The revised proposal and accompanying development control plan also aims to protect ecological values on the site.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has amended its Local Environmental Plan 2011 to rezone Lot 10 DP 615775 and Lot 1 DP 1210904 at Bonny Hills from RU1 Primary Production to part IN2 Light Industrial and part E2 Environmental Conservation.

The planning proposal and draft development control plan (DCP) was previously exhibited in November and December 2019 and a number of changes have been made to the proposal following consideration of submissions received.

The site adjoins environmental living zoned land to the north (separated by Houston Mitchell Drive) and residential zoned land to the east (separated by Ocean Drive).

The adjoining lands to the east are currently undergoing development as part of the Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills urban release area and include the Lake Cathie Primary School, council sports fields and residential subdivision.

Queens Lake State Conservation Area (SCA) adjoins the site to the west. The rural zoned lands adjoining the site to the south are identified in council's urban growth management strategy (UGMS) for further investigation for light industry or school uses.

The UGMS recognises that there is currently no zoned land for local service industry in the Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills locality and that the site will provide approximately half of the required land area to satisfy this existing shortfall.

There is currently an area in the north of the site which is considered to be core koala habitat, there are four large hollow bearing trees on the property and the site is potentially subject to flooding in storm surge events.

The draft DCP also contains provisions in relation to fauna fencing, access and the management of stormwater for the site.

It is also proposed to ensure all bushfire protection measures are contained within the proposed industrial zoned land.

The draft Bonny Hills Community Plan, which was endorsed by council in 2018 and has been subject to community consultation, acknowledges that the village will experience significant population growth over the next 20 years; and that this growth will generate demand and opportunities for a range of new local business services and employment.

Revised plans for this site are on exhibition until March 31. Online written submissions in relation to the proposal and the draft DCP provisions are invited up until 5pm by clicking here or by sending council your written comments by email to council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.

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