Medium-density housing will become more common in many Lake Macquarie suburbs identified for "urban intensification" in a new council planning strategy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The council voted on Monday to place its draft Local Strategic Planning Statement on exhibition for 28 days.
The document is a requirement of all NSW councils and aligns with state and regional planning objectives.
Drafted after the release of the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan last year, the statement lays out council's vision for Lake Macquarie over the next 20 years, reflecting other strategies like the visionary plan Imagine Lake Mac: 2050 And Beyond.
Four "areas of change" are earmarked for "urban intensification" in the statement, including the North West Catalyst Area of Speers Point, Edgeworth and Cardiff; North East Growth Area from Charlestown to Belmont; South East Growth Area between Caves Beach and North Wallarah; and South West Growth Area of Cooranbong, Morisset and Wyee.
The areas highlight where much of the predicted infill housing growth will likely occur.
The GNMP envisioned 13,700 extra homes in Lake Macquarie by 2036, with 60 per cent infill housing and 40 per cent on greenfield sites.
The city's population is forecast to rise from 205,000 in 2019 to 250,000 by 2050 under a low-growth scenario.
A medium-growth would see it rise to 335,000 and a high-growth, likely only possible with enhancements to Sydney transport links, would see it rise to 388,000.
"A focus is to facilitate development of medium to high-density housing such as apartments, townhouses and homes on small lots in and around our centres," the statement says.
"Public investment to expand transport options should be a catalyst for attracting private investment in medium to high-density development."
The statement describes council's vision for the city to be "one of the most productive, adaptable, sustainable and liveable places in Australia". Seven planning priorities are listed to achieve the vision, each with associated strategies and actions.
Some short-term actions include creating a transport strategy to prioritise infrastructure and an urban forest strategy to increase trees.
Undertaking a feasibility study for an entertainment centre is a medium-term action, while investigating re-use of power stations as they near closure is long-term.
At Monday night's meeting, Cr Kevin Baker took issue with the timeframe of planning for a Morisset bypass.
"To start looking at this in four years' time ... is wrong. We should be looking at it in the short term," he said.
Cr Adam Shultz raised concerns about a perceived lack of focus on job creation, saying 40 per cent of the city's working residents travelled outside the local government area for work.
Lake Macquarie mayor Cr Kay Fraser said the statement had been based on the "aspirations, knowledge and values" expressed by residents who helped create the City's Vision in 2016.
"We already have a strong foundation - we are a progressive city, well known for our innovation, investment opportunities, outdoor adventures, liveability, and of course our natural beauty," she said.
"This draft plan will continue to guide our City's progress."
The statement is on exhibition until November 29.