and the Southern Highlands currently
concessional lots, often resulting in protecting the land resources for supply approximately eight percent
ad hoc development. primary industries is critical to the of Sydney’s construction sand and
economic future of the Region. almost ten percent of aggregate.
Unplanned rural residential There is potential for this supply
Key elements of this strategic
development and the breakup of to rise significantly with resources
approach include long term
agricultural land can: being depleted from deposits
planning to accommodate demand
• impact upon the potential viability for rural lifestyle housing as well as located within the Greater
of an agricultural area through a considering the most appropriate Metropolitan Region.
reduction in farm businesses minimum sizes of rural lots.
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 18Current and potential sources of gas consumption in NSW is the sand and coarse aggregate
construction material (such as supplied from developments in the resources in the Bungendore
sand, hard rock and sources of Macarthur area to the north. There region near the southern margin
clay/shale for brick making) within is potential for this area to expand of Lake George, and the hard rock
the Southern Highlands are widely further into the corridor, particularly resources near Queanbeyan.
dispersed across Wingecarribee in the northern and eastern areas
and Goulburn Mulwaree local of Wingecarribee. These resources are important for
government areas. All however supplies to the Canberra and
are within a relatively short The southern subregion of the smaller local markets. Extractive
distance to the Sydney–Canberra Sydney–Canberra Corridor resources are important to the
transport corridor. contains deposits of several economy of the Region with
important base metal (lead, zinc, enough potential resource to
These extractive resources are a silver, copper) in the Woodlawn supply these markets for many
key strategic economic resource and Captains Flat areas. There is years in the future.
for the Region and Sydney. alluvial and hard rock gold deposits
The northern subregion is directly in the Braidwood–Araluen region. RURAL LANDSCAPES
adjacent to and includes parts Areas with other extractive resources The scenic and cultural landscapes
of the Southern Coalfields. The are widely dispersed across the of the Region are a significant
Southern Coalfield is an important southern subregion. Fine aggregate contributor to the wider value of
source of coking and thermal (construction sand) and coarse rural landscapes. Particularly
coal, which due to the depths of aggregate (gravel) resources can significant landscapes include
the seams, requires underground be found in the Palerang area, Lake George and the Lake George
mining techniques. while several significant shale and Escarpment, Fitzroy Falls, the
In addition to coal resources hard rock resources exist in the Southern Highlands farm
there are also petroleum Yass Valley area. Some extractive landscapes and the Brindabella
exploration licences for natural mineral resource deposits are Ranges. The Region’s scenic
gas. Almost 8 percent of current of particular interest, such as landscapes are an important
THE IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING PERI-URBAN AREAS
The proximity of many parts of the driven by the demand for lifestyle multiple future ownership can also
Region to Sydney and Canberra is lots in those areas of the Region potentially limit options for the
a significant influence on the use accessible to major cities. However expansion of towns and the
and demand for land. Referred to peri-urban areas because of their provision of infrastructure. Devising
as peri-urban areas, they are those proximity to large markets can also planning responses to these issues
areas generally close to or on the be intensively farmed and are often is one of the greatest challenges
perimeter of major urban areas. of high economic value in terms of for rural lands planning. A clearer
The viability of farming in these areas rural production. understanding of the economic
can be constrained by increased and housing demands driving land
land costs which prices out new or The fragmentation of land adjacent uses in these areas is critical.
expanding farmers, and can lead to existing towns into rural
to an increase in land speculation residential lots and subsequent
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 194 rural lands and
primary industry
contributor to the character of of the rural lands of the Region OUTCOMES
the Region, and an economic to develop wind farms will be
resource for the tourism industry. important to meeting this target. The contribution and ongoing
The Strategy does not aim development of primary production
to lock up the rural landscape It will be important that local and agriculture to the Region’s
from development but to strike planning for wind farms as economy and identity, particularly
a balance between allowing well as other rural land uses its many towns and villages,
development and change in rural recognises the need to reduce is recognised by ensuring a
areas, particularly to facilitate conflict with existing communities, coordinated approach to settlement
agricultural production, whilst recognises and protects key planning, the protection of
maintaining the scenic qualities landscape features and takes agricultural lands as a resource
that are important to the Region. greatest advantage of the potential asset for the production of food
economic and environmental and fibre, the minimisation of land
With its consistent high wind levels benefits of the industry. use conflict, and the appropriate
and good access to high voltage protection of environmental values.
distribution networks, the rural
lands of the Region also provide Rural lands planning in the
significant opportunities for the Region supports the long term
establishment of wind farms. The development of agriculture by
State Plan priority E2 – ‘A reliable taking a strategic approach to
electricity supply with increased the location of rural residential
use of renewable energy’ has a development and recognises that
target of 15 percent renewable the mix of values that comprise
energy use across the State by rural lands (economic, scenic,
2020. Protecting the capacity cultural and environmental)
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY (RURAL LANDS) 2008
Agriculture is a significant industry, The SEPP contains rural planning The rural planning principles
worth approximately $7.3 billion to principles and rural subdivision identify a range of matters
the economy of NSW and providing principles, which will assist that should be considered
employment to 79 000 people. councils in planning for the proper when councils prepare local
The ongoing orderly and economic management, development and environmental plans for rural land.
development of the rural lands in protection of rural lands. The This will enable opportunities
NSW is vital to the State economy. SEPP also contains measures for economic development,
to reduce land use conflicts, protection of natural resources
In response to the findings of the including preventing subdivision and environmental values and a
Central West Rural Land Review of concessional lots in rural areas. range of housing types in planned
Panel, State Environmental The SEPP allows councils to retain locations.
Planning Policy (Rural Lands) their current minimum lot size(s) or
2008 (the SEPP) has been vary them in accordance with the
prepared to improve planning principles in the SEPP.
outcomes in rural areas of NSW.
SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 20requires an integrated approach – not include provisions
to managing rural landscapes at a to permit concessional
local government area scale. allotments in accordance with
the Rural Lands SEPP.
Planning for peri-urban areas
recognises the need of farmers • Rural residential development
for certainty about the agricultural should only be undertaken
importance and protection on the basis of an agreed
of their lands through clear local government area wide
settlement strategy.
controls and recognition in local
environmental plans. • Housing not ancillary to
agriculture and rural residential
Access to mineral and extractive
development in rural areas
resources is protected through the
will only be allowed where in
strategic planning process by the
accordance with an agreed local
identification of key resources and settlement strategy.
the reduction of land use conflicts
that would sterilise the use of the • Local environmental plans will
resource or create potential for provide for the protection of
mine subsidence. extractive industries and mineral
resources through appropriate
land use zonings and planning
ACTIONS controls that limit the potential
• Local environmental plans will for land use conflict in the buffer
protect and zone land that is areas around these resources.
identified through local strategic
• Councils are to identify strategies
planning as of significant
and planning provisions that will
agricultural value.
safeguard the long term range of
• Councils are to ensure that land uses in areas within close
strategies are prepared proximity to urban areas with
to manage rural lands to the aim of providing a greater
accommodate and protect the level of long term certainty for
range of values that comprise land holders and the orderly
rural lands being scenic, development of future land uses.
environmental and economic.
• Councils are to ensure that
• Local environmental plans will: strategies for the management of
rural land uses and subdivision
– include minimum subdivision recognise the environmental and
standards for rural and economic potential of wind farming
environmental protection zones activities, while balancing the need
– include provisions to limit to protect key rural landscapes
dwellings in the rural and and avoid inappropriate conflict
environmental zones with rural residential areas.
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