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8 0 0 2 / 7 0 / 4 1 SYDNEY– REGIONAL STRATEGY STRATEGY CORRIDOR CANBERRA 2

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a C d y 2006–31 S 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 signifi cant 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 defi ne 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 identifi es 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 specifi c regional HOUSING AND SETTLEMENT ...... 32 infrastructure requirements identifi ed 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 identifi ed 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 fi ve 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 4. Drinking Water Catchments www.planning.nsw.gov.au 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.

SydCanb_Cover_Final.indd 3 14/07/2008 09:29:37 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 identifi es water resources healthy tourism industry. and key areas supporting The Strategy will be continually biodiversity and water quality. monitored and reviewed every fi ve This is the sixth regional years. I commend it to you. strategy to be fi nalised by the The Sydney–Canberra Corridor NSW Government, to manage also includes signifi cant 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 identifi es 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 fl ow 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 Specifi c future infrastructure occurring in and around existing requirements for the Region, major regional centres. This will identifi ed 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.

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The Sydney–Canberra Corridor region

The Sydney–Canberra The Sydney–Canberra Corridor distance of Sydney and Canberra is a region of signifi cant potential. that are also experiencing Corridor extends from Linking Sydney and Canberra, the signifi cant 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 fl ows, goods projected to be 183 350 by the NSW/ACT border in and services. The volume and 2031, a growth of 46 350 people, fl ow of goods, people and ideas requiring an additional 25 200 the south and includes represents a signifi cant 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 Tablelands – an area of largest city, Sydney and the 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 square kilometres. their infl uence on the Region. This 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 traditional home of development is mainly occurring, and regions, the Sydney–Canberra being generally at the northern and the Gundungurra, Corridor provides signifi cant 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, refl ecting 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

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 3 14/07/2008 10:27:53 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 refl ect 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 signifi cant land use in many parts Goulburn, Australia’s fi rst inland people live and work whilst of the Region and greater access preserving the natural and within and out of the Region has city, plays an important role as the regional service centre for economic assets warrants a considerably improved mobility and regional strategic approach. choice in terms of where people the central part of the Region 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 benefi t 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 signifi cant 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

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Regional challenges

Critical to ensuring POPULATION AND attracting retirees. Growth and HOUSING change in areas adjoining the Region, that the Region particularly Sydney and Canberra remains a liveable and The Region current population will continue to shape the future 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 signifi cant 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 based housing to be experiencing population 13.5 percent in 2006 to 27.8 percent 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 signifi cant, as minimise commuting Region because of their desire to it exceeds the rate of ageing in its live within a rural setting, as well adjacent metropolitan areas. out of the Region; as those seeking more affordable Although it has a high population housing, but with continued access provide reliable growth rate, the population growth to the economic opportunities 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, protection of the rural, Canberra and other adjoining Palerang and Yass Valley local regions is also expected. government areas. If historical natural and cultural Historically, there have been trends continue, Goulburn assets of the Region. different patterns of growth from Mulwaree shire will experience a 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,

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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/infi ll and less greenfi eld 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 fi ve 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.

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SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 6 14/07/2008 10:27:57 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 profi tability already established in the Region, being pursued by councils of farms, can lead to land use as well as additional needs. Both confl ict, and increases the cost Goulburn and Queanbeyan contain • ensure secure and sustainable of rural lands. The proximity of signifi cant 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 offi ces. come the need to adapt to new Agriculture is a major feature of the technologies, constant competition Region’s economy contributing The key population and housing for national and international markets, nearly $200 million per annum challenges are to: as well as changing climatic patterns. and employing, both directly and Planning for rural lands must • cater for the extra 46 350 indirectly, 11 percent of the Region’s recognise that the rural landscape people over the period to workforce1. The general farming cannot remain fi xed but must 2031, matching housing with landscapes of many parts of the accommodate changes to ensure changing demographic trends, Region also contribute to the scenic objectives for agriculture, as well particularly an ageing population environment and amenity that as other objectives are met. State and declining household makes the Region an attractive Environmental Planning Policy (Rural occupancy rates 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 greenfi eld 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 1 ABS Census of Population and Housing, 2001 and agriculture is therefore a key MacroPlan Australia.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 7

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policies can be used to help the Region will be a signifi cant • 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 identifi cation 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 benefi ts 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 benefi ts. 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 refl ecting 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 infl uence 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 Signifi cance listing the township traditional agricultural sector, the • support the economic contribution recognises not just the buildings Regional Strategy can ensure that of existing and potential primary within the town, but the pattern of the potential for these resources industries to the Region settlement and its context within a to be sterilised by inappropriate 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 refl ected 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

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SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 8 14/07/2008 10:27:59 • 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 infl uence 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 signifi cant 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 identifi cation 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 identifi cation 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 infl uenced 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

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•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 modifi ed 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 signifi cance and the and agriculture in the Region has links between them. ENVIRONMENT resulted in a signifi cantly modifi ed 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 refl ect the within the national parks reserve for ongoing primary production in history of extensive modifi cation 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. and south western corners. almost 11 percent of the land is Climate change presents itself managed for both water catchment The Region contains a range of not only as an environmental and conservation purposes, distinct and related ecosystems, challenge, but as a social and predominately in the Shoalhaven including several endangered economic challenge for the and Metropolitan Special Areas as ecological communities such as Region as well. Apart from the managed by the Department of the Natural Temperate Grasslands hazards associated with a more Environment and Climate Change of the Southern Tablelands and the variable climate, such as droughts, bushfi res and fl ooding 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

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SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 10 14/07/2008 10:28:00 • 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 fl ow 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 • improve water management Water is a crucial resource for the council’s integrated water cycle and conservation strategies to Region. Important watercourses management plan process; the secure water supply to new include the Murrumbidgee, recent upgrading of Sooley Dam to residential areas Shoalhaven, Lachlan, Yass, increase the capacity of the dam 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 fl ows 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 identifi ed 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 benefi cial effect on water quality as well as protecting the water supply of Sydney and regional centres such as Goulburn.

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SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 11 14/07/2008 10:28:02 A vision for the future

The Sydney–Canberra It is this character and sense of Thriving place that make the Region such Corridor Region has an attractive place for existing The Region attracts economic residents and new comers alike. opportunities and builds on the evolved from a series The rural landscapes help to defi ne skills and experience of its residents to help encourage regionally based of individual centres, the sense of the Region as a place where a connection to a rural employment, whilst sustainably towns and villages lifestyle, still exists within a short managing future growth. 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 pastoral and rural corridor between Sydney and the liveable community within a rural national capital. landscape. heritage to defi ne 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 benefi t of present and future generations.

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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 identifi ed growth and signifi cant scenic and areas such as Bowral, cultural landscapes. Goulburn and Queanbeyan.

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SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 13 14/07/2008 10:28:04 MAJORTOWN 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 LAND

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 14 14/07/2008 10:28:04 46,350 more people 25,200 new homes 27,800 new jobs 25 year plan SYDNEY 3 major regional centres

Yanderra CANBERRA AND WOLLONGONG Hill Top 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 New Berrima BOWRAL professional services. 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 Robertson northern part of the region. Bundanoon Marulan 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. 020406080km

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 15 14/07/2008 10:28:07 NATURAL RESOURCES MAP

y a w h g i H e m u H

Lake Avon Mittagong

Crookwell BOWRAL Moss Vale Wingecarribee Robertson Reservoir Marulan Bundanoon

GOULBURN Gunning

Yass NOWRA–BOMADERRY

Lake Burrinjuck Lake Lake Bathurst George

Bungendore

CANBERRA QUEANBEYAN

Googong Braidwood Reservoir A.C.T

BATEMANS BAY

0306015

Kilometres

Major Regional Centre Major Airport Drinking Water Catchments REP No. 1 Railway Line Major Town 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 16

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 16 14/07/2008 10:28:08 4

Rural lands and primary industry

BACKGROUND in 2006, 27.8 percent of the new agricultural industries in the workforce in the Upper Lachlan Region confi rms 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 refl ected in of agricultural products, which is of the Region also defi ne its employment in the agriculture, becoming increasingly diverse. intrinsic rural character, one forestry and fi shing 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 signifi cant fl ow 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 signifi cant 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-fl ower associated industries, as well as and retail trade, property, and and wine production industries. maintaining the broad landscapes health services. that defi ne 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 diversifi cation production of food and fi bre, the Region and is a signifi cant 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 confl icts 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 17

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 17 14/07/2008 10:28:37 4 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 fi bre 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 confl ict and Goulburn Mulwaree, contribute signifi cantly to the economy of Canberra and Melbourne. • decrease the economic value the Region. The major resource of rural land as a resource With its highly attractive rural deposits of sand and hard because land values are based character, rural lifestyle housing as rock in the northern and central on residential rather than rural residential development has subregions have the potential to agricultural capacity occurred at a signifi cant scale in supply Sydney with construction many parts of the Region. Rural • impose costs on the community material for up to 50 years. residential development can cater to service and maintain As these resources are estimated to for demand for an alternative residential land uses within the be in excess of 1000 million tonnes, form of housing within the Region rural landscape there is signifi cant potential to provided it is appropriately located expand the present level of supply and planned for. The trend has • result in social isolation of the friable fi ne–medium been to locate rural residential sandstone. The location of many • result in resource and development largely within the of these resources, near rail and ecosystem degradation commuting zone of Sydney, 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 signifi cant established centres such as Yass through confl ict between rural from a State perspective. and Murrumbateman. However, industries and those seeking a Signifi cant 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 Key elements of this strategic There is potential for this supply development and the breakup of approach include long term to rise signifi cantly with resources agricultural land can: planning to accommodate demand being depleted from deposits • 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 18

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 18 14/07/2008 10:28:39 Current 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 Coalfi elds. The are widely dispersed across the of the Region are a signifi cant Southern Coalfi eld 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 signifi cant landscapes include the seams, requires underground be found in the Palerang area, Lake George and the Lake George mining techniques. while several signifi cant 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 signifi cant infl uence 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 19

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 19 14/07/2008 10:28:39 4 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 confl ict 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 fi bre, the minimisation of land With its consistent high wind levels benefi ts of the industry. use confl ict, 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 signifi cant 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 signifi cant 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 confl icts, protection of natural resources In response to the fi ndings 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 20

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 20 14/07/2008 10:28:42 requires 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 controls and recognition in local settlement strategy. environmental plans. • Housing not ancillary to Access to mineral and extractive agriculture and rural residential 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 identifi cation of key resources and settlement strategy. the reduction of land use confl icts 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 confl ict in the buffer protect and zone land that is areas around these resources. identifi ed through local strategic • Councils are to identify strategies planning as of signifi cant 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 confl ict environmental zones with rural residential areas.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 21

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 21 14/07/2008 10:28:42 Economic development and employment growth

BACKGROUND subregion for its rural and a major driver of population heritage character, and its growth within the subregion’s With its rural industries, major proximity to Sydney4. commuting zone. regional centres at Bowral, Goulburn and Queanbeyan, as well as the While the major regional centres The manufacturing sector within proximity of different parts of the and major towns capture retail the Region has seen strong Region to Sydney and Canberra, spending by tourists, they also growth, outperforming the NSW the Region has a diverse economic provide a signifi cant role as service growth rate, particularly in the base. This diversity is refl ected in the centres for the surrounding rural northern subregion of the corridor. range of economic and employment hinterland and, in the case of Goulburn also has a signifi cant drivers and characteristics. Queanbeyan, suburban areas. manufacturing base, with focus Service industries play a signifi cant on primary production and Tourism is a major economic role in the regional economy. For processing for export. Hi-tech contributor for the Region, example, in the northern subregion, product manufacturing is a generating $600 million in education and health care account strength of the southern subregion 3 2001 . Natural and cultural for around 20 percent of all with local companies producing a assets create signifi cant employment, while retailing, cafes range of high technology products. tourism attractors, including and restaurants also employ a the Region’s heritage focused similar number of people. Two key economic strengths of on the towns and landscapes of the Region are accessibility to Braidwood, Goulburn and Yass; Due to the proximity of Canberra major transport infrastructure the proximity of the southern to the southern subregion and its supply of affordable part of the Region to Canberra there is a signifi cant amount of employment lands relative to and the NSW snowfi elds; and employment in the government Sydney and Canberra. the rural and cultural landscapes, administration and defence including the Southern Highlands sector (approximately 18 percent)5. and natural features including However, many of these jobs are Lake George and Wombeyan located in Canberra which is a Caves. Over 50 percent of all large contributor to the number day-trippers and 40 percent of journey to work trips out of 3 National Visitor Survey Q1 1998 to Q3 2003, Bureau of Tourism Research, MacroPlan, Australia. of overnight visitors within the subregion. Conversely the 4 Ibid. the Region visit the northern proximity of Canberra has been 5 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Population and Housing Census, 2006.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 22

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 22 14/07/2008 10:28:44 5

The Hume, Federal and Barton placed to build on its strengths EMPLOYMENT LANDS highways and the Main Southern as a location for information Railway are two key pieces of and communications business. Future additional employment infrastructure and economic Signifi cant opportunities exist opportunities in the Region investment in the Region. They in the form of employment are necessary to match the provide a high level of direct lands developments and the projected population growth of access to Sydney and Canberra redevelopment and renewal of 46 350 people. This population and a strategic comparative existing town centres to encourage growth is projected to generate advantage in terms of logistics, new businesses to establish or a demand for an additional warehousing and transport. existing businesses to relocate to 27 800 jobs based on current This is evident in the established the Region. The Regional Strategy workforce participation rates. logistics facilities in Goulburn and is consistent with the State Plan The Strategy aims to promote and the potential to cluster-related priority for the creation of an accommodate this employment industries in Goulburn and other economic development taskforce growth within the Region by locations such as Yass. In the involving state, federal and ACT encouraging the identifi cation of northern subregion the Moss Vale– governments to assist existing additional, strategically located, Berrima Enterprise Corridor will business grow and encourage employment land. The type also rely on access to the Hume new business to relocate to and extent of employment Highway and siding access to the regional areas6. opportunities are likely to vary Main Southern Railway and a direct signifi cantly across the Region. rail connection to Port Kembla. The rural landscapes of the The drivers of the demand for Region are a key signifi cant employment lands are partly In terms of affordable employment resource for a range of population driven, but can more lands the Region is well placed economic contributors to the broadly comprise a range of to play a key competitive role in Region. Traditionally the rural economic and area specifi c supplying employment land in landscapes have been and opportunities and characteristics. regional NSW and be a viable, continue to be predominantly cost-competitive, alternative used for agriculture, though now The key subregional characteristics location to Sydney or Canberra. also involve tourism, mining and are described as follows. More broadly in terms of the quarrying, energy production movement of goods, services through wind farms and rural 6 Premier’s Department, State plan: a new direction for NSW, NSW Government, Sydney 2006, page 165, http:// and information, the Region is well lifestyle housing. www.stateplan.nsw.gov.au.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 23

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Northern subregion employment land in the subregion, resident workforce with job (Wingecarribee local of which 212 hectares is occupied, availability. At the same time, government area) leaving 135 hectares vacant. settlements such as Gunning are within commuting distance of Demand for employment lands Central subregion Canberra and are therefore linked arises from an increase in (Goulburn Mulwaree to economic opportunities in the population within the subregion and Upper Lachlan local southern subregion and the ACT and the proximity of the area to as well as the central subregion. Sydney and the Illawarra, as well government areas) as being infl uenced by: Goulburn has the majority of Southern subregion employment lands in the central • the proximity of the area to subregion, with 615 hectares (Queanbeyan, Yass major metropolitan markets for currently zoned. There are Valley and Palerang local regionally based business 465 hectares already occupied, government areas) leaving 150 hectares vacant. • the improved accessibility of the Queanbeyan has the main areas of area through infrastructure such Again there is a competitive employment land for the subregion. as the M7 and M5 in Sydney surplus of land that can be used There is 815 hectares of existing zoned employment lands with • land affordability to advantage in this subregion, in particular Goulburn, given its only 30 hectares being identifi ed • high rates of commuting out of strategic siting mid way between as vacant/underutilised, but is the subregion. Sydney and Canberra, the high constrained by size and of limited accessibility of the road and rail potential for major employment The Northern subregion is not self links and the established cluster of generating development. contained in terms of the demand logistics and warehousing. and supply of employment lands The Queanbeyan employment and and is affected by markets from Opportunities exist to build on business sector is closely linked to adjoining regions. Currently there the minimal commuting out of the the wider Canberra–Queanbeyan is 347 hectares of existing zoned subregion in terms of matching metropolitan area and market.

MOSS VALE–BERRIMA ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR

The Moss Vale–Berrima Enterprise an existing siding of the Main assessments. This includes Corridor is 630 hectares of land Southern Railway and a direct rail infrastructure funding, sequencing identifi ed between Moss Vale and connection to Port Kembla. and staging arrangements. Berrima. There is a competitive Particular consideration will need surplus of land to take advantage Wingecarribee Council has to be given to the upgrading of of given the location of the enterprise included the Moss Vale–Berrima the regional transport network, corridor and its strategic position Enterprise Corridor as an specifi cally road links to the Hume in terms of regional infrastructure industrial area in its draft local Highway and rail-siding access to including proximity to the Hume environmental plan. The extent of the Main Southern Railway. Highway and being serviced the developable area is subject to by a natural gas main pipeline, detailed site and environmental

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 24

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 24 14/07/2008 10:28:46 Estimates of employment land of new land is needed within the Enterprise Corridor, Goulburn supply and demand must therefore Queanbeyan local government and Yass. Strategic planning for a be based on an analysis of the area, which is consistent with the number of potential sites will create Cross-Border Region. Queanbeyan Minister’s approval of Queanbeyan opportunities to respond quickly has a strong established Council’s Residential Economic and take full advantage of specifi c employment base that is critical to Strategy 2031. proposals for economic investment its role as a major regional centre. where and when these occur. There is potential to rezone The Queanbeyan City Residential additional employment lands at and Economic Strategy 2031 has Employment potential also exists the Moss Vale–Berrima Enterprise identifi ed the need for an additional in the commercial centres of the Corridor in the northern subregion, 130 hectares of employment Region, particularly in light of the Goulburn in the central subregion land in Queanbeyan, at a site at strong potential for growth in and in Queanbeyan in the southern South Jerrabomberra adjacent the services, retail and tourism subregion. Other potential locations to the industrial area of Hume in sectors. It will be important to for more local employment land the ACT. This will be rezoned for focus growth in these centres so include Yass, Bungendore, employment uses, to support that they retain fulfi l their potential Crookwell and Gunning. Where continued economic development. within the broader centres there is a surplus of employment hierarchy. Maintaining the centres Yass provides opportunities to land this should be protected to hierarchy is important as it not only locate employment close to the maintain a competitive advantage defi nes a centre’s function, it also intersection of the Hume and to attract new business or enable provides certainty for investors Barton Highways, providing for existing businesses to grow. and ensures facilities are located local employment opportunities There is a desire to see further where population and employment and regional economic growth. economic development and growth is occurring. Centres also Similarly, Bungendore has economic self-reliance in the Region. need to take advantage of good opportunities to provide additional The supply of employment land links to existing transport corridors employment land to boost its within the Sydney–Canberra to ensure that their respective roles role as a local service centre Corridor provides an opportunity to and functions are supported. and to reduce its dependence reduce the number of people who on Queanbeyan. Generally, the major potential commute out of the Region for work. employment lands coincide EMPLOYMENT LANDS The proximity of the Sydney– with the major regional centres. The identifi ed major regional centre NEEDS Canberra Corridor to a number of other regions and the high in the northern subregion is Bowral, Estimates have identifi ed that a quality transport infrastructure give although this centre functions with further 295 hectares of employment opportunities to further develop support from Mittagong and Moss lands are needed across the Region. its economic base. There is Vale. These three centres function Table 1 shows the amount of considerable interest in establishing in a complementary fashion with employment land needed by freight transport and logistics Bowral providing higher order subregion. In some cases suffi cient hubs in several locations within retail and commercial services; land exists to meet this demand, the Region. Potential locations Mittagong is the local service although at least 130 hectares include the Moss Vale–Berrima centre with some capacity for more

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 25

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 25 14/07/2008 10:28:48 5 economic development and employment growth

retail development and Moss Vale Queanbeyan and Yass provide OUTCOMES functions as the administrative opportunities in the southern and rural service centre. The Moss subregion for retail and business The location of major employment Vale–Berrima Enterprise Corridor services, serving the larger lands supports the economic supports the complementary role Canberra–Queanbeyan metropolitan potential and growth of the Region of these three centres. area (which has the additional and consolidates the role of the locational advantage of Canberra regional centres by making best In the central subregion, Goulburn Airport). Both areas also have good use of existing infrastructure as is the focus for service and retail road and rail access. Queanbeyan well as supporting established based employment. This role is also increasing its importance as services and businesses. has potential to expand with a location for government services investigations into two locations The supply of employment and facilities, which is refl ected by lands refl ects the wider regional for new freight transport and recent decisions to redevelop the logistics employment areas and the economic drivers and opportunities Queanbeyan hospital and construct for economic development by advantage of a ready workforce a State government offi ce block. and affordable housing. Goulburn capitalising on the Region’s high continues to provide services to a quality transport links and proximity broader hinterland and supporting to Sydney, Canberra, the Illawarra town and village centres, refl ecting and other regions. its important role as a hub for agri- Growth of employment business based services, including opportunities leads to a reduction government services for natural in the proportion of the workforce resource management, primary commuting out of the Region from production and justice. 26 percent to 20 percent.

The important and differing role of major regional centres, as well as towns and villages is recognised, within a clearly defi ned hierarchy of centres (see Table 2). Regional services and residential development are consolidated in the major regional centres.

Economic growth in the southern subregion responds to the needs and takes advantage of opportunities presented by economic growth of Canberra.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 26

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 26 14/07/2008 10:28:56 ACTIONS • Council-based mechanisms • The Department of Planning, in or controls will be identifi ed consultation with councils, will • Local strategies and local to preserve and support establish a framework to monitor environmental plans will ensure the identifi ed hierarchy of the supply of employment lands, that major regional centres are commercial centres for the including details on location the focus for the majority of Region (see Table 2). and zoning. The monitor will be new employment land releases updated annually by councils. in the local government area. • The Department of Planning will work with the Department of • Any future proposals for • Local strategies and local State and Regional Development signifi cant employment environmental plans will identify and the following councils to lands outside of the major and safeguard appropriate and identify additional employment regional centres are to satisfy adequate land for employment land needs: the Sustainability Criteria purposes consistent with meeting – Yass Valley Council for land (Appendix 1). the type of demand outlined in at Yass Table 1 – Additional Employment • The Department of State and Lands. This is to include – Upper Lachlan Council for Regional Development and local consideration of measures such land at Gunning and Collector councils will investigate the as minimising land fragmentation; – Palerang Council for land at potential to stimulate economic appropriate land use zoning and Bungendore. growth and create jobs in the sequencing/staging provisions. corridor through the Capital Region • Wingecarribee Shire Council Development Board and Illawarra • Local environmental plans will continue to plan for the Employment Lands Task Force. are to incorporate appropriate provision of infrastructure and provisions to facilitate the sequencing of development employment growth in the in the Moss Vale–Berrima nominated major regional centres, Enterprise Corridor. towns and villages, including as home-based employment.

Table 1 – Additional employment lands

Additional employment Available employment Subregion Projected additional jobs land needed (hectares) land (hectares)

Northern 9000 75 135*

Central 1800 50 150

Southern 17 000 170 30**

Total Sydney–Canberra Corridor 27 800 295 315

* Up to 630 hectares of additional employment land is proposed in the Moss Vale–Berrima Enterprise Corridor. ** An additional 130 hectares of employment land has been identifi ed in the approved Queanbeyan Residential and Economic Strategy 2031, which will be rezoned for employment uses.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 27

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 27 14/07/2008 10:28:57 Table 2 – Sydney–Canberra Corridor centres hierarchy Commercial centres servicing Key functions of the centre the Region Major regional Bowral, Goulburn and Provide for the majority of commercial and retail growth within the centre Queanbeyan Region. A concentration of mid to higher density living, business, employment, professional services and specialised shops and associated warehouses, transport logistics and bulky goods operations. Focal point for subregional road and transport networks. The full range of housing types generally provided. Major town Yass, Mittagong, Moss Vale Larger owns providing local and district services and facilities. Comprising the general range of weekly and some higher order goods and business services with well established town centres. The full range of housing types generally provided. Town Examples include Robertson, Small centres that vary in size. Small to medium concentrations Marulan, Braidwood and of retail, health and other services with lower density housing. Crookwell as well as many others. Reliant on higher order centres for shopping and employment. Villages Examples include Berrima, Small centres providing a limited range of local retail and Collector and Captains Flat as general services. well as many others.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 28

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Regional transport

BACKGROUND While the Regional Strategy The Hume/Federal Highway route, recognises the need to further which crosses much of the One of the defi ning elements improve the transport connections Region, is one of Australia’s of the Region is the transport between Sydney and Canberra, highest quality inter-capital road connections between Sydney and it also recognises the importance links and connects Sydney, the Canberra. These connections of maintaining strong internal ACT and Melbourne. The Main facilitate the fl ow of goods, people connections between centres Southern Railway connects and information between Sydney and towns. Ensuring appropriate Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne and Canberra, as well Melbourne, access to centres such as Bowral, and has particular importance as Wollongong and nearby areas in Goulburn and Queanbeyan allows a rail freight route. The Region the Central West, Riverina and the potential of these centres as contains some of Australia’s most South Coast. However, with the employment, tourism and residential signifi cant road and rail freight and desire for improved transport and areas to grow and develop. passenger movements. accessibility comes the risk that the centres, towns and villages The Hume Highway and the Main The Sydney–Melbourne corridor of the Region lose their place as Southern Railway corridor have is vital to the Australian economy, destinations in their own right. historically defi ned the Region. as it is the busiest inter-capital

JOURNEY TO WORK

Journey to work is a particularly opportunities is critical to and ensuring suffi cient land for the signifi cant issue within the supporting the regional economy, anticipated growth of the Region, Region due to the proximity of general environmental sustainability the Regional Strategy aims to the northern area to Sydney and (e.g. reduction in energy use) and reduce the proportion of the resident the southern area to Canberra. the attraction of the Region as a workforce commuting out of the Both have commuting infl uences lifestyle choice. Region for work from the current that extend well into the Region. 26 percent to 20 percent or less. Whilst recognising that a signifi cant By providing employment lands proportion of residents will located in or near regional centres, continue to commute, the issue of supporting the consolidation of creating region-based employment housing in the major regional centres

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road corridor. The rail corridor Region’s attractiveness, particularly for the northern part of the provides a critical standard gauge for people living in the Region and Region to take advantage of inter-capital freight link between commuting to Sydney or Canberra the Port expansion. Sydney and Melbourne. Interstate for work. The ease of access to freight between Sydney and Sydney and Canberra also make it Options for improving rail transport Melbourne is forecast to increase possible for people who live within between Sydney and Canberra by nearly 70 percent (average the Region to regularly visit the include upgrading the existing growth around 2.6 percent per metropolitan areas for business or line to remove slow sections or year)7 from 2900 to 3500 heavy individual reasons. It is important improved rolling stock, which could trucks per day to between 5000 to remember that no part of the result in considerable transport and 6000 heavy trucks per day Region is more than two and a benefi ts and opportunities over the next 20 years. half hours from the outskirts of a generated by improving rail travel metropolitan area. times and freight capacity between The main strategic transport routes Sydney, Canberra, Port Kembla in the Region are the Hume The Region has a high level of and the corridor. Highway, Federal Highway, Barton commuting with approximately Highway, Kings Highway and the 26 percent of the resident Canberra International Airport is a Illawarra Highway. Other important workforce living within the Region signifi cant asset for the ACT and routes include the Monaro travelling out of the Region for the Corridor. The airport provides Highway, Burley Griffi n Way, and work. By far the most common commercial fl ights to Sydney, the newly sealed Tablelands Way method of transport for travel Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and from Goulburn to Oberon via to work is car – the most recent Adelaide. Regional services are Crookwell. Main Road 92 between statistics indicate that 78.1 percent also provided to Newcastle and Nowra and Nerriga provides travel by car8 – which is higher Albury. The airport contributes an important link between the than the NSW and ACT averages to the local economy through southern part of the Region and and largely refl ects the generally movement of people, tourism, the South Coast. dispersed settlement pattern of employment and freight cartage. many parts of the Region. Signifi cantly improved access through investment in transport The Region and the ACT are infrastructure has been a major connected by rail to Sydney driver of population growth and are served by country and pressure and tourism in the interstate train services, which Region. In addition to highway pass through the Region. There bypasses increasing the are limited passenger links with accessibility and environmental the surrounding regions, especially quality of many towns, major the Illawarra and South Coast. freeway investment has occurred The Region is linked directly to in Sydney and Canberra increasing Port Kembla via the Moss Vale– access to and from the Region. Unanderra rail line for freight. While this line has spare capacity, 7 Auslink, Sydney–Melbourne corridor strategy: building These improvements continue to our national transport plan. upgrades provide an opportunity 8 NSW Department of Planning, journey to work have signifi cant impacts on the statistics 2001.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 30

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 30 14/07/2008 10:28:59 OUTCOMES Regionally specifi c transport • The Ministry of Transport, the infrastructure projects identifi ed by Roads and Traffi c Authority The Region continues to be the State infrastructure strategy and RailCorp will develop recognised as a nationally 2008–09 to 2017–18 New South strategies to identify future important route for the movement Wales (NSW Treasury 2008) improvements to the capacity of of people, services, goods and occur. These projects are listed in roads and rail and bus services information. In particular the role Appendix 2. to cater for population growth of the Hume, Federal and Barton and to identify infrastructure highways as part of the national investment opportunities. highway system and the Main ACTIONS Southern Railway as part of the • Local environmental plans • Councils and community national rail system are recognised are to recognise and protect organisations are encouraged and protected. the regional transport to work together to improve network through appropriate the provision of community The national role of the highway transport services. system is supported by controlling planning provisions. and managing direct access • Local environmental plans are • Local environmental plans and the location of major traffi c to limit inappropriate adjoining are to protect AusLink identifi ed generating activities to the existing development and access corridors, in particular the major regional centres and points off the Hume Highway, proposals to maintain and minimising ribbon development. Barton Highway, Federal improve the capacity of the Moss Vale–Unanderra rail line into Local planning controls provide for Highway, Illawarra Highway and the Kings Highway. Port Kembla so that increased the effi cient and safe movement rail freight can be achieved. of people and goods between • Local environmental plans are to Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. limit inappropriate development The need to maintain accessibility adjoining the major rail lines, being within the Region is recognised the Main Southern Railway, the through clear road and public Moss Vale–Unanderra rail line and transport connections between the the Sydney–Canberra rail line. major regional centres of Bowral, • Local strategies and local Goulburn and Queanbeyan with environmental plans will encourage their supporting network of towns the development of passenger and villages. interchanges in all major regional Development is largely focused on centres, major towns and towns existing regional centres, towns to facilitate access to commercial and villages to maximise the areas and encourage alternative benefi ts of alternative transport forms of transport. options such as local public transport and walkable centres.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 31

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 31 14/07/2008 10:28:59 Housing and settlement

BACKGROUND Northern – Wingecarribee Bowral remains the major regional centre providing higher order Strategically located between shire retail and commercial services Sydney and Canberra, the Region The northern subregion, which is which needs to be reinforced by is one of the fastest inland growth largely within commuting distance consolidating these regional scale areas in NSW with the population of Sydney, has a current population services. Mittagong will continue projected to increase by 46 350 of 42 300 and is projected to increase to play an important role as a local from 137 000 to 183 350 by 2031. by 16 400 to 58 700 by 2031. service centre with Moss Vale With population growth comes The major urban areas within this maintaining its administrative and demand for additional dwellings. subregion are Bowral, Mittagong rural service centre role. All three At the same time changing and Moss Vale. centres play a complementary role, demographic patterns, such as a although their distinctive character greater proportion of single-person The projected population growth and needs to be reinforced through households, also creates demand change in the northern subregion the separation of their respective for additional dwellings. to 2031 will equate to a dwelling urban areas by extensive bushland, demand of 8700. Maintaining the fl oodplain and rural land. It is Settlement within the Region is rural landscape character whilst critical to maintain this distinction heavily infl uenced by the three accommodating an increasing and not allow these towns to be major regional centres of Bowral, population pressure and migration joined by development. Goulburn and Queanbeyan, from Sydney will be a signifi cant the major towns of Mittagong, challenge for this subregion. Moss Vale and Yass, as well as Bowral as the major regional the nearby metropolitan areas Over half of the Wingecarribee centre should be the preferred of Sydney and Canberra. These local government population is location for infi ll development three centres, as well as their located within three adjoining centres: and redevelopment consistent supporting towns and rural villages Bowral (11 500); Mittagong (7500) with creating a vibrant centre will accommodate the majority of and Moss Vale (6800). Although with greater housing choice. The growth. The northern and central these long established centres capacity to accommodate more subregions are likely to benefi t have distinct identities, population intensive development and higher from accelerated opportunities for growth has seen them increasingly densities will be subject to local growth given their close proximity operate as one urban centre with a housing needs and general urban to south-western Sydney. combined population of 25 800. design/character. The majority

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of greenfi eld development will be of greenfi eld land at Kenmore and Marulan also has some potential for located in Mittagong with 1000 additional Marys Mount releases on growth consistent with its identifi ed lots and Moss Vale with 1400 the outskirts of Goulburn (with a role as a town. Opportunities for lots planned for in the short to combined potential of approximately additional housing will be addressed medium term. Additional greenfi eld 1000 dwellings) also provides it through Goulburn Mulwaree development areas will need to be with the opportunity to attract or Council’s 2020 Strategy and local identifi ed and planned for to cater retain a stable workforce in the environmental plan. Development for longer-term demand. area, provided that there are also in Marulan should enable and job opportunities available. These encourage the revival of the Central – Upper Lachlan areas have been proposed to be commercial precinct of the town zoned for housing in Goulburn so that employment opportunities and Goulburn Mulwaree Mulwaree’s draft principal close to home are provided. shires local environmental plan, with Approximately 7100 people live in The central subregion has a mechanisms identifi ed for staging. Upper Lachlan shire, with about current population of 33 100 Given the extent of infi ll potential 25 percent in the township of and is projected to grow by within Goulburn and trends Crookwell. The next largest town 3850 to 36 950 by 2031. This towards an ageing population, is Gunning with the reminder in a will require an additional 2300 a housing mix that encourages number of small villages. The shire dwellings. Goulburn is the major a greater proportion of medium is predominantly based on rural regional centre providing higher density and infi ll development industries and is expected to have order commercial, service and is supported. A more diverse a modest increase in population. community facilities. mix of housing in the centre The small settlements of Gunning The Strategy recognises that of Goulburn can also enable and Collector, are strategically Goulburn has signifi cant potential opportunities for younger age located on key transport links and for growth with an infi ll capacity groups to fi nd affordable housing close to larger cities of Canberra of up to 1300 dwellings and close to services and employment. and Goulburn. There may be a major greenfi eld release at Redevelopment and revitalisation potential to accommodate modest Marys Mount with a capacity of strategies for Goulburn will need amounts of growth in and around approximately 1000 dwellings. The to account for its signifi cant Crookwell, Gunning and Collector potential for further development heritage character. to help support the vitality of these

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towns. Planning for growth will require an additional 10 000 new natural and topographical need to consider the demand for dwellings, the majority of which constraints such as steep slopes, housing and the availability of local are to be accommodated in signifi cant natural vegetation job opportunities, as well as the greenfi eld releases. The mix of values or are within the drinking availability of water supplies. housing, location, servicing and water catchment for Googong staging will be in accordance Dam, all of which need to be Southern – Yass Valley, with an agreed housing strategy protected. In addition, other areas prepared by council. of Queanbeyan are unavailable Palerang, Queanbeyan City for new residential development The southern subregion of the With its proximity to the national because of land fragmentation Region has a current population of capital, the demand for housing in from existing rural residential 61 400 and is projected to grow by Queanbeyan has been consistently areas, or are inappropriate for 26 100 to 87 500. This will require high. As the supply of land in development due to proximity to an additional 14 200 dwellings, Queanbeyan has been taken existing quarries. equating to an annual increase of up there have been growing In light of declining supplies of 1.6 percent. Queanbeyan is the pressures on housing affordability. greenfi eld land in Queanbeyan, major regional centre with other The average cost of housing in in 2006 the Minister for Planning centres at Yass, Bungendore Queanbeyan has increased by established an inquiry to and Braidwood. There are a twenty-fi ve percent in the fi ve years investigate the potential of various number of small villages including to September 2007. The NSW land release sites in Queanbeyan Murrumbateman, Sutton and Centre for Affordable Housing to meet the demand for affordable Binalong. Much of this part of identifi ed that in Queanbeyan, residential development. Following the Region is within commuting between 50 and 75 percent the inquiry, the Minister for distance of Canberra and has of private dwellings could be Planning asked Queanbeyan City benefi ted as a result of migration considered unaffordable. Council to prepare a residential from the ACT. The rural character Managing housing affordability and economic strategy that would of Yass Valley and Palerang shires requires suffi cient capacity of identify the options available to contrasts with the largely suburban housing supply, both in existing meet residential and employment character of Queanbeyan. areas and in greenfi eld release lands needs over the next 25 Queanbeyan is the major regional areas, to keep downward years. This strategy, as approved centre for the southern part of pressure on housing prices. by the Minister and subject to the Region and forms part of the The need to provide greenfi eld any amendments, identifi es the larger Canberra–Queanbeyan housing choice in multiple location of new residential and metropolitan area. locations is an important factor in employment lands development infl uencing housing affordability. for Queanbeyan at Googong and Consistent with its regional centre South Jerrabomberra. role, Queanbeyan is projected to Identifying additional greenfi eld land grow by approximately 16 100, supply options in Queanbeyan has With high rates of population which, along with the demand for always been a challenge because growth projected to continue, additional housing caused by so much of the surrounds of ensuring an adequate supply changing household sizes, will Queanbeyan are affected by of new residential land in a

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 34

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 34 14/07/2008 10:29:05 number of release areas is vital as Murrumbateman and Sutton is identifi ed in the current ACT to the social and economic well are highly accessible to Canberra and Subregion Planning Strategy being of Queanbeyan. Planning for and continue to experience a as a potential long term area release areas at Googong and strong lifestyle/commuter driven for urban development. Based South Jerrabomberra are being demand for housing. For example, on current population growth undertaken in line with the endorsed Murrumbateman has no vacant estimates and the extent of Queanbeyan City Council Residential land zoned village. With the residential development proposed and Economic Strategy 2031. resolution of water availability for for Queanbeyan, this area Yass there will be an increase is unlikely to be required for Yass town with a current in demand for residential residential development within the population of approximately development in Yass itself. life of this Strategy. 5300 has the capacity to accommodate approximately The rural area in Yass Valley shire Bungendore and Braidwood 600 additional dwellings on land to the immediate north of the are the two main centres for already zoned for residential ACT border is generally referred to Palerang shire. Braidwood is purposes. Smaller villages such as Gooromon Jeir. Gooromon Jeir acknowledged as a town of

CANBERRA–QUEANBEYAN METROPOLITAN AREA

In many respects, Queanbeyan The ACT Government’s long term currently being prepared. and Canberra operate as one strategic direction for Canberra is metropolitan area. They share many articulated in the Canberra Spatial Queanbeyan is the key NSW of the functions of a combined city Plan. This Regional Strategy regional centre for the southern of approximately 350 000 people. outlines the strategic direction for part of the Region. Housing and A city of this size accommodates Queanbeyan, within the Canberra– employment are to consolidate the full range of urban and regional Queanbeyan metropolitan area. and support this regional role of services and facilities. Queanbeyan. This is to include The NSW Government and the a mix of housing consistent with As separate jurisdictions however, ACT Government have jointly providing for a range of housing the municipal/local government signed a series of agreements choice – medium density, infi ll service provision and planning to address in a coordinated way and greenfi eld development. As systems are different. The housing development that may a designated regional centre, challenge for state/territory impact on cross-border planning Queanbeyan will also provide for and local governments is to and the provision of a reticulated local and regional employment acknowledge those issues water supply for the subregion. consistent with reinforcing its for which there is a mutual These are referred to as the regional role, supporting the interdependence or common ACT–NSW Cross-Border Region regional containment of jobs interest whilst accommodating Settlement Agreement and and its contribution to the the differences in terms of the ACT–NSW Cross-Border wider Canberra–Queanbeyan community and government Water Supply Agreement. A joint metropolitan area. interests and expectations about settlement strategy, giving spatial the role of both places. form to these agreements, is

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signifi cant heritage value whilst temporary rental accommodation need to be provided, particularly Bungendore, like Murrumbateman, and from people looking for when considering the ageing of is experiencing strong commuter second homes needs to be the population. The provision of based growth. Both centres have planned for. It is projected that an additional housing in terms of mix, signifi cant amounts of vacant and additional 25 200 dwellings will be location and sequencing will need underutilised land already zoned for needed to meet demand over the to be addressed through a local village housing. A major challenge period to 2031. To accommodate settlement and housing strategy will be managing growth in a way the additional 46 350 people and by council. In doing so, careful that safeguards the character the required additional 25 200 consideration will need to be given of each centre. Bungendore will dwellings, the Regional Strategy to planning and design solutions also face a challenge in managing has set more detailed dwellings that complement the landscape growth expectations in light of projections for the northern, central and built form qualities of much potential demands arising from the and southern subregions (see of the Southern Highlands and new defence headquarters facility. Table 3). The Strategy aims to the challenges of accommodating achieve a more appropriate mix population growth within a The availability of water will continue for future housing that refl ects the sensitive drinking water catchment. to be key driver and limiting factor Region’s changing housing needs on the amount and location of any (i.e. 70 percent greenfi eld and The central subregion is expected additional urban development. 30 percent medium density/infi ll) to have an adequate supply of This is a particular issue for when averaged across the Region. dwellings to accommodate the Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Yass, projected population growth, Bungendore and Murrumbateman. To meet the expected demand although it is possible that for dwellings in Wingecarribee more dwellings will be needed HOUSING SUPPLY AND shire over the period to 2031, an if council planning for higher DEMAND PROJECTIONS additional 3000 dwellings need growth is successful. Goulburn BY SUBREGION to be planned for, in addition has signifi cant potential for infi ll to the growth planned for in development. Promoting the The Region is faced with declining council’s existing 2016 strategy take-up of infi ll opportunities and household sizes and a growing and draft local environmental providing a mix of small and multi population. In addition to this, plan. A higher proportion of infi ll unit dwellings will complement demand for tourist accommodation, and medium density housing will traditional detached dwellings

Table 3 – Regional housing supply targets Supply Demand Current dwelling potential Proposed/planned release Over/under Subregion (dwellings) (dwellings) areas (dwellings) supply Northern 8700 2200 3500 -3000 Central 2300 1300 3200 2200 Southern 14 200 1500 10 000 -2700 Total Sydney–Canberra Corridor 25 200 5 000 16 700 -3500

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 36

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 36 14/07/2008 10:29:13 usually located in the large of Murrumbateman. Queanbeyan URBAN DESIGN AND greenfi eld areas on the edge of City Council will need to identify the CHARACTER town. This approach will provide a extent of infi ll development able to suitable mix of housing to match be accommodated in Queanbeyan. Good urban design outcomes will be the range of household types. The The target of 30 percent infi ll critical for all form of new settlement subregion does have an excess development is expected to be within the Region. New development of residential land, particularly achievable in the other towns in the should be designed based on around Goulburn. This excess is southern subregion. ‘neighbourhood planning principles’ not considered problematic given to ensure that new suburbs and the signifi cant potential for growth The majority of greenfi eld revitalised centres have access to in the area to be higher than development will reinforce the jobs, centres and transport choice projected due to the availability of role of Queanbeyan as the within their communities. low-cost housing and accessibility major regional centre for the In implementing the neighbourhood to major regional centres, as well southern subregion. In making planning principles in existing areas as Sydney and Canberra. decisions on future residential development in the subregion, identifi ed for increased densities To accommodate the projected the NSW Government will utilise or where revitalising centres, the population increase in the southern locally available water supplies relationship between new and subregion, an additional 2700 to support new residential existing development is an dwellings above the 11 500 development, particularly in Yass important consideration. already planned for will need to and Bungendore. New greenfi eld Particular considerations include: be built over the period until 2031. development will also need to be neighbourhood and architectural The majority of new housing consistent with planning decisions character; community integration; will be provided in Queanbeyan for future settlement and the protecting and enhancing open with the potential for limited supply of water from the ACT. space and recreation opportunities; expansion in the towns of Yass and and the effi cient use of existing and Bungendore as well as the village planned infrastructure.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING PRINCIPLES

Public transport networks that link Jobs available locally and regionally be available along with smaller, bus services into the rail system – reducing the demand for lower maintenance homes, units and major regional centres. transport services. and terraces for older people and young singles or couples. A range of land uses to provide the Streets and suburbs planned so right mix of houses, jobs, open space, that residents can walk or cycle to Conservation lands in and around recreational space and green space. shops and other activity spaces for the development sites, to help their daily needs. protect biodiversity and provide Easy access to major town open space for recreation. centres with a full range of shops, A wide range of housing choices recreational facilities and services to provide for different needs along with smaller village centres and different incomes. Traditional and neighbourhood shops. houses on their own block will

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RURAL VILLAGES AND will continue to be provided by providing regional services as well LIFESTYLE HOUSING careful infi ll development within as building on existing infrastructure the numerous rural villages in to create vibrant centres. Outside the existing urban areas, the the Region. Existing villages, desire for a rural lifestyle has been such as Gundaroo, Binalong and Future residential growth is a signifi cant driver of the demand Burrawang, play an important role predominantly accommodated for housing. In the southern part in providing for housing choice within existing centres or of the Region, rural residential and offer more affordable housing. contiguous to existing settlements. development is clustered around The rural character and built form A more appropriate mix for Murrumbateman, Yass and the character of many villages is a future housing that refl ects the Wamboin and Bywong areas in signifi cant local and regional asset. Region’s changing housing needs Palerang shire. (i.e. 70 percent greenfi eld and The central subregion has a SHORT TERM 30 percent medium density/infi ll signifi cant supply of approved and ACCOMMODATION averaged across the Region) subdivided rural lots of 40 hectares is achieved. or less. It is prudent to ensure that Consistent with its signifi cant An appropriate mix of housing this level of supply is taken up tourism activities, the Region has for a range of regional and local and developed before new areas a high demand for tourism and choices in housing and lifestyle are considered. other short term accommodation. A range of opportunities will will be available. The extent of dispersed rural need to be considered by New greenfi eld development residential development has councils to ensure appropriate and the redevelopment of signifi cant implications for costs supplies are available, including existing urban areas utilise of servicing, the fragmentation of motels and short stay facilities the Neighbourhood Planning lands and impacts on agriculture. such as bed and breakfasts, as Principles set out in the Strategy A signifi cant challenge for councils well as enabling medium term to achieve a form of urban within the commuting areas of accommodation such as serviced settlement that supports multiple Sydney and Canberra will be the apartments as well as other forms of transport, provides jobs management of the demand for facilities to support tourism. close to home and respects the a rural lifestyle in a manner that natural environment. safeguards agricultural land. The Rural Lands SEPP provides a OUTCOMES Additional housing outside the framework by which councils can New settlement meets the projected major regional centres is limited plan strategically for dwellings demand for new housing while to that which supports the role of in rural areas. The SEPP also protecting environmental values towns and villages and is generally prevents further subdivision of and natural resources contained within existing town and concessional lots, which will village boundaries. minimise land use confl icts and The major regional centres of further fragmentation of rural land. Bowral, Goulburn and Queanbeyan Towns and villages continue to play become a focus for infi ll housing an important role in providing for Opportunities for village lifestyle and a diversity of housing stock so housing choice across the Region. within a more sustainable context that they consolidate their role in Growth and development will be

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 38

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 38 14/07/2008 10:29:13 managed in a way that protects and – Goulburn Mulwaree • Bowral (supported by builds on the important built form, local environmental plan complementary major towns heritage and rural character of many and Goulburn Mulwaree of Mittagong and Moss Vale), of the towns and villages. Strategy 2020 Queanbeyan and Goulburn will – Upper Lachlan Strategy – be promoted and supported as Adequate infrastructure, community 2020 Vision the major regional centres of services and transport is provided population and service provision – Queanbeyan City Council to service both greenfi eld and for the Region. additional infi ll development. Residential and Economic A reticulated water supply will be Strategy 2031 (as amended) • The local environmental plan provided, which will be subject to – Yass Valley Council Urban for Wingecarribee will identify satisfying the water supply planning Lands Study and appropriately zone land principles (see Water and Energy that provides a clear separation – Land Use Strategy Resources chapter). between the urban areas of and Structure Plan for Mittagong and Bowral and Bungendore. Bowral and Moss Vale. ACTIONS These documents will align with the Regional Strategy’s settlement • The NSW Government, lead Settlement and housing hierarchy, as shown on the by the Department of Planning Strategy Map. The Queanbeyan and the Department of Premier • Local environmental plans City Council Residential and and Cabinet, will use the and other statutory planning Economic Strategy 2031 may Sydney–Canberra Corridor controls will align with the be further refi ned to refl ect Regional Strategy and Regional Strategy’s settlement agreements with the ACT associated local planning hierarchy (as shown on the Government on settlement. strategies as the NSW input Strategy Map) to contain the into a cross-border settlement spread of urban development, • Wingecarribee Council, working strategy being prepared with effi ciently utilise existing with the Department of Planning, the ACT Government. services and infrastructure, will prepare a strategy to identify and protect areas of high additional residential land to conservation value. meet demand beyond that which is catered for in the • Only new areas which are/will Wingecarribee Our Future be identifi ed in the fi nal versions Strategic Plan 2002. of the following documents are supported (once endorsed • Additional housing areas by the Director-General of the outside of those set out in Department of Planning): this Regional Strategy and – Wingecarribee local supporting local environmental environmental plan and plans are only to be supported Wingecarribee Our Future if they can satisfy the Sustainability Strategic Plan 2002 Criteria in Appendix 1.

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• Local environmental plans for • Councils will use the Minister for Planning may Palerang, Yass Valley and Neighbourhood Planning require a contribution from the Queanbeyan City local Principles to ensure that new development, having regard to government areas are to urban areas provide access the State Infrastructure Strategy be consistent with the to jobs, a range of transport and equity considerations. Sydney–Canberra Corridor choices for residents and are Regional Strategy, the agreed environmentally sustainable. • The Department of Planning will cross-border settlement work with the ACT Government in the context of the joint strategy and accompanying Infrastructure settlement principles in the Settlement Strategy to identify ACT–NSW Cross-Border • Councils will ensure that cross-border infrastructure Region Settlement Agreement. satisfactory arrangements are implications of development and in place for the provision of appropriate funding mechanisms, • Councils will plan for a range of reticulated water consistent with including developer contributions. housing types with appropriate the water planning principles densities and in appropriate (see Water and Energy chapter) Rural residential locations that are capable of before any additional greenfi eld adapting to and responding development is provided. • Additional development areas to the ageing population and Where current water supplies will only be considered if people with a disability. are known to be limited for justifi ed by a local settlement existing communities, councils strategy that assesses the net • Local councils will consider a will need to ensure that economic and social benefi t of range of affordable housing satisfactory and sustainable additional rural residential land strategies, including forms water supply options are in place against the loss of the potential of low-cost housing, suitable for both greenfi eld and currently development of the land for zonings and development zoned residential areas. agricultural activities. controls to improve housing choice. These strategies • Councils will ensure that • Planning for rural residential land must be consistent with new residential development must be integrated with the relevant state policies. incorporates measures to supply of relevant infrastructure improve management of and transport services. • The Department of Planning, in stormwater and wastewater, consultation with councils, will and consider options for water establish a framework for a new Character recycling and use. Sydney to Canberra Corridor • New development should be Housing and Land Monitor to • Planning for urban land must designed to refl ect and enhance report on the amount of land be integrated with the supply the natural, cultural, visual and available for housing as well as of relevant infrastructure and built character and values of the the completion of new housing. transport provision. local and regional landscape. The Monitor will be updated annually by councils. • Where a development or • New development should be rezoning increases the need designed to be consistent with the for state infrastructure, the Neighbourhood Planning Principles.

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Natural environment

BACKGROUND Lake George, Wombeyan Caves The Sydney–Canberra Corridor and the headwaters of four includes numerous vegetated Large areas within the Region have major river catchments – for the habitat linkages which are been cleared or substantially modifi ed Hawkesbury-Nepean, Shoalhaven, important for many species. over time due to the value of the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee rivers. Of particular note is the area landscape for agricultural production around Hilltop, Yerrinbool and and other activities. The extent of Approximately 11 percent of land Yanderra in the northern subregion. clearing has substantially modifi ed within the Region is managed for This area links several catchments the landscape of the corridor. conservation purposes, either and provides a habitat connection as national parks, or nature between the Blue Mountains World Although its landscapes are heavily reserves. Much of this is within modifi ed, the Region retains a rich Heritage Area and the forested water catchment areas. There are escarpment areas of the Woronora and diverse array of natural assets numerous endangered ecological which contribute to its ecological and Illawarra, which themselves communities such as the Natural are connected to the Morton value and character. The largest Temperate Grasslands and areas of land reserved for National Park and many other Box-Gum Woodlands, which tend national parks of southeast NSW. conservation are in the eastern to be fragmented and primarily on edge and the north-eastern and private land. south-western corners of the Region. The Region also contains,

CLIMATE CHANGE

Long term climate change is droughts, higher temperatures, outlines the future agenda for likely to present new challenges lower rainfall and increased collaboration between governments that will demand careful analysis evaporation in south east Australia. to assist businesses and the and innovative solutions. Climate community adapt to climate change is a signifi cant challenge In April 2007, the Council of change, aiming to reduce the risks facing the entire community, and Australian Governments endorsed a of climate change impacts and to particularly farmers. Predictions National Climate Change Adaptation realise any opportunities. are for more frequent extreme Framework. The framework

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 41

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 41 14/07/2008 10:29:15 8 natural environment

The signifi cant environmental, social Managing the environmental values water while sustaining diverse and economic values that the of the Region at the local level is and prosperous communities (see natural environment provides the a key challenge requiring councils highlight box below). Region are potentially threatened and catchment management Naturally vegetated riparian corridors by a wide range of development authorities to work cooperatively provide a range of benefi ts such as pressures that need to be carefully with landowners. The Southern stabilising banks, maintaining water managed. Agriculture has played Rivers, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee quality, providing habitat for native an important role in the development and Hawkesbury–Nepean species and communities and visual and defi nes the character, sense of catchment action plans have amenity. There are opportunities place and liveability of the Region. been fi nalised, and include to better protect and reinstate Agriculture continues to rely on the regional investment priorities. natural riparian areas and functions availability of high quality natural Ensuring the objectives of the in existing and new urban areas, resources, just as opportunities catchment action plans and other as well as rural areas, through the for rural lifestyle housing rely on natural resource management catchment action plans and local natural landscapes. plans are consistent with this environmental plans. Regional Strategy, and subsequent There are parts of the rural local environmental plans, is Parts of the Region are subject landscape of the Region that have important to achieve long term to natural hazards and processes been signifi cantly degraded due to environmental sustainability. that can pose risks to life, property prior farming practices such as and the natural environment such clearing and over use of limited The Drinking Water Catchments as fl ooding and bushfi res. The water. These previous practices Regional Environmental Plan No. 1, impacts of climate change could together with the general geology which commenced in January 2007, impose additional hazards or have resulted in a major salinity aims to create healthy water worsen existing hazards. Planning issue for the Yass River valley. catchments which deliver high quality processes have been developed

DRINKING WATER CATCHMENTS REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN No. 1

Five catchments contribute to Sustaining the Catchments is a requirement for new development in Sydney’s drinking water supplies regional plan providing direction the catchment to have a neutral or – Warragamba, Upper Nepean, for the future of the drinking water benefi cial effect on water quality. Woronora, Shoalhaven and Blue catchments, almost 50 percent of Mountains covering 16 000 square which are in the Sydney–Canberra The plan is given legal effect through kilometres of land. They stretch Corridor Region. The purpose of the the Drinking Water Catchments from the headwaters of the plan is to ensure the catchments are Regional Environmental Plan No. 1. Cox’s River north of Lithgow to managed to protect areas where The Regional Environmental Plan the Shoalhaven River south of water quality and land management aims to create healthy water Braidwood. Around 110 000 practices are already good, and to catchments that will deliver high people live in the catchments improve the management of areas quality water while sustaining diverse and over 485 000 hectares of the contributing to poor water quality in and prosperous communities. See catchments are farmed. order to meet local and downstream Appendix 4 for the water catchments water quality objectives. A key the regional environmental plan component of the regional plan is the applies to within the Region.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 42

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 42 14/07/2008 10:29:15 to identify the risks associated landscapes to support different The impacts of development are with fl ooding and how they can land uses, and the need for site mitigated by protecting and be minimised through land use modifi cations to limit offsite impacts, enhancing the long term viability of planning, such as a direction to such as erosion, sediment loss and vegetation and habitat corridors, all councils under section 117 of groundwater contamination. as well as rehabilitating degraded the Environmental Planning and priority areas such as riparian Assessment Act 1979. corridors, through a strategic OUTCOMES approach to investment under Utilising land resources within catchment action plans. their capability is a key challenge The Region’s existing biodiversity is for both rural and residential valued and protected by directing The environmental value of rural development. Soil landscape urban development, including lands as well as agriculture is mapping produced by the employment lands, away from recognised in strategies for Department of Environment and areas important for conservation. managing the land uses, Climate Change can be used to subdivision and settlement of assess the capability of particular rural lands in an integrated manner.

IMPLEMENTATION OF EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCES POLICIES, PLANS AND GUIDELINES

Substantial work has been done by > Murrumbidgee Catchment Action > Planning for bushfi re protection: agencies, councils and the community Plan a guide for councils, planners, fi re in the Sydney–Canberra Region to authorities and developers (NSW > Local stormwater management develop natural resource management Rural Fire Service 2006) plans policy, plans and guidelines. Councils > State Rivers and Estuaries Policy should ensure that their local > Floodplain risk management strategies, local environmental plans plans, prepared in accordance > NSW Wetland Management Policy with the NSW fl oodplain and development control plans > NSW Groundwater Quality development manual (NSW maximise the achievement of the Protection Policy and State Government 2005) principles and recommendations in Groundwater Dependent these policies and plans, in particular: > Management of fl ood liable Ecosystems Policy land under the Floodplain > Native Vegetation Act 2003 > Managing Urban Stormwater: Development Manual > NSW Government’s Water Quality Soils and Construction manual Objectives (1999) > Soil landscape mapping (NSW published by Landcom (NSW Department of Environment Government 2004) > Drinking Waters Catchment and Climate Change) Regional Environmental Plan No. 1 > Policies and guidelines for Aquatic > Land use/constraining mapping Habitat Management and Fish > Southern Rivers Catchment (NSW Department of Environmental Conservation (NSW Department Action Plan and Climate Change) of Primary Industries). > Lachlan Catchment Action Plan > National Climate Change > Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Adaptation Framework (Council Action Plan of Australian Governments 2007)

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 43

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 43 14/07/2008 10:29:15 8 natural environment

Town water supply catchments • Local environmental plans • New development adjoining and signifi cant aquifers are will protect land with state or adjacent to areas of protected by ensuring that only or regional environmental, high biodiversity value will compatible uses occur in these agricultural, vegetation and incorporate buffers to avoid catchments. Impacts on water habitat values using appropriate land use confl ict. quality are reduced. The values zones and planning controls. • Councils will consider controls and functions of riparian corridors to limit the creation of additional are protected and enhanced. • Local environmental plans will include provisions to water rights on land fronting The risks from fl ooding and other protect and enhance areas watercourses when preparing natural hazards are minimised. of high biodiversity value and local environmental plans Planning controls in local biodiversity corridors through and development control environmental plans are consistent use of environmental protection plans and when considering with the Floodplain Management zones or other appropriate development applications. Manual and councils risk local environmental planning • Local environmental plans will management plans. provisions. The Department not rezone land within town of Environment and Climate water supply catchments and Change will work with councils ACTIONS signifi cant groundwater areas to identify these areas. • Councils will confi rm the if this has the potential to location and conservation • Local environmental plans reduce the quality and quantity signifi cance of key assets will identify and zone land of of these assets. landscape value (including such as remnant vegetation • Councils are to work scenic and cultural landscapes) and important aquifers with the Southern Rivers, to protect those values. in consultation with the Hawkesbury-Nepean, Lachlan Department of Environment • Councils, in preparing local and Murrumbidgee catchment and Climate Change and the environmental plans that management authorities to Department of Water and apply to land within the area ensure that the aims and Energy, before identifying covered by the Drinking objectives of catchment potential new urban areas and Water Catchments Regional action plans are considered in in managing rural lands. Environmental Plan, must the future management and • Councils will ensure new urban take into consideration any planning of local council areas. development and rural residential strategic land and water • Local environmental plans development is directed away capability assessment prepared will zone areas subject to from land assessed as being for the land, or any part of it, natural hazards appropriately of high conservation value by the Sydney Catchment to refl ect the risks associated and appropriate planning Authority. Local environmental with the hazard and the controls incorporated into local plans should ensure that limitations of the land. environmental plans to protect water quality objectives in the biodiversity values on other regional environmental plan conservation land. can be achieved.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 44

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 44 14/07/2008 10:29:15 DRINKING WATER SUB-CATCHMENTS MAP

y a w h g i H e m u Little H Nattai River River

Lake Wollondilly Mittagong Avon r Mittagong Rive Upper Nepean River Wingecarribee River Crookwell BOWRAL Moss Vale Wingecarribee Robertson Reservoir Upper Wollondillymap Bundanoon River Marulan Kangaroo River GOULBURN Gunning Bungonia Creek Mulwaree Yass River NOWRA–BOMADERRY

Lake Nerrimunga Burrinjuck River Lake Lake Bathurst George Mid Shoalhaven Boro River Creek Endrick River Bungendore

dy Ree Mongarlowe Creek River CANBERRA QUEANBEYAN Braidwood

Googong Braidwood Reservoir A.C.T Back & Round Mountain Creeks

Jerrabattagulla BATEMANS BAY Creek

Upper Shoalhaven River

0306015

Kilometres

Major Regional Centre Sydney–Canberra Corridor Boundary Rural Land Major Town Existing Urban Area Drinking Water Catchments Town Highways and Freeways REP No. 1 Major Roads National Park Regional City Railway Line Water Body Major Regional Centre River (Outside Strategy Area) Creeks State Forest Major Airport

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 45

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 45 14/07/2008 10:29:16 Water and energy resources

BACKGROUND population growth will be strongly economic growth, especially in infl uenced by the capacity to the southern and central parts of Water supply is one of the most provide potable water. the Region. Town water supplies signifi cant issues in the Region. for Goulburn, Yass, Marulan, Inadequate water supply will Solutions will need to include a Crookwell and Taralga are under place major limits on the growth combination of demand management signifi cant stress in light of of industry, agriculture and and supply augmentation to meet changed climatic circumstances. population. The major use of water future demands and secure existing Queanbeyan is serviced by the in the Region is for potable water supplies against drought. The NSW broader cross-border water supply and its future management Government has announced that supply arrangement with the ACT. is a signifi cant and complex issue. it will join with Goulburn Mulwaree Googong Dam, in Queanbeyan Council in the construction of a Future growth and development of is a signifi cant part of the water pipeline from the Wingecarribee the Region relies on a secure water supply infrastructure for people in Reservoir (a Sydney Catchment supply for people, industry and both the ACT and Queanbeyan. Authority facility). The NSW the environment. The population Yass is currently investigating the Government and Goulburn of the Region is expected to grow augmentation of its water supplies Mulwaree Council have recently by around 46 350 people over through increasing the capacity completed the upgrade of the period to 2031. Add to this of Yass Dam. This will allow Yass Sooley Dam, increasing its the uncertainty of drought and Valley Council to explore options capacity by 30 percent. climate change and it is clear for residential development outside of the framework in the ACT–NSW that long term planning for water Other major initiatives to improve Cross-Border Agreements on supplies is required as an integral planning for water include the settlement and water. part of strategic planning for the Sydney Drinking Water Catchments Region. This means securing Regional Environmental Plan No. 1 TransGrid manages a number of an adequate water supply for and the Murrumbidgee, Lachlan, electricity transmission lines and communities within the Region, Shoalhaven and Metropolitan substations within the Region, while recognising that many water-sharing plans. which form part of the state-wide of the regional communities electricity distribution network. are located within the drinking Providing suffi cient water in In order to meet the needs of water catchment of Australia’s the longer term will also be a the State’s growing population, largest city. The location of future signifi cant challenge for future

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 46

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a 500 kilovolt transmission line The Region is also the centre of green power to run over 100 000 is likely to be needed between wind power generation in NSW. homes and prevent greenhouse Bannaby in the central subregion Crookwell Wind Farm was the gas emissions of more than and Sydney. In planning to fi rst grid-connected wind farm 600 000 tonnes each year. improve the capacity of electricity in Australia when installed in distribution network, opportunities 1998. Wind farms are a critical There are a range of different to upgrade the existing investment in the Region and opinions regarding the visual transmission line between Yass the State’s energy network. impact of wind farms and their and Sydney (rather than construct Three recently approved wind relationship to the traditional rural a new transmission line) will be farm projects in the Region have landscapes of the Region. As noted explored carefully. the potential to provide enough in Chapter 4 of this Strategy, it is

WATER PLANNING PRINCIPLES

The current institutional framework potable water will have regard to the principles. The agreements for the supply of water involves a following water planning principles: provide a framework for residential number of responsible authorities • reliability of supply to provide settlement in the subregion, and throughout the Region. In the certainty for consumers (both for the use and protection of water southern area, Queanbeyan City’s residential and other) resources within the ACT and NSW water supply is provided by ACTEW Cross-Border Region. • affordable water supply – both Corporation Ltd (a corporatised capital and recurring costs The agreements are: ACT government authority), • ACT–NSW Cross-Border whereas in Goulburn Mulwaree, • a quality of supply that meets Region Settlement Agreement* Upper Lachlan, Palerang, Yass relevant health standards. Valley and Wingecarribee, the local The southern area of the Region • ACT–NSW Cross-Border Region council is the water authority. (Palerang, Yass Valley and Water Resources Agreement.* Greenfi eld urban development and Queanbeyan) is covered by two strategies for additional housing interlinked memorandums of The Australian Government has densities in existing areas will understanding between the ACT also signed the Water Resources ensure that there is an acceptable and NSW governments, which Agreement. reticulated water supply provided. provide for water in accordance * Available at .

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 47

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 47 14/07/2008 10:29:40 9 water and energy resources

important that planning for rural ACTIONS • New residential release areas areas recognises the important are to demonstrate availability contribution wind farms can make • Local environmental plans will of a secure water supply to the to the Region and the State as well recognise and protect the regional satisfaction of the relevant water as their potential for impacts on water supply system through supply authority. more sensitive locations. appropriate planning provisions. • Suitable locally generated and/or • All future development is to renewable energy projects such OUTCOMES apply water sensitive urban as wind, solar and bio-waste will design principles, including The importance of access to water be supported. the use of dual use reticulation and energy infrastructure in supporting systems (where appropriate) in • Subject to adequate resolution settlement and employment in new release areas of adequate of environmental impacts, the Region is acknowledged in all scale, and meet storm water opportunities for development strategic and land use planning for management targets that of wind powered electricity the Region. Local environmental plans support the environmental generation will be preserved by will play an important role in securing values of the catchments. restricting incompatible land uses regional infrastructure such as gas (e.g. residential) in high quality pipelines, water mains and electricity • Councils are to prepare wind resources areas9. transmission lines by reserving integrated water cycle identifi ed corridors. management plans.

The signifi cance of much of the central • In preparing local environmental subregion in terms of the potential plans councils will liaise with water for wind farm electricity generation and energy providers and make is supported as part of a State wide provision for any regional gas, commitment to sustainable sources water and electricity infrastructure of energy. The potential for wind farms corridors that may be required. and suitable planning provisions will be identifi ed by councils in conjunction with the Department of Planning and the Department of Water and Energy.

9 Source: .

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 48

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Cultural heritage

BACKGROUND landscape of the Region have Due to the lack of historic pressure altered the cultural and natural for intensive settlement, many of The cultural heritage of the Region heritage that once existed, the the smaller towns and villages, like is strongly defi ned by its rural remaining archaeological and Berrima, Taralga, Gunning, and landscapes. These landscapes cultural heritage of its Aboriginal Braidwood retain much of their refl ect the connection to the communities are signifi cant and original character. Braidwood, agricultural and rural lifestyles of worthy of protection. for example, has now been listed the Region’s towns and villages, on the State Heritage Register as well as a deeper connection Different places may be valuable in recognition of its settlement to the Region’s early agricultural to people for a range of reasons patterns and its context within development. The cultural heritage including social and spiritual (e.g. an historic pastoral landscape. of the Region also provides an traditional resource use, recreation, Many of the larger centres such as important economic asset for meeting places), historic (e.g. sites Bowral and Goulburn retain many tourism. The communities of of confl ict, missions), aesthetic links with their past history. Street the Region are very active in (e.g. visual appeal), and for patterns, streetscapes and historic keeping their connection of the scientifi c/archaeological reasons. buildings have remained largely past through festivals and events unaltered. This leaves an important The European led settlement of the offering an insight into historic life. context that should be recognised Region can be traced back to the in new development. The communities of Aboriginal colony’s early explorers and settlers people who live in the Region leaving Sydney and establishing In addition to this, a number of the have a strong sense of belonging towns and farms in the 1820s and larger farms retain homesteads and to and being part of the land. 1830s. Early industries included collections of outbuildings close to The Gundungurra, Ngunawal, mining, quarrying and grazing. original condition and in context Yuin group of nations, Wiradjuri The Region has a strong connection with working farms – some of which and Tharawal people of the with the development of Australia’s are owned by descendents of the Region have cultural and wool industry. The grazing history original farming families. Many remain traditional associations over has defi ned much of the character hidden from public view and countless generations. Although of the Region and driven its historic knowledge but provide a tangible substantial modifi cations to the industrial and cultural development. insight to the early history of

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 49

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 49 14/07/2008 10:29:42 10 cultural heritage

Australian colonisation, settlement continue to evolve their forms, Aboriginal cultural values, visual and pastoral industry and are of while still maintaining the heritage character and setting to reinforce signifi cant heritage value. values and links with the past. the economic base for tourism. Smaller towns and villages will Mining also has had a part in grow at a rate that enables • The Department of Planning shaping the history of the Region. historic character and charm to be and councils will work on Gold was mined at Captains Flat in refl ected in new urban forms. heritage provisions that will large quantities from the 1870s to identify signifi cant historic the 1960s; the shale oil works at properties and buildings and Joadja is an industrial historic site of ACTIONS provide mechanisms for their National signifi cance; limestone is protection within a ‘working • Councils will ensure that quarried at Marulan; and Woodlawn, farm’ context. Aboriginal cultural and near Tarago was until recently, a community values are signifi cant silver, lead and zinc mine. considered in the future planning and management of OUTCOMES the local government area.

Existing and potential cultural heritage • Councils and the Department of sites, places and landscapes are Planning will review the scope identifi ed, protected and conserved and quality of the existing so that intrinsic links to the Region’s statutory lists of heritage items Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal and ensure that all places of cultural heritage are preserved. signifi cance are included in There is input and involvement of the heritage schedules of local owners, custodians and other interest environmental plans. groups into the identifi cation and • The cultural heritage value of conservation of cultural heritage. major regional centres and Strong working relationships and major towns that are to be understanding of the diversity the focus of urban renewal of cultural heritage values in the projects will be reviewed, with Region including aesthetic, historic, the aim of protecting cultural scientifi c, social and spiritual values heritage values. continue to develop. • Local environmental plans will There will be improvements in include appropriate provisions the recording and management to protect signifi cant towns and of cultural heritage information, villages such as Braidwood and respecting cultural sensitivities to Berrima, associated with natural better inform strategic planning. and cultural landscapes and The Region’s major regional curtilages. The aim will be to centres and major towns will protect conservation values,

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 50

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 50 14/07/2008 10:29:44 11

Implementation

The Sydney–Canberra Corridor LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS Regional Strategy will be PLANS implemented primarily through local Funds collected from contributions environmental plans, development The Sydney–Canberra Corridor from major developments will be control plans, the State Infrastructure Regional Strategy will provide the used for regional infrastructure, Strategy and funds collected as framework and context to guide consistent with the State developer contributions. the preparation of all new local Infrastructure Strategy and environmental plans. All six local approved biodiversity outcomes. The State infrastructure strategy councils in the Sydney–Canberra Where development or rezoning 2008–09 to 2017–18 New South Corridor Region will be required to increases the need for State Wales identifi es infrastructure prepare a new local environmental Infrastructure, the Minister for projects in the short to medium plan within the next three years. Planning may require a contribution term that (among other things) These plans will guide future from the development, having support population growth and development and must be consistent regard to the State Infrastructure demographic change in the with the outcomes and actions Strategy and equity considerations. Sydney–Canberra Corridor. A list in the Sydney–Canberra Corridor of projects from this strategy is Regional Strategy. Funds collected by councils through contained in Appendix 2. section 94 contributions plans and Section 117 of the Environmental levies will be used to fund local The Regional Strategy sets out Planning and Assessment Act infrastructure and achieve any local the agreed position of the 1979 allows the Minister for biodiversity outcomes. Government over the future of Planning to direct the content of the Sydney–Canberra Corridor. a local environmental plan. This The Regional Strategy is recognised will be the mechanism by which by the State Infrastructure Strategy local environmental plans will be as a long term planning strategy required to be consistent with the to be used by state agencies and Regional Strategy. public trading enterprises to understand and provide for the future needs of the Region.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 51

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Monitoring and review

Progress on actions established The Sydney–Canberra Corridor in this Regional Strategy will be Regional Strategy will be monitored annually. The delivery of comprehensively reviewed every new housing and employment lands fi ve years, so that it can adjust to will also be monitored annually. any demographic and economic changes. This will assist local councils with their fi ve-year review of local environmental plans, required under recent reforms to the NSW planning system.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 52

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 52 14/07/2008 10:29:49 sustainability Appendix 1. criteria A1

The following Sustainability a clear, transparent list of matters Sustainability Criteria. As with Criteria allow the Government to that any new proposal will be all rezoning proposals, the take strong positions in relation assessed against. Department of Planning requires to matters of urban settlement a thorough assessment of the in the Sydney–Canberra Corridor In order that a development proposal merits of the proposal by the LEP confi dent in the knowledge that can be considered against the Review Panel, as well as requiring innovative development proposals Sustainability Criteria it will be public consultation through the can still be considered even necessary to demonstrate to the statutory processes as set out in though they may be outside of local council, as well as the State the Environmental Planning and the regional strategy process. Government, that the proposal Assessment Act 1979. The Sustainability Criteria represent meets all relevant aspects of the

Threshold Sustainability Criteria for any proposed development site outside designated areas in the Sydney–Canberra Corridor Regional Measurable Strategy explanation of criteria 1. Infrastructure Provision • Development is consistent with the Sydney–Canberra Corridor Regional Strategy, any subregional strategy, the State Infrastructure Strategy and relevant section Mechanisms in place to ensure utilities, 117 direction. transport, open space and communication are provided in a timely • The provision of infrastructure (utilities, transport, open space and and efficient way communications) is costed and economically feasible based on government methodology for determining infrastructure development contributions. • Preparedness to enter into development agreement.

2. Access • Accessibility of the area by public transport and/or appropriate road access in terms of: Accessible transport options for effi cient and sustainable travel between homes, > Location/land use – to existing networks and related activity centres. jobs, services and recreation to be > Network – the area’s potential to be serviced by economically effi cient existing or provided transport services. > Catchment – the area’s ability to contain, or form part of the larger urban area which contains adequate transport services. Capacity for land use/transport patterns to make a positive contribution to achievement of travel and vehicle use goals. • No net negative impact on performance of existing subregional road, bus, rail and freight network.

3. Housing Diversity • Contributes to the geographic market spread of housing supply, including any government targets established for aged, disabled or affordable housing. Provide a range of housing choices to ensure a broad population can be housed

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 53

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 53 14/07/2008 10:29:50 A1

Threshold Sustainability Criteria for any proposed development site outside designated areas in the Sydney–Canberra Corridor Regional Measurable Strategy explanation of criteria 4. Employment Lands • Maintain or improve the existing level of subregional employment self-containment. Provide regional/local employment opportunities to support the Sydney– • Meets subregional employment projections. Canberra Corridor’s expanding role in > Employment-related land is provided in appropriately zoned areas. the wider regional and NSW economies 5. Avoidance of Risk • No residential development within 1:100 fl oodplain. Land use confl icts, and risk to human • Avoidance of physically constrained land e.g. health and life, avoided > high slope > highly erodible. • Avoidance of land use confl icts with adjacent or existing or future land use as planned under relevant subregional or regional strategy. • Where relevant, available safe evacuation route (fl ood and bushfi re).

6. Natural Resources • Demand for water within infrastructure capacity to supply water and does not place unacceptable pressure on environmental fl ows. Natural resource limits not exceeded/ environmental footprint minimised • Demonstrates most effi cient/suitable use of land: > Avoids identifi ed signifi cant agricultural land. > Avoids productive resource lands – extractive industries, mining and forestry. • Demand for energy does not place unacceptable pressure on infrastructure capacity to supply energy – requires demonstration of effi cient and sustainable supply solution.

7. Environmental Protection • Consistent with government-approved regional conservation plan (if available). Protect and enhance biodiversity, • Maintains or improves areas of regionally signifi cant terrestrial and aquatic air quality, heritage and waterway health biodiversity (as mapped and agreed by DECC). This includes regionally signifi cant vegetation communities, critical habitat, threatened species, population, ecological communities and their habitats. • Maintain or improve existing environmental condition for air quality. • Maintain or improve existing environmental condition for water quality: > Consistent with community water quality objectives for recreational water use and river health (DECC and CMA). > Consistent with catchment and stormwater management planning (CMA and council). • Protects areas of Aboriginal cultural heritage value (as agreed by DECC).

8. Quality and Equity in Services • Available and accessible services: Quality health, education, legal, > Do adequate services exist? recreational, cultural and community > Are they at capacity or is some capacity available? development and other government services are accessible > Has Government planned and budgeted for further service provision? > Developer funding for required service upgrade/access is available?

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 54

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Appendix 2. infrastructure projects A2 State Infrastructure Strategy 2008–09 Transport Water and Sewerage to 2017–18 projects within the Roads Country Town Program Sydney–Canberra Corridor Region Barton Highway duplication, ACT to Braidwood sewerage augmentation Hume Highway (federally-funded)* Bundanoon sewerage augmentation Human Services Goulburn water supply emergency Health Kings Highway improvements, Queanbeyan to Bungendore* pipeline Bowral Hospital Paediatric Unit Murrumbateman sewerage upgrade Queanbeyan Hospital redevelopment Lanyon Drive duplication, Tompsitt Drive to ACT Border* Robertson sewerage upgrade Ageing, Disability and Home Care Taralga sewerage upgrade Accommodation reconfi guration and Electricity Yass sewerage upgrade fi tout, Bowral Transmission Queanbeyan 132/66kV substation Justice Western 500kV development Police Williamsdale substation Bowral Police Station Yass to Cowra 132kV line uprate Yass to Marulan 330kV line uprate Yass to Wagga Wagga 132kV line

* In planning phase.

settlement principles for Appendix 3. the southern subregion A3

In August 2006, the following settlement principles were endorsed by the NSW and ACT governments in the ACT/NSW Cross Border Region Settlement Agreement. 1.1 All future settlement in the ACT should occur in accordance with the strategic direction outlined in the Canberra Spatial Plan; future settlement in NSW should be in accordance with the Sydney–Canberra Corridor Regional Strategy. 1.2 Subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cross-Border Water Resources, water may be supplied to any existing settlement in the Cross Border Region, or any proposed new settlement in the Cross Border Region, where both parties to this memorandum of understanding agree the settlement is in accordance with the following principles. 1.3 Principle 1: All future settlement in the Region should be located to: 1.3.1 maximise the effi cient use of existing infrastructure and services 1.3.2 minimise the need for additional infrastructure and services through the use of integrated economic, social and environmentally sustainable planning and design solutions 1.3.3 minimise the economic and community cost of providing and maintaining infrastructure networks and community services 1.3.4 protect areas of high conservation, cultural, natural heritage or landscape value. 1.4 Principle 2: Any proposed development bordering the ACT and NSW must be complementary and, where appropriate, integrated with the existing land uses (or future land uses proposed under the plans outlined in Principle 1 above if different to existing) on either side of the border to minimise land use confl ict. Compatibility of land use, road connections and service ties must support future development. 1.5 Principle 3: Future urban residential growth will predominantly be accommodated within existing urban areas (as defi ned in this Strategy) creating a pattern of compact and consolidated urban areas, surrounded by non-urban lands. New settlement areas should demonstrate a high degree of urban containment with regard to services and employment as a means of enhancing transport effi ciency.

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 55

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 55 14/07/2008 10:29:51 settlement principles for A3 the southern subregion

1.6 Principle 4: Greenfi eld developments should, wherever possible, be: 1.6.1 contiguous with (i.e. as close as possible) existing urban settlements, or self-contained in their provision of services 1.6.2 released and staged in a manner that is consistent with orderly and economic development and that refl ects a sustainable and demonstrated demand for housing in the locality and, more generally, in the Region 1.7 Principle 5: Economic development diversity will be supported by: 1.7.1 the provision and enhancement of employment lands to accommodate long term needs that will be strongly linked to transport networks. This will be the priority land use for these lands 1.7.2 supporting the regional value of key infrastructure assets by limiting activities that may diminish their function or ability to contribute to the Region. 1.8 Principle 6: Rural industry and agricultural landscapes will be protected and supported through limiting activities and development that may diminish their economic, cultural and scenic contribution to the Region. Activities and development that are to be limited include rural residential forms of subdivision and subdivision that generally does not support the agricultural use of land. 1.9 Principle 7: Long term land identifi ed as potentially appropriate for urban purposes shall be safeguarded from inappropriate interim land uses and fragmentation that may compromise and confl ict with the layout, orderly staging and mix of long term urban uses.

drinking water catchments regional Appendix 4. environmental plan no1 A4

REP subcatchments within the strategy region Local government area Upper Nepean River Wingecarribee Little River Wingecarribee Nattai River Wingecarribee Wollondilly River Wingecarribee, Upper Lachlan, Goulburn Mulwaree Kangaroo River Wingecarribee, Goulburn Mulwaree Bungonia Creek Wingecarribee, Goulburn Mulwaree Nerrimunga Creek Goulburn Mulwaree Endrick River Goulburn Mulwaree, Palerang Mid Shoalhaven River Goulburn Mulwaree, Palerang Mongarlowe River Goulburn Mulwaree, Palerang Boro Creek Goulburn Mulwaree, Palerang Reedy Creek Goulburn Mulwaree, Palerang Braidwood Palerang Back and Round Mountain Creeks Palerang Jerrabattagulla Creek Palerang Upper Shoalhaven River Palerang Wingecarribee River Wingecarribee Mulwaree River Goulburn Mulwaree, Palerang Upper Wollondilly River Goulburn Mulwaree, Palerang

SYDNEY–CANBERRA CORRIDOR REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 56

SydCanb_RegStrategy_Final.indd 56 14/07/2008 10:29:51 SydCanb_Cover_Final.indd 4 14/07/2008 09:29:41 Further information

Department of Planning Regional coordination GPO Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001 Email: [email protected] Inquiries: 1300 305 695

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