2 minute read
Introduction
MidCoast Council and its community are experiencing a time of great change. With this comes the opportunity to review where we have been, and to ensure that where we are going meets the needs of both current and future residents of the area.
This Housing Strategy (the Strategy) seeks to do just that. The Strategy was developed in conjunction with extensive engagement with the community, industry and representatives of various housing related sectors. It establishes the current situation for housing, plots a course for where we want to go, and facilitates a way to get there. In broad terms, the Strategy identifies the opportunities and constraints within the housing market now, and housing needs of the future. In detailed terms, it realises the role of local government to establish land use planning tools and mechanisms to facilitate delivery of desired future outcomes. However, local government can only facilitate outcomes, influence policy and work within the legal frameworks established by State and Federal Governments. This Strategy outlines a 20-year vision for Council’s directions to facilitate the delivery of residential housing needs. It identifies the future needs of specific localities, the needs of particular housing sectors, and the needs of the growing MidCoast community. The outcomes of the Strategy will inform the development of a new MidCoast Local Environmental Plan - Council's key land use planning framework for the future. This will align Council’s broader commitments to its resident and business communities through its Community Strategic Plan, whilst meeting its obligations for the delivery of housing under the State Government led Hunter Regional Plan 2036. It is noted that the Housing Strategy is one of several strategic land-use planning projects being undertaken by Council. Only land with an existing residential or tourism zone was reviewed in the Housing Strategy. Some sites may move into a residential zone as an outcome of these other land-use strategies. Where known, these have been integrated into this document, but others may arise over time.
Figure 1: MidCoast Local Government Area
Over time, this overarching Strategy will be supported by a range of more detailed work to further establish clear land use planning directions. These directions will support the retention of desired attributes of our coastal and inland residential areas, whilst facilitating sustainable and controlled growth. These will include Local Strategic Planning Statements, a consolidated Development Control Plan and character statements to address specific locational considerations. This document has been prepared by Council’s Strategic Planning team and project consultants. Input was sought from the community via eight workshops in 2018 and through the ‘Zoning In’ consultation in 2020, as well as industry and specific housing related sector meetings. With broad support for its directions, there is no doubt that the MidCoast will continue to be a great place to live, work and play.
An outline of the Housing Strategy and its various sections is provided below.
