Planning for the Hastings community’s future will be a key item of discussion at the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council meeting on June 20.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillors will consider the proposed adoption of a revised Urban Growth Management Strategy.
The strategy maps out how council intends to plan for our growing population.
“The Port Macquarie-Hastings region is experiencing growth like never seen before, and council is taking a proactive approach to ensure we have balance in meeting the immediate needs of our community, while having a clear vision for our future,” mayor Peta Pinson said.
This is the first time the 2011 strategy has been reviewed and the community has made a significant contribution through a discussion paper, engagement opportunities and public exhibition of the revised draft strategy.
The draft strategy maps out a 20 year plan for the Hastings and includes long term growth options.
It is one of a suite of planning documents developed by council to ensure sustainable regional growth.
“Our population is expected to swell from 80,000 to more than 102,000 in the next 20 years so it is really important that we plan for this growth, understand how our community is changing and what it might look like in the future,” Cr Pinson said.
Council’s general manager Craig Swift-McNair said the strategy is about prioritising what is important for the Hastings to prosper.
“The work we are undertaking involves us developing a series of planning documents that are forward thinking, actionable and address those things that are important to our community,” Mr Swift-McNair said.
A number of key plans are in various stages of development, and focus on community services and infrastructure, including:
- How we will get around efficiently and safely - planning for road, transport and pedestrian needs;
- Housing, including where urban growth will occur and the new neighbourhoods that may be required;
- Essential services for day-to-day living including water, sewerage, stormwater and waste;
- Key infrastructure that may need to be upgraded or built including bridges, sporting fields, aquatic facilities and community buildings;
- How to maintain and protect the region’s environment;
- Maintaining and providing new parks, gardens, playgrounds and other community spaces;
- Continuing to build a vibrant and inclusive community through culture, events and supporting a broad range of community groups and services;
- Supporting local business and industry including encouraging new investment and providing jobs
“Working in close partnership with other levels of government is key to ensuring we can deliver on the vision and get the funding that will be needed to support and develop our community,” Mr Swift-McNair said.
“There has been a lot of work undertaken to date in developing our suite of planning documents, and we are encouraging our community to get involved in the conversation, have your say and assist us in developing the blueprint for our future.”
At the June meeting, council will also consider the Operational Plan for 2018/19, which details the proposed actions, activities, projects, budget and performance measures for the coming financial year.
To assist the community, council has developed a webpage that provides a range of information on plans for the future at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/future-planning. This information is also available at Council offices and libraries in Laurieton, Port Macquarie and Wauchope or by calling council on 6581 8111.
