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æ !00%.$)#%3æ æ3USTAINABILITYæCRITERIAæ ¬ ææ'ROWTHæAREASæREQUIRINGæSIGNIlCANTææ ISSUESæTOæBEæRESOLVEDæ ææ%XTRACTIVEæANDæMINERALæ RESOURCESæ -IDæ.ORTHæ#OASTæ2EGIONALæ3TRATEGYæ ¥æ3TATEæOFæ.EWæ3OUTHæ7ALESæTHROUGHæTHEæ$EPARTMENTæOFæ0LANNINGæ æ-AJORæINFRASTRUCTUREæPROJECTSæ -ARCHæ WWWPLANNINGNSWGOVAUæ -!03 )3".æ     -IDæ.ORTHæ#OASTæ2EGIONALæ3TRATEGYn $O0æ  æ .ATURALæRESOURCESæANDæHAZARDSæææ $ISCLAIMERæ7HILEæEVERYæREASONABLEæEFFORTæHASæBEENæMADEæTOæENSUREæTHATæTHISæDOCUMENTæISæ "IODIVERSITYææ CORRECTæATæTHEæTIMEæOFæPRINTING æTHEæ3TATEæOFæ.EWæ3OUTHæ7ALES æITSæAGENTSæANDæEMPLOYEES æ DISCLAIMæANYæANDæALLæLIABILITYæTOæANYæPERSONæINæRESPECTæOFæANYTHINGæORæTHEæCONSEQUENCESæOFæ 'ROWTHæAREASæMAPSæn ææ ANYTHINGæDONEæORæOMITTEDæTOæBEæDONEæINæRELIANCEæUPONæTHEæWHOLEæORæANYæPARTæOFæTHISæDOCUMENT F Foreword

As NSW Planning Minister it is my One of the key features of the The majority of new housing great pleasure to see the delivery Strategy is the creation of ‘green identified in the Strategy will build on of the Mid North Coast Regional breaks’ between settlements in the existing centres. This will help boost Strategy. high-demand coastal areas of the the prosperity and viability of existing , where land releases will be centres while also protecting the This 25-year land use planning limited to the mapped growth areas, unique character of towns and strategy identifies the Government’s easing development pressure and villages across the Region – key strategic directions for the high retaining environmental integrity. preserving the amenity of local growth Mid North Coast Region. residents and encouraging tourists Areas of high value bushland and to return year after year. The Region’s spectacular natural farmland have also been set aside assets and location between from development to ensure the To assist local councils in the and Brisbane make it a natural assets of the Region as a preparation of their own growth highly desirable place to live and a whole are conserved. management strategies the final significant domestic tourism Regional Strategy also introduces The Region’s strong expected destination. identified ‘growth areas’. These growth in the coming years offers areas designate the Region’s important opportunities for local In light of the Region’s attractive expected housing and employment job creation. The additional areas lifestyle and vibrant growth land over the life of the Strategy, of valuable employment land prospects, it is little wonder that however, not all land identified within an additional 94 000 people are identified in the Strategy will the growth areas will be developed expected to call the region home encourage new businesses into for urban uses. Some sections of by the year 2031. To cater for this, the Region, providing a real boost the land might be subject to the Strategy plans for 59 600 new for local workers. homes and 48 500 new jobs over significant natural hazards or The Strategy also sets aside a environmental constraints while the same period. surplus of new land for housing other sections may be set aside for purposes in suitable areas to ensure It is the job of the Mid North Coast conservation purposes. the Region grows in a well planned Regional Strategy to balance these and appropriate manner and, just competing considerations in a as importantly, housing in the sustainable manner. The Strategy Region remains affordable for succeeds in this challenge, by local residents. outlining a planning approach that will deliver sufficient appropriately- Increased opportunities for medium- located land for residential and jobs density housing in key centres will The Hon Kristina Keneally MP also ensure a wider choice of growth, while at the same time Minister for Planning protecting the Region’s valuable housing as the Region’s population natural assets and character. changes and ages. Minister for Redfern Waterloo

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  1

The Mid North The Mid North Coast – Coast covers 28 943 square a region of opportunity kilometres, and a 532 kilometre Located between the state capital as well as the Wooloweyah Lagoon cities of Sydney and Brisbane, in the north. stretch of NSW the Mid North Coast provides a In recent decades, increasing typically Australian coastal location numbers of visitors and new coastline – from reflective of its early history as a residents have been attracted series of fishing and timber-shipping Iluka in the north to the Region’s pristine ocean ports. Because of its distance from beaches and its natural and rural down the coast to the metropolitan areas of Sydney, hinterland. The Region’s diversity of Brisbane and Newcastle, there has Hawks Nest and lifestyle and economic and social been little demand for broad scale opportunities are reflected in a residential estates. Instead, the west to Dorrigo and variety of unique local cultures and urban settlement in the Region has individual communities. Stroud. The Region been located within a number of encompasses the urban centres linked either directly To the north, the Region adjoins or indirectly by the Pacific Highway. the rapidly growing Far North traditional lands of Coast, with its orientation to the As a region, the Mid North Coast Queensland growth areas of is bordered by the the Gumbaynggir, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The in the east and the escarpment of Clarence Valley in particular has Dunghutti, the New England Tableland in the a close relationship with the Far west. The coastal plain is dissected and Worimi people, North Coast and Queensland. To by a number of broad rivers the south the Region adjoins the running from the mountains to the extending into Lower Hunter, the sixth largest sea and cutting through areas of urban area in . Bundjalung country rich alluvial soils. In addition to the in the north. broad estuaries, the Region boasts The population of the Region in a number of large coastal lakes 2006 was 330 600. The majority and lagoons, such as Smiths and of the community lives in the urban Wallis Lakes to the south and Lake areas of the region, including Cathie and estuary the four major regional centres

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  1 the mid north coast a region of opportunity

at Grafton, , Port From the early timber industry and with their attractive climate and Macquarie and as well as agricultural beginnings to the more array of activities, have drawn the six major towns of Maclean, recent alternative lifestylers and large numbers of retirees and Woolgoolga, Bellingen, Macksville, seachangers, the environment has people seeking a more relaxed Kempsey and Forster–. In always been a major influence on lifestyle. Arguably the strength addition to these major settlements the Region and its community. of the tourism industry in the the Region has a variety of towns, Region has also resulted from the Over the past 25 years the Mid as well as rural and coastal villages. attractiveness of the area. With North Coast has experienced a the continued improvement of The Mid North Coast is biologically 70 per cent population increase the Pacific Highway and shorter/ diverse. The long narrow coast reflecting a considerable amount cheaper flights to the Region, its and hinterland areas provide of growth and change. The largest attractiveness to tourists and those climates and environments that increases have been in the coastal seeking a lifestyle change can only support diverse habitat types. areas of –Hastings grow stronger. The Region has in excess of 40 and Coffs Harbour as well as the national parks and nature reserves Great Lakes area, including (several World Heritage listed) as Forster–Tuncurry. well as two marine parks, (Port The principal driver behind the Stephens and Solitary Islands). continued growth in the Region These reservations, representing has been the extent of migration 20 per cent of the total land area of into the area. Places like Port the Region, protect environmental Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, values as well as preserving many of the Region’s natural icons such as its wild and scenic rivers; the rainforests and gorges of the and Tablelands; the lake systems of the Great Lakes; and long stretches of clean beaches containing littoral and estuarine habitats.

The Region is a highly valued place to live, a significant domestic tourism destination, as well as a place for lifestyle change or retirement. The combination of its environmental values and mix of recreational experiences provides the opportunity for the Region to further develop as a widely recognised tourism destination.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  2

Regional challenges

If the Mid North Coast is to landscapes have long been the the Mid North Coast a special retain its rich natural assets and main attraction for tourists and place to be protected. opportunities for sustainable are now the areas in demand development, careful management for settlement. The Region is rich in natural of its future growth is required. resources such as fisheries, This is a considerable challenge, The environmental values of the timber, groundwater, extractive given the high and sustained Region have been recognised resources and productive soils. population growth rate, the need through the reservation of more These resources are an important than 20 per cent of the land, to maintain jobs growth to match part of the regional economy that totalling around 600 000 hectares, population increases, and the requires careful management. in national parks, wilderness and quality of the Region’s natural Protection of important farmland other conservation reserves, as environment. from development pressures well as over 1000 Crown reserves is one such natural resource and two marine parks. There are Environment also around 700 wetlands imperative. It is critical to keep the best farmland areas intact The Mid North Coast contains protected along the coastal strip a wealth of natural features, under a State environmental to maintain economic opportunity resources and landscapes that planning policy. More than 70 for primary production for have provided the foundations littoral rainforests have been future generations. for continued steady economic similarly protected under a State Some areas in the Region are and population growth since early environmental planning policy. subject to natural hazards such settlement. The Region is made Outside of these reserved and as acid sulfate soils, flooding, and up of a diverse range of landscape protected areas extensive elements including coastal plains, amounts of high value vegetation coastal inundation and recession. escarpments, rivers, estuaries, provide habitat for a wide range These issues need to be carefully lakes and a still largely natural of species including threatened managed when considering future coastline. Several of the rainforest flora and fauna. It is these values, development particularly in light national parks have been given in particular the significance of the of the potential coastline changes world heritage status. The coastal coastal environment, that make associated with climate change.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  2 regional challenges

In light of the amount and quality However, given factors such as The greatest population growth of environmentally sensitive the impending shift to coastal pressure will be experienced areas and the value of natural lifestyles associated with the around Coffs Harbour, Port resources, future planning retirement of the so called baby Macquarie and Great Lakes/Taree. decisions will need to be made in boomer generation and the greater New initiatives to manage coastal the face of increasing shortages accessibility of the Region arising growth will accommodate the of unconstrained land. Much of from improvements to the Pacific expected growth while protecting the suitable land has already been Highway, it is likely that the Region coastal values. Ensuring that new used and the remaining suitable will continue to experience strong developments are environmentally land that is free of constraints population increases. sustainable, as well as compatible must be used to its greatest with existing towns and villages is advantage. The Regional Strategy is based critical to protecting not only the on a potential population increase coastal values that exist in these The environmental challenges of 94 000 between 2006 and places, but also the economic are to: 2031, growing from 330 600 benefits arising from tourism that to 424 600. These figures are • protect and enhance depends on these coastal values. compiled by the NSW Department environmental assets, including of Planning which is responsible While the population is increasing, biodiversity, wetlands, for producing the official NSW a considerable challenge also littoral rainforest, threatened population projections for State arises from the ageing of the species habitat, estuaries government planning purposes. population. The median age is and landscape values This represents an increase of more expected to increase from 44 years • ensure sustainable use of than 28 per cent. The average in 2006 to 55 years in 2031, and natural resources annual growth rate is expected to the population aged 65 years and be approximately 1.1 per cent over over will more than double. • better understand and manage the next 25 years, which will be At the same time the proportion natural hazards, including among the highest regional growth of children under 15 years will flooding, coastal erosion and rates in NSW. However, because decline from 19 per cent to 14 per inundation, land instability, of the difficulties of forecasting cent of the regional population. bushfire hazard and acid growth in areas driven by migration sulfate soils. and tourist demand, this Regional These population changes will Strategy has the capacity within impact on the type and availability Population and the mapped growth areas to of dwellings that will be needed. By 2031, an additional 59 600 housing accommodate population growth rates higher than forecast in all dwellings will be required to satisfy With continued migration to the . population growth, the changing area, the Mid North Coast has age structure and declining been one of the faster growth The Strategy, through ongoing occupancy rates as well as some of NSW. When growth monitoring and five-yearly reviews, expected tourism demands. is driven by migration, it can will adapt to any changes in Currently 80 per cent of all be difficult to predict how the housing demand in the Region dwellings in the Region are rate of growth will continue. or parts thereof. detached houses but with

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  demographic change and lower settlements, enhances a sense reflects and enhances the occupancy ratios there will need to of community, prevents urban character of the settlement in be a greater proportion sprawl and limits damage which it is located and is based of multiunit dwellings in future to to environmental and rural on best practice urban design provide accessible and adaptable production values principles. housing choices. This can be • reinforce the role of major achieved by increasing the amount Economy of attached or multi-unit housing regional centres and towns from its current level of Over the last twenty years the • provide housing choice and 20 per cent to 40 per cent. NSW Mid North Coast Region affordability in the right locations has evolved from a coastal The population and housing reflecting changing population retirement and tourist destination challenges are to: characteristics and associated with a significant agricultural base reduction in household (forestry, fishing, farming) to a • closely monitor and review occupancy ratios region with a diversified service- population increases and based economy. Population migration trends • provide a framework for the planning of new infrastructure growth has driven significant urban expansion, primarily • manage the expected and facilities for the growing and centred on the Region’s coastal population growth in a way ageing population that retains the coastal and centres. The pressures of rapid local character of existing • ensure that new development urban expansion, combined with

Age distribution, Mid-North Coast Region, 2006 and projected 2031

20000 20000 Males Females 18000 18000 2006 2031 2006 2031

16000 16000

14000 14000

12000 12000

10000 10000

8000 8000

6000 6000

4000 4000

2000 2000

0 0 0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-59 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+ 0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-59 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+ Age Age

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  2 regional challenges

a restructuring of the Region’s which are drawcards for visitors, population growth could increase agricultural sectors, have is not lost through inappropriate beyond current forecasts. posed major challenges for development. The main economic challenges the organisations responsible Agricultural production also are to: for the provision of essential remains a key industry of the infrastructure and public services. Region. While agricultural industries • support the creation of additional service jobs by supplying This growth has also placed have declined as a per cent of all adequate and well located great pressure on land use, with industry types, they are still critical commercial and industrial floor a growing need to balance the to the economic health of local space within centres protection and conservation of communities, the Region and the the natural environment, the use State, and are likely to become • augment industrial land supply of productive agricultural land more so in the face of rising energy within each , in and sustainable utilisation of the costs and the impacts nationally particular at or near the higher Region’s natural resources, and of climate change. Sustaining and order centres, to accommodate growing existing industries such urban expansion and settlement. future growth needs as dairying, oyster farming and The Region’s economy is horticulture, while encouraging • recognise the value of existing now largely based on service, diversification into other agricultural primary industries and ensure manufacturing, construction products, will be critical to the land use planning decisions and primary industries. Many future of primary production in do not hinder the growth and of the industries depend on the Region. diversification of primary environmental and natural production As at 2006 there were about resources such as extractive 99 300 jobs in the Region. The • encourage new export industries materials, forests, soils and water, population growth in the Region by to give the regional economy which must be protected in the 2031 will generate a requirement greater diversity and resilience face of the growing population. for a projected 48 500 jobs. and ensure that the jobs A regional forest agreement is in market offers a broader mix of place to conserve and sustainably Comparison between the 2006 employment options including manage the Region’s native forests. and 2031 population profiles high-wage high-skill positions suggests that there will be about Tourism remains a significant the same number of working age • build on the employment sectors component of the regional people in the Region in 2031 as that are currently successful and economy. The Mid North Coast there are now, despite the general maintain the qualities that make has over 3.3 million overnight increase in population. The Region the Region desirable to visitors. visitors each year, spending therefore faces a significant over $1.5 billion. It is estimated challenge in finding enough that tourism employs more than suitable workers to fill expected 9000 people in the Region. This job vacancy growth. If the need highlights the need to ensure that for additional workers results in the character and appeal of coastal more working age people coming towns, villages and their hinterland, to or staying in the Region, then

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  3

A vision for the future

The vision for the Opportunity Prosperity An extensive coastal region Community members can achieve Mid North Coast midway between Sydney and their lifestyle aspirations with is to maintain Brisbane with close links to the collectively limited reliance on and outstanding welfare. and enhance the natural and cultural assets, the Mid North Coast is ‘a region Sustainability opportunity for of opportunity’. the communities Recognising the links between our Healthy economy, environment, natural of the Region resources and quality of life, now A healthy environment, lifestyle and in the future. This requires to experience and economy as well as individual that in taking advantage of the physical wellbeing. opportunities of the Region we a healthy, leave equal opportunity for future prosperous generations to do the same. and sustainable lifestyle.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE  3 a vision for the future

•

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 10 THE STRATEGY AT A GLANCE

The Regional Strategy will guide • Ensure an adequate supply of satisfy the Sustainability Criteria sustainable development of the land exists to support economic (Appendix 1). Mid North Coast Region over the growth and the capacity for • Designate a Coastal Area next 25 years. It aims to: an additional 48 500 jobs in the Region by protecting east of the proposed final • Protect high value existing commercial and alignment of the Pacific environments, including employment areas and securing Highway from which application significant coastal lakes, sufficient land to support new of the Sustainability Criteria estuaries, aquifers, threatened employment opportunities. will be excluded (noting that species, vegetation approximately 70 per cent of • Encourage the growth and communities and habitat the future dwelling capacity redevelopment of the Region’s corridors by ensuring that identified within growth areas is four major regional centres and new urban development already within the Coastal Area). six major towns as a means avoids these important areas of protecting sensitive coastal • Limit development in places and their catchments. and natural environments and constrained by coastal • Cater for a minimum strengthening the economic processes, flooding, wetlands, and administrative functions housing demand of 59 600 important primary industry land of these centres as well as new dwellings by 2031 to and landscapes of high scenic meeting increased housing accommodate the forecast and conservation value. density targets. population increase of 94 000 • Protect the cultural and and any anticipated growth • Protect the coast and the Aboriginal heritage values and beyond this figure arising character of coastal villages by visual character of rural and from increased development limiting growth to the agreed coastal towns and villages and pressures in the Region. growth areas of towns and surrounding landscapes. villages leaving greenbelts • Ensure that new housing between settlements. • Where development or meets the needs of smaller rezoning increases the need • Direct new rural residential households and an ageing for State infrastructure, the development to areas close to population by encouraging Minister for Planning may existing settlements away from a shift in dwelling mix and require a contribution to the the coast. type so that 60 per cent of infrastructure having regard to new housing is the traditional • Only consider additional the NSW Government State detached style and 40 per cent development sites outside Infrastructure Strategy and is of multiunit style. of growth areas if they can equity considerations.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 11

Mid North Coast Regional Strategy Map Settlement and housing

Background population projections for the dwellings will increase and that NSW Government for planning new styles of housing, particularly The Mid North Coast Region has purposes. In undertaking its smaller and easier to manage been one of the fastest and most population projections, the dwellings, will be required. consistent growth regions of Department has recognised NSW. This growth has seen the that a substantial component of As with all coastal regions, the ongoing expansion of the settled the growth of the Region arises population of the Region at area of the Region, as well as from continued migration to the any one time will also include a continuing demand for more area driven by factors such as a number of tourists. The most housing in both new urban areas retirement opportunities, relative dramatic population increases will and through the redevelopment housing affordability or the be experienced during the tourism of existing centres. The demand demand for a different lifestyle. peak seasons at Christmas and for new dwellings will be driven As with all areas where growth is at Easter, although there will also by a number of factors including heavily influenced by migration, be a degree of tourism visitation population increase, tourism it is necessary to monitor the throughout the year. Tourism will and the impact of changing extent of population increase also drive some of the demand demographic trends on housing regularly to ensure that changes for new dwellings, whether this preferences. (either increases or decreases) is through the construction of are identified. specific tourism accommodation Currently there are 330 600 such as hotels and resorts or people living on the Mid North As the population of the Region through the development of short­ Coast. Population projections increases, it will also age term stay opportunities such have identified that there will be and reflect changes in living as selfcatered apartments or an additional 94 000 people living patterns, particularly the decline holiday homes. in the Region by 2031, or a total in occupancy rates. The most population of 424 600. significant implication of these Vacancy rates and peak holiday ageing and housing trends will be populations within the Region The population projections used that smaller households will form show the strong influence that in the Regional Strategy are and a greater number of dwellings tourism has on the demand for official projections provided by for single person and couple-only dwellings in the area. The average the Department of Planning, which households will be needed. These number of unoccupied dwellings is responsible for producing trends mean that the number of in the Region at the 2006 census

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 14 4

was approximately 13 per cent. located within and adjacent to coastal locations has changed the This is higher than the NSW existing towns and centres. The traditional hierarchy and placed average of 9.5 per cent. Great central business districts of the pressure on coastal areas. Lakes had the highest number of four major regional centres can Four distinct subregions have unoccupied dwellings being just accommodate a greater number been recognised in the Strategy below 24 per cent, whilst Coffs of dwellings, provided that careful each with its own major regional Harbour had the lowest at just attention is paid to good urban centre. Each centre is reasonably over nine per cent. design and the protection of the accessible to the whole subregion public domain. Overall the style of housing in the and can provide the main State Region is typically detached, with The Strategy recognises that the and regional services and higher less than 20 per cent of dwellings location of tourism areas needs to order retailing, industry and currently being of a multi-unit be carefully managed to maintain related employment to that nature such as residential the character and scale of subregion. These centres are flats or townhouses and villas. settlements. Where possible, the supported by major towns which can provide extensions These splits vary from place to Strategy seeks to direct tourism­ of regional services and are place. For example, there are based demands for dwellings into important foundations of the higher rates of residential flats, existing urban areas. townhouses and villas in the hierarchy of centres. major towns and centres such as The four subregions are: Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour Regional structure and at Forster–Tuncurry. and settlement • Clarence—incorporating hierarchy the Clarence Valley local With the ageing of the Region’s government area, centred on the population resulting in lower The Region, extending about major regional centre of Grafton occupancy rates and at least 500 kilometres from north to and supported by the major 10 per cent of housing stock south, has developed a hierarchy town of Maclean being needed for tourism, it will of settlement and servicing based be necessary to produce at least around the main river valleys • Coffs Coast—incorporating an additional 59 600 dwellings and transport routes, including the local government areas of over the next 25 years. These sea ports. More recently the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and dwellings will be predominantly attraction of new settlers to Nambucca, centred on the

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 15 4 settlement and housing

Settlement planning principles

When preparing local growth > Any growth of coastal towns and environmental suitability management strategies councils will and villages will protect assessed. be required to identify the growth environmentally fragile Greater detail on the application areas for their centres, towns areas and preserve the of these settlement planning and villages using the following scenic values of the coastal principles and the preparation settlement planning principles: landscape. of local growth management • The four major regional centres > Growth of inland towns and strategies is provided in the will be promoted as the focus villages will be focused in Settlement Planning Guidelines of settlement, employment and areas where extra population (2007) prepared by the Department regional services. Major towns is needed to make existing of Planning for the Mid and Far will provide major local services, services more viable and North Coast. These guidelines as well as outreach centres if the risk of environmental will assist councils in preparing for the provision of regional degradation is low. their local growth management services. Potential opportunities strategies and implementing the for the growth in retail and • New settlement areas will be Regional Strategy at the local level. commercial capacity of these located so as to enable the They include: centres are to be identified. integration of transport services with the provision of community • guidance on the preparation • Development within all centres, services and retail activity. of a local growth management towns and villages will respect strategy, including its content and respond to the character • Settlement areas will be and scope of the area. appropriately located and designed to maximise the • settlement planning principles • Planning for new settlement affordability of housing, as well for development will respect the environmental, as to provide the type of housing • a framework for a new Mid coastal and cultural heritage styles and dwelling mixes that North Coast housing and values of the landscape. are appropriate to the ageing land monitor Key environmental, cultural of the population. and coastal features will be • application of regional protected, while settlement • New settlement areas are only to mapping data. will be directed towards less be identified after infrastructure valuable areas. capacities have been reviewed

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 16 major regional centre of The Strategy map shows the Not all land identified within Coffs Harbour and supported by full hierarchy of settlement for the growth areas or local the major towns of Woolgoolga, the Region, including the major growth management strategies Bellingen and Macksville regional centres, major towns, will be developed for urban towns and villages. uses. The rezoning of land or • Hastings–Macleay Valley— the development of existing incorporating the local zoned land within the growth government areas of Kempsey Growth area areas for urban, commercial or and Port Macquarie–Hastings, planning industrial uses will be subject to centred on the major regional This Strategy includes maps more detailed investigations to centre of Port Macquarie and of growth areas designated to determine capability and future supported by the major town contain expected housing and yield. Land that is subject to of Kempsey employment land in the Region significant natural hazards and/or • Manning Valley–Great Lakes— over the next 25 years (see environmental constraints will incorporating the local back of document). The growth be excluded from development. government areas of Greater area maps will be used by local Other land may be required Taree and Great Lakes, centred councils to define the land for open space, drainage, on the major regional centre of available to investigate for release maintenance of interurban Taree and supported by the as they prepare their local growth breaks or environmental uses/ major town of Forster–Tuncurry management strategies. The local buffers and will be protected for with strong economic and growth management strategies these purposes. service links to Newcastle and will need to be agreed between Eight of the mapped growth areas the Hunter. councils and the Department of Planning before any rezoning are shown hatched on the growth The Strategy proposes that can take place. area maps. These sites have the majority of residential and significant issues to be resolved employment growth will occur in the The location and extent of to determine the extent of final higher order centres listed above. the growth areas reflects the development footprint and dwelling settlement hierarchy, planning yield. Appendix 2 identifies the Towns, identified in the settlement principles and the subregional issues which need to be resolved hierarchy, provide services dwelling projections. for each of these sites. just to their local area. Modest growth is planned for several Additional capacity has also been Open space may be located of the Region’s towns. In most included within the growth area outside the growth areas where cases the villages have very boundaries to allow councils suitable land is not available limited local services and few greater scope for investigation of within the mapped areas. In job opportunities. They are release areas, as a contingency determining where future open often located in environmentally to allow for population growth space for parks, playing fields sensitive areas such as at coastal in excess of expectations, to and so on may be located outside headlands and estuaries and assist with housing choice and the growth areas, areas of high as a consequence their growth affordability and to cater for environmental or natural resource capacity is limited. residential tourism demand. value should be avoided.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 17 4 settlement and housing

Where demonstrated through The Regional Strategy confines likely to be exhausted within the the local growth management any future urban settlement in the lifetime of this Regional Strategy. strategy or rezoning process Coastal Area into the mapped that a reasonable adjustment growth areas. This action will The set of growth area maps at the end of this Strategy show the land to a growth area boundary is ease development pressure on currently zoned for urban uses and desirable and is consistent with some of the State’s most prized the proposed new growth areas to the Regional Strategy, then a coastal assets and will maintain ‘green breaks’ between coastal meet urban, including employment variation of the boundary may settlements. land, demand to 2031. The maps be considered. In determining reflect the hierarchy of settlement the extent of any variation, In order to limit urban growth shown in the Strategy map, with consideration will be given to the along the coast and ensure the main focal points for growth efficient use of infrastructure/ efficiencies in land utilisation being in the major regional centres services, avoidance of significant and infrastructure provision, of Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, environmental constraints no further rezoning for rural Taree and Grafton. and natural resources, and residential development, reinforcement of the regional other than land in a current or The minimum dwelling requirements settlement hierarchy. Any variation future approved local growth for the Region’s four subregions are will be determined through a joint management strategy (or rural set out in the table opposite. analysis undertaken between the residential release strategy) will be permitted in the Coastal Area. Department of Planning and the Rural residential local council. Dwelling Rural residential development will continue to be possible as one Coastal Area projections and land availability form of housing choice for the The Strategy map defines a Region. However any new planning Coastal Area, located east of Each of the councils in the Region for rural residential settlement has an immediate supply of zoned the proposed final alignment of should focus on land close to an land for urban development that the Pacific Highway. This area, existing urban settlement, away can meet short and medium term which includes areas of high from the coast, away from areas demand and most also have environmental sensitivity, coastal that may in the future have value additional land identified in local lakes and estuaries, significant as urban expansion areas, where settlement strategies for the longer significant vegetation clearing wetlands and littoral rainforests, term. Collectively, the zoned and would not be required and where and the iconic coastal scenery identified land is adequate to meet current or potential future primary and villages has been subject to the needs of the Region for the production will not be affected. the greatest growth pressures. next 20 years, particularly if greater Much of the Region’s economic infill development is pursued under Protection of primary production and lifestyle value is derived from the policies outlined in the Regional and biodiversity values of rural this Coastal Area. Management Strategy. However, in some high areas will be achieved by limiting of these natural values is a high growth coastal settlements, the settlement and controlling priority of all levels of government. opportunity for further growth is subdivision.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 18 Minimum dwelling requirements for the four subregions

Subregion Minimum dwelling requirements

Clarence 7100 dwellings Coffs Coast 19 200 dwellings Hastings–Macleay Valley 18 300 dwellings Manning Valley–Great Lakes 15 000 dwellings

Outcomes The identification of new settlement encouraging housing opportunities areas in this Strategy focuses on appropriate to the ageing of the The growth area maps in this locations that will minimise impacts population. Strategy include enough land on coastal values. Growth of to accommodate the expected inland centres and towns will be The focusing of new settlement population, plus an additional encouraged over the expansion of in major regional centres and capacity to assist with housing coastal areas. Key environmental major towns will be reflected in affordability, market choice, and coastal values, such as scenic a change to the split between avoidance of constraints within landscapes, coastal villages and detached and attached dwelling growth areas, and to allow for green breaks between settlements types. The current split of 80 per possible greater population growth will be retained. New settlement cent detached dwellings to 20 per than expected. areas will be carefully planned cent attached will become 60 per within the growth areas, through cent detached and 40 per cent Settlement will be focused on local growth management attached for new dwellings over the four major regional centres at strategies. the lifetime of the Strategy. Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, and Grafton and the Higher dwelling densities in the Actions six major towns in the Region, major coastal regional centres of where the most efficient use can Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, be made of existing and new as well as major towns such as Urban settlement infrastructure. Opportunities for Forster–Tuncurry and Woolgoolga • Local growth management settlement expansion will be limited will enable an appropriate mix strategies, local environmental to those areas identified within of housing styles. Similarly, plans and other statutory the Strategy’s growth area maps opportunities for increased dwelling planning controls will align or where the proposal meets the densities will be explored in inland with the Regional Strategy’s Sustainability Criteria set out in centres and towns such as Taree settlement network (as shown Appendix 1, where they apply. and Grafton, as well as Maclean, on the growth area maps) to The Strategy map identifies the Bellingen and Macksville. Where contain the spread of urban ‘Coastal Area’, which is east of these higher density housing styles development, efficiently the new alignment of the Pacific are able to be met, consistent utilise existing services and Highway, from which application with character and design values, infrastructure, and protect areas of the Sustainability Criteria is it will enable affordability and of high conservation value. excluded. tourism demands to be met, while

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 19 4 settlement and housing

• Councils will plan for a range provision does not apply in the Subdivision, houses and of housing types of appropriate Coastal Area as shown on the other uses in rural zones density, location and suitability Strategy map. that are capable of adapting and • Councils will maintain appropriate subdivision standards for responding to the ageing of the Rural residential population. rural zones consistent with development the principles of the State • Councils will consider a range • Future rural residential land will Environmental Planning Policy of affordable housing strategies, only be zoned for release if it (Rural Lands) 2008. including forms of low cost is in accordance with a local • Local environmental plans will housing, suitable zonings growth management strategy include minimum subdivision and development controls to agreed to between council and standards for rural and improve housing affordability the Department of Planning and environment protection zones. and choice. These strategies consistent with the principles must be consistent with relevant of the Settlement Planning • Local environmental plans State policies. Guidelines. will include provisions to limit dwellings in rural and • Where development or • No new rural residential environmental zones. rezoning increases the need development will be permitted for State infrastructure, the within the Coastal Area, other • New caravan parks and Minister for Planning may than development already zoned manufactured home estates require a contribution to the or in an approved current or where there is any potential for provision of the infrastructure future local growth management permanent accommodation having regard to the State strategy (or rural residential land to occur, generally should be Infrastructure Strategy and release strategy). located in urban areas. equity considerations. • Planning for rural residential • Local environmental plans • Local environmental plans land must be integrated with generally should locate major cannot use the ‘Transition zone’ the supply of infrastructure and health and education facilities to identify land for future urban transport. in urban areas. investigation.

• Local environmental plans will maintain interurban breaks between existing and new settlements.

• Greenfield sites outside the growth areas contained in local growth management strategies may be developed, subject to satisfying the Sustainability Criteria in Appendix 1. This

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 20 5

Settlement character and design

Background As the Region continues to grow, it • reinforcing investors’ will be necessary for the character perceptions of a centre’s status The Region’s towns and villages of the area to evolve to reflect other relative to other settlement in have developed a distinct demands such as the need for the Region, thereby attracting character reflecting their historical jobs, better services and a range further investment. This in turn development in a subtropical and of housing types appropriate to increases the level of services temperate landscape. The coastal the location. This evolution should villages in particular are valued and consolidates the centre’s not be at the expense of the by the community because of regional status underlying coastal values of the their scenic appeal and lifestyle • the potential for residential opportunities. Many of the non­ Region, and should help to define accommodation above coastal settlements have values and enhance the coastal values commercial space, which can and character attributes based on by offering greater opportunities bring a higher level of vibrancy their settings in rural and riverine to preserve and protect important to the centre landscapes. environmental and scenic landscapes. Increased densities • a greater number of people and It is the character of the towns within key centres and towns will business in the most parts and villages that sets the Region help to achieve these goals. apart from other places in of a centre without consuming NSW and encourages tourists With a careful design approach additional land to return to the Region year there is potential for councils to • achieving economies of scale in after year. It is important that consider higher densities and the provision of basic services the essential elements of these review their height limits in centres. such as roads, drainage, water values and character be captured Some key advantages of having supply and sewerage and understood so that new a taller building precinct in the development can be sympathetic main business area of a major • alleviating the pressure to to it. Making character and design centre are: develop in other more guidance available to developers sensitive locations. and decision-makers will result • reinforcing the public’s in higher quality development perception of where the main There are opportunities for responsive to the Region’s climate, business centre is relative to significant increases of density in a natural features and landscape. neighbourhood business centres number of major regional centres

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 21 5 settlement character and design

and towns, for example, Coffs future form and function of promoted, including historic Harbour and Port Macquarie. the settlement, and manage townscapes and places of visual impacts in urban and heritage significance. Ensuring that the character of the coastal areas. coast is reflected in subdivision Actions patterns, the identification of New development will include a public domain areas and building range of well designed housing • Councils will prepare desired controls relies on an understanding choices and an urban form based character statements for their of the environmental, social and on ‘neighbourhood planning localities, having regard for economic factors that define principles’, which maximise the Department’s North Coast urban areas. As part of the pedestrian and bicycle access urban design guidelines (2009). preparation of local strategies and across the settlement areas, and Provisions should be included in development controls, councils will be encouraged to clearly define provide easy access to services development control plans to character statements for their and facilities. The result will be ensure that new development centres and towns as well as better places to live, with attractive, enhances the desired character the likely future character of new adaptable and self-reliant and is based on the urban areas. settlements that foster a strong ‘neighbourhood planning sense of community. principles’ listed below as well as the following: Outcomes A network of open space within Future built form will reflect the and between settlements will > New buildings will be existing positive design aspects cater for recreation, nature designed to maximise of character, streetscape and conservation and social interaction. adaptability for changing landscape. Building heights will Conservation of the environmental demographic trends and be established to reflect the heritage of the Region will be alternative future uses.

Neighbourhood planning principles

• A range of land uses to provide • Jobs available locally and needs and incomes. Traditional the right mix of houses, jobs, regionally, reducing travel times houses on their own block will open space, recreational space and the demand for transport be available along with smaller and green space. services. lower maintenance homes, units and terraces. • Easy access (including public • Streets and suburbs planned transport where viable) to so that residents can walk • Conservation lands in and major centres with a full range and cycle to shops for their around development sites of shops, recreational facilities daily needs. to help protect biodiversity and services along with and provide open space smaller village centres and • A wide range of housing for recreation. neighbourhood shops. choices to provide for different

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 22 > New development will be • Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie- • Local environmental plans, designed to respond to the Hastings, Greater Taree and development control plans subtropical and temperate Clarence Valley councils will (and subsequent land release climate of the Region through be encouraged to review the development) will be consistent best practice energy efficient building height limits in the with the Settlement planning design, landscaping and central business areas of Coffs guidelines: Mid and Far North materials. Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree Coast regional strategies (NSW and Grafton respectively with a Department of Planning 2007) > Land use and transport view to increasing heights (and North Coast urban design planning will be integrated to therefore development densities) guidelines (NSW Department of minimise the need to travel, where consistent with heritage Planning 2009) and the NSW and to encourage energy and and other local considerations. Government’s Coastal design resource efficiency. guidelines for NSW (Coastal • Local environmental plans will > New development will be Council of NSW 2003) as set building heights in urban designed to reflect and applicable. areas. Height limits should enhance the natural, cultural, reflect the landscape character, • Local environmental plans, visual and built character function and hierarchy of the development control plans, bike and values of the local and future settlement and visual and plans and pedestrian access regional landscape. cultural amenity of its location. and mobility plans will provide • New and changing urban for an accessible and integrated • Local environmental plans for areas will provide access to network of walking and cycling areas subject to the NSW natural features such as coastal routes for safe and convenient Government Coastal Policy will foreshore and riparian lands, travel to local destinations and incorporate provisions to consistent with the maintenance between key land uses within achieve the outcomes of the of ecological values. urban places. Coastal Policy with respect to • New and changing settlement overshadowing. Generally, areas will incorporate open development on urban land in space that is accessible to Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie the public and which provides or Forster–Tuncurry will not opportunities for recreation, result in the beach or adjoining nature conservation, social open space being interaction, and visual overshadowed before 3.00 p.m. enhancement and amenity. midwinter (standard time) or 6.30 p.m. midsummer (daylight • Commercial centres in villages savings time). For other beaches will be multifunctional, mixed­ or waterfront open space in the use areas (including residential) Region, development will catering for diverse community generally not result in needs. overshadowing before 4.00 p.m. (midwinter) or 7.00 p.m. midsummer (daylight saving time).

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 23 Economic development and employment growth

Background of 232 hectares of additional Australian Rail Track Corporation’s industrial land and about 210 recent improvements to the North Increases in the population of hectares of commercial land (total Coast rail line (Sydney – Brisbane). the Mid North Coast Region will 442 hectares). Coffs Harbour and create a demand for additional Port Macquarie in particular will The minimum amount of additional employment opportunities. Using industrial land needed over the require substantial industrial lands current work participation rates and next 25 years when distributed to support their future growth. population projections it is expected across subregions is: However, opportunities exist that the capacity for an additional elsewhere within the Region to • Clarence subregion— 48 500 jobs will need to be created. provide some of these needs; for 23 hectares This will create sufficient capacity instance Nambucca Heads can to meet the service needs of the • Coffs Coast subregion— build on its successful vehicle growing population and additional 86 hectares manufacturing cluster. capacity to help encourage • Hastings–Macleay Valley additional workers to the region and All of the Mid North Coast councils subregion—84 hectares reduce the ageing of the population. have some vacant land zoned ready to accommodate immediate • Manning Valley–Great Lakes Economic development and subregion—39 hectares. employment growth is expected employment land needs. The Strategy identifies a significant in areas such as finance, The Strategy identifies sufficient additional supply in all subregions administration, business services, industrial land to support to accommodate the expected health, aged care and tourism. the development of possible needs to 2031. The four major The Mid North Coast Regional new industries and new job regional centres have been targeted Development Board has identified opportunities, and to establish for growth in employment land these and other sectors as an employment land bank for supply. This will be strategically requiring additional employment the future. This may assist in the complemented by large areas near lands capacity. affordability of employment land Kempsey and Nambucca Heads. and provide a competitive surplus The centres further from the coast Employment lands to encourage the establishment of in particular have the capacity new industries. The anticipated employment to provide the land and other potential associated with expected infrastructure to support industry In identification of four major population growth translates to with an export focus. These centres regional centres and supporting a projected need for a minimum can also take advantage of the major towns, towns and villages,

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 24 6

the Strategy recognises the centres reflecting their role as major North Coast Region. Commercial existing retail and service functions towns. Fragmentation and out-of- synergies can be capitalised on of centres in the Region. In order centre retailing should be resisted between tourism and boating to meet employment capacity unless compelling reasons exist in services to provide specialised projections additional commercial order to maintain the healthy retail employment. The Region is floor space (including car parking and service functioning of particular historically recognised for its boat and associated services) will centres in the Region. building industry and provides need to be provided in a manner sheltered, waterside locations for that maintains and reflects this Although recognising the this industry to grow and provide hierarchy. Additional floor space importance of restricting more employment. will be established through the commercial activity to existing centres it is also necessary development and redevelopment Tourism of existing centres and business to provide some commercial zones. However, it is recognised opportunities along the Pacific The Mid North Coast is an that some new commercial Highway in accordance with the important tourist destination. development will be needed Highway Service Centres Policy of It provides diverse attractions and to service new release areas the NSW Government. This policy, opportunities including its beaches and these areas will need to be identified in the Ministerial Direction and headlands, the Solitary Islands consistent with the commercial No. 5.4 issued under section 117 and Port Stephens–Great Lakes hierarchy and integrated into the of the Environmental Planning Marine Parks, national parks planning of these new areas. and Assessment Act 1979, will (including World Heritage areas), govern the identification of the rural scenery, river valleys, villages, It is expected that Taree, Port limited opportunities available for arts/crafts and events. In particular, Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and commercial development in the it is a Region which still allows for Grafton will take the majority of highway corridor. a traditional beachside holiday future commercial development experience for families. The Region as these centres have the greatest Marine-related industry presents an also has close connectivity with the capacity for redevelopment. Centres important employment opportunity New England Region, adding to such as Forster–Tuncurry, Kempsey, for the Region combining tourism, the number of people easily able Macksville, Bellingen, Woolgoolga manufacturing and transport and to visit the Mid North Coast and and Maclean are also expected storage. There is capacity for increasing the range of tourism to undergo some growth and the supply of marine berths to opportunities available from the redevelopment of their commercial grow to meet demand in the Mid Mid North Coast.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 25 6 economic development and employment growth

Tourism generates significant Buffers between industrial and and the environment will be provided. economic and employment benefits residential areas will limit conflict. for the Region. The Mid North The Regional Strategy acknowledges Due to their scale or nature (e.g. Coast has over 3.3 million overnight the importance of essential visitors each year spending more hazards or noise emissions) certain infrastructure to underpin settlement than $1.5 billion. It is estimated that industries are located outside of and employment in the Region, tourism directly employs over 9000 settlements. For example some in particular access to water and people in the Region and indirectly marine-based industries may be energy. Local environmental plans generates or supports a large located outside towns due to will play an important role in securing number of additional businesses, their need for access to navigable regional infrastructure such as gas and therefore jobs. waterways. or water pipelines and electricity transmission lines by identifying The economic value of natural The attractiveness of the Region infrastructure corridors. is dependant on the high quality resources and natural environments natural resources and landscape in the Region will be recognised as values which underpin tourism. an employment generator due to its Actions Visitors are also drawn by the importance to tourism and primary coastal character of the settlements. industries including agriculture, Employment in centres Clearly it is in the best economic forestry, fishing and extractive/mining • Local environmental plans (and interests of the Region to ensure industries. other planning provisions) will that the scale of development, facilitate employment growth in The hierarchy of settlement identified particularly tourist development, the major regional centres and in this Strategy will be reflected in does not overwhelm these values. major towns, as well as facilitate the hierarchy of commercial centres appropriate local jobs in towns The Strategy acknowledges and – consistent in scale and centrally and villages and recognise protects the Region’s coastal and located within each community. appropriate home-based hinterland assets, which make it both Commercial development will be employment opportunities. a popular tourism destination and located within the boundaries of a desirable place to live. It will also towns and villages, utilising existing • In preparing local environmental be necessary to ensure that future commercial centres where possible. plans councils will liaise with water tourism development is designed The Pacific Highway corridor is an and energy providers and make to blend with the urban settlement exception, requiring well located provision for any regional gas, pattern, thereby protecting the highway service centres with limited water or electricity infrastructure ambience of the Region’s village, defined uses. corridors that may be required. coastal and rural areas. A range of tourism opportunities • The opportunities and development Outcomes will be provided across the Region, potentials of commercial centres taking advantage of the wide scope will be explored by councils Sufficient zoned and subdivided of tourism assets. Large scale and identified in local growth industrial land will be provided in all tourism facilities will be located in the management strategies, local the major regional centres, major prime tourism development areas of environmental plans and towns and towns (where there Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, development control plans. is capacity and where otherwise and as identified in an approved Councils will identify opportunities consistent with the policy directions local growth management strategy. of this Strategy) so that it is readily for bulky goods style retailing in Opportunities for smaller scale available when opportunities emerge. accessible locations in or near minimum-impact tourism ventures commercial centres and restrict this Industrial areas will be closely outside prime tourism development form of retailing in industrial zones associated within their settlements. areas which relate to the landscape as set out in the NSW Government

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 26 policy The right place for • The Department of Planning will strategy. Planning for tourist business and services. work with councils to ensure facilities and tourism development that appropriate opportunities for will adopt the following principles: • Planning for commercial uses is employment lands, as identified in to be integrated with transport, the Strategy’s growth area maps, > Acknowledgement of and public domain and infrastructure are brought on stream via local consistency with the North opportunities. growth management strategies Coast Regional Tourism Plan 2004–2007 (or latest version) and local environmental plans. • Highway service centres may and Regional be located beside the Pacific • In the case of some marine-based Tourism Plan 2003–2006 (or Highway at Maclean (at one industries that depend upon latest version). of the Maclean interchanges), access to navigable waterways, > A range of tourism Woolgoolga (at one of the additional opportunities for experiences and forms of Woolgoolga interchanges), industry establishment may be tourist accommodation will be Kempsey (at the southern provided outside the growth areas. provided for in urban areas, interchange), Port Macquarie (on The Department of Planning including ‘bed and breakfast’. the eastern side of the Pacific will work with the Department Highway at the interchange with of Environment and Climate > No tourism development should the Oxley Highway) and Taree (at Change and other relevant State be located near the Pacific the Old Bar Road interchange). government agencies on suitable Highway, except within towns. In the future, additional highway locational criteria to assist in > Local environmental plans service centres could be located guiding any future development will locate large scale tourism at Nambucca Heads (at the opportunities. development in prime tourism northern interchange) and Port development areas unless Macquarie (on the western side • In consultation with councils, other proposed locations of the Pacific Highway at the industry, business and other are consistent with an Oxley Highway interchange), stakeholders, the Mid North Coast approved local growth subject to review of need by the Regional Development Board will management strategy. Roads and Traffic Authority at a implement its Regional Economic five year review of the Strategy. Profile (2008) to encourage/ > Local environmental plans will No other zonings to permit facilitate industry and employment prevent permanent residential new out-of-town commercial growth and investment accommodation in tourism development will occur along the opportunities. It will particularly development, except where it Pacific Highway. This includes focus on those innovative, high- is ancillary to existing tourism any industrial zones that could skill and high-wage industries development or part of an area permit commercial uses such that have the greatest potential otherwise identified for urban expansion in an approved local as bulky goods premises. to develop in the Region. The Northern Rivers Regional Industry growth management strategy. and Economic Plan will also Employment lands be used to provide economic Monitoring • Local environmental plans will guidance to the Clarence Valley. ensure that sufficient lands • The Department of Planning will incorporate an employment land which are zoned industrial and Tourism development business and currently vacant are component into the Mid North protected to accommodate the • Councils will plan strategically Coast Housing and Land Monitor new jobs required for each local for tourism development in an to ensure an ongoing supply of government area until 2031. agreed local growth management industrial land.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 27 Environment and natural resources

Background ensure that the biodiversity values estuaries. Many of these uses are of the Region are appropriately in direct conflict with one another The Region’s natural environment managed through local and require consideration in the plays a critical role in terms of environmental plans and other planning process. life support systems including mechanisms. The Regional The Region’s coastal lakes and biodiversity, carbon sequestration Conservation Plan will identify lagoons typically have intermittently and water purification. There are areas of high conservation value open entrances to the ocean. The approximately 600 000 hectares as well as the importance of lakes are unique in their biodiversity of conservation reserves making improving the ecological and their ecological and physical up 20 per cent of the Region. The functioning of habitat areas processes. They can alternate escarpment areas are clothed in through the creation of connecting between freshwater and saltwater wet temperate and subtropical corridors and networks. rainforest. Connections between regimes. These lakes are highly coastal and higher altitude habitats The Region’s estuaries, rivers, susceptible to impact from climate occur in several places such floodplains and wetlands are of change and urban activities. immense environmental value, as near Bulahdelah and Smiths The growth in access to water providing a variety of habitats Lake. There are also extensive for stock and domestic purposes for many aquatic and terrestrial networks of conservation lands has reduced the availability of organisms. Estuaries and rivers are along the coast, including areas water for licensed water users popular places for a wide variety managed through a combination and impacted on the health of of active and passive recreational of planning controls such as State riverine systems. Containing these pursuits as well as being the basis environmental planning policies (for impacts will involve limiting the of the State’s valuable commercial coastal wetlands, littoral rainforests creation of additional lots that fishery activities. The majority of and koala habitat) as well as front watercourses. national park reservations and fish, shellfish and crustaceans environmental protection zones. harvested in NSW are either caught Traditional and emerging forms of or spend part of their life cycles in agriculture are an important part of The Department of Environment estuaries and rivers. Most of our the Mid North Coast’s economic and Climate Change is preparing sand and gravel is won from the and social base. The gross value a Regional Conservation Plan to floodplains or beds and banks of of Mid North Coast agriculture

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 28 7

State Environmental Planning Policy (Rural Lands) 2008

Agriculture is a significant industry, outcomes in rural areas of NSW. in accordance with the principles worth approximately $7.3 billion in the SEPP. to the economy of NSW and The SEPP contains rural providing employment to 79 000 planning principles and rural The rural planning principles people. The ongoing orderly and subdivision principles, which identify a range of matters economic development of the will assist councils in planning that should be considered for the proper management, rural lands in NSW is vital to the when councils prepare local development and protection State economy. environmental plans for rural land. of rural lands. The SEPP also This will enable opportunities In response to the findings of the contains measures to reduce Central West Rural Land Review land use conflicts, including for economic development, Panel, the State Environmental eliminating concessional lots in protection of natural resources Planning Policy (Rural Lands) rural areas. The SEPP allows and environmental values and 2008 (the SEPP) has been councils to retain their current a range of housing types in prepared to improve planning minimum lot size(s) or vary them planned locations.

in 2001 was $245 million. High Project. Identified on the basis of is currently being mapped under quality farmland has in the past factors including slope, soil depth, the Predominantly Frost-Free been lost to urban and rural drainage, water holding capacity, Horticultural Land Project. residential development. Future soil type and soil structure, this is The project will map land that is population growth is likely to create the best farmland in the region and important because of its slope, more pressure on farmland. is considered capable of sustained unique microclimate and/or soil use with a reasonable level of inputs. Regionally significant farmland characteristics which allow the has been mapped under the Mid Additionally, land important to intensive cultivation of horticultural North Coast Farmland Mapping existing horticultural industries crops including bananas,

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 29 7 environment and natural resources

avocados, blueberries and to rehabilitate and enhance Where development, including macadamias. environmental values and natural new land release, may impact on resources. Facilitating the land biodiversity it will be designed to Regionally significant farmland use planning objectives of the minimise impacts or provide offsets and predominantly frost-free catchment action plans and by protecting and enhancing horticultural land need to be largely those of other natural resource the long term viability of priority protected from encroachment, management plans, such as vegetation and habitat corridors, fragmentation and conflicting uses. water sharing plans and estuary as well as rehabilitating degraded The importance of protecting management plans, is important in priority areas. high value agricultural land achieving long term environmental sustainability. The values and functions of riparian whilst providing opportunities corridors, coastal wetlands, lakes, for rural lifestyle, settlement and The natural resources and hazards estuaries and fishery habitats will housing, was recognised by the map identifies the main areas with also be protected. Waterways NSW Government and the wider high-value natural resources. The will be protected to maintain community as a challenge State map shows the remaining land as water quality. wide. In response, the NSW ‘environmental assets and rural The Region’s natural resources Government has released State land’ indicating that it also has a including farmland, extractive Environment Planning Policy (Rural range of natural resource values. resources, energy resources and Lands) 2008. The main purpose of The biodiversity map shows land timber will be protected from urban the SEPP is to improve planning of varying biodiversity value, and rural residential development, outcomes in rural areas of NSW. identified at a regional scale. It introduces rural planning with appropriate buffers considered principles to provide guidance for when development occurs near local councils when preparing new Outcomes these resources. LEPs which will accommodate The importance of the Region’s economic development whilst natural environment and natural protecting significant agricultural resources to its economy, productive lands. character, scenery and cultural values is recognised through the The Mid North Coast Region has planning process and these areas extensive areas of high biodiversity are protected from future urban and productive natural resources and rural residential development. which need to be protected from development pressures. The Strategy supports the The Northern Rivers and Hunter- maintenance and enhancement Central Rivers catchment of the Region’s biodiversity. Urban management authorities have development will be directed developed catchment action away from areas of known or likely plans that include regional conservation importance, including investment opportunities for corridors which allow wildlife to funding of community projects connect with or migrate to other and government programs habitat areas and climatic zones.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 30 Natural Resources and Hazards 7 environment and natural resources

Actions Biodiversity land suitable for predominantly frost-free coastal horticulture, to • The Department of Environment protect the identified land. Preparation of local and Climate Change will prepare environmental plans a Regional Conservation Plan to guide local councils and Natural resource • Local environmental plans will protect and zone land with State and Commonwealth management high environmental, vegetation, governments in achieving • Local environmental plans habitat, riparian, aquatic, conservation outcomes. will include provisions on coastal or corridor values for • Local environmental plans land fronting watercourses to environmental protection. will include provisions to limit the creation of additional water rights. • Local environmental plans encourage habitat and corridor will zone regionally significant establishment in future zoning • Local environmental plans will farmland to protect agricultural of land with environmental and include provisions to protect values. rural values. the water quality in town water supply catchments, other • Local environmental plans waterways and significant will identify and zone land of Farmland mapping groundwater reserves. landscape value (including scenic • Regionally significant farmland and cultural landscapes) to will not be available for future • Councils will work with the protect those values. urban or rural residential Northern Rivers and Hunter- rezoning other than in the Central Rivers catchment • Local environmental plans will limited circumstances as management authorities to protect land identified as having ensure that the aims and extractive resources of regional permitted by the Mid North objectives of catchment significance and their haulage Coast Farmland Mapping action plans are considered in routes (see Appendix 3 and Project Final Recommendations the future management and Ministerial section 117 Direction Report (2008). planning of local council areas. No. 1.3). • Mapped farmland will be • Subdivision and dwelling protected from the impacts of standards in local environmental new neighbouring development plans will reflect the Rural Lands through conflict risk assessment SEPP, the Regional Strategy and and buffers, consistent with the objectives of the relevant the Mid North Coast Farmland zones. Mapping Project and the Rural Lands State Environmental • New development adjoining or Planning Policy. adjacent to farmland, extractive resources, waterways, wetlands • The Department of Primary and areas with high value Industries and the Department biodiversity will incorporate of Planning will work with buffers to avoid land use conflict. councils to complete a review of

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 32 Biodiversity Natural hazards

Background coastal zone management plans process for councils to develop in accordance with the Coastal a flood risk management plan. The Regional Strategy recognises Zone Management Manual and The aim is to reduce the impact that some areas may be subject having regard for the higher levels of flooding. The plans should to the effects of natural hazards. of risks associated with climate consider the potential for risks to Major hazards such as flooding, change. These management increase under climate change coastal inundation and shoreline plans should form the basis for especially in areas subject to recession are closely linked to the the consideration of impacts on or ocean influence (including sea-level Region’s coastline and estuaries. from potential new land releases, rise and more frequent and more These areas are also subject to rezoning or existing development in intense storm events). some of the Region’s greatest areas subjected to hazards. Where development pressures. Planning a coastal zone management plan In April 2007, the Council of processes have been developed is not yet in place, the Regional Australian Governments endorsed to identify the risks associated Strategy requires that councils a National Climate Change with flooding and coastal hazards consider these issues in any future Adaptation Framework. Adaptation and how they can be minimised development in these coastal is a way of preparing for a through land use planning. locations. As a general principle changing climate to manage the new development should be limited risks and maximise opportunities. The risk and severity of many in areas that might in the future be Long term climate change is likely hazards may be higher under subject to coastal hazards, having to present new challenges that climate change. Extra caution regard for the higher levels of risks will demand careful analysis and needs to be taken in planning and associated with climate change. innovative solutions. In March 2008 building decisions particularly in the Premier announced that the areas subject to ocean influence to Flooding is a major hazard NSW Government will prepare a account for the effects of climate that may result in community Climate Action Plan that will include change on sea-level rise and dislocation and substantial adaptation measures. storm surge, shoreline recession, economic and social costs. The Floodplain development manual: Other hazards may include storm frequency and intensity, tidal bushfire, acid sulfate soil inundation and flooding. the management of flood liable land (2005) defines the NSW disturbance and landslip. The Coastal Protection Act 1979 Government’s Flood Prone Land enables councils to prepare Policy. The manual outlines the

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 34 8

Outcomes • Local environmental plans will • Zoning of land for future make provision for adequate development within the Future urban development will not setbacks in areas of coastal catchments of coastal lakes (as be located in areas of high risk erosion risk and oceanbased defined in Schedule 1 of State from natural hazards including sea­ inundation in accordance with Environmental Planning Policy level rise, coastal recession, rising coastal zone management plans. No. 71 – Coastal Protection) watertables and flooding. must consider a coastal lake • Until the above plans and Development in areas subject to sustainability assessment if one investigations are complete, has been prepared. natural hazards will be assessed councils will not zone land or according to the policies of the approve new development • Local environmental plans will Floodplain Development Manual or redevelopment in potential zone areas subject to high and Coastal Zone Management hazard areas, unless assessed hazard to reflect the limitations Manual. within a risk assessment of the land. Appropriate planning provisions framework adopted by will be incorporated in local the council. environmental plans consistent with the Floodplain Development Manual and council’s risk management plan to minimise the risk from flooding and coastal erosion.

Actions • In order to manage risk associated with climate change, councils will undertake flood investigations over lands with the potential to be affected by sea level rise and inundation to ensure that risks to public and private assets are minimised.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 35 8 natural hazards

Implementation of existing natural resource policies, plans and guidelines

Substantial work has been done • Management of flood liable • Policy and guidelines: aquatic by agencies, councils and the land in accordance with section habitat management and community in the Mid North Coast 733 of the Local Government fish conservation (NSW Region to develop natural resource Act 1993 Fisheries 1999) management policy, plans and guidelines. Councils should ensure • Floodplain risk management • State Environmental Planning that their local growth management plans prepared in accordance Policy (Rural Lands) 2008 strategies, local environmental with the Floodplain development plans and development manual: the management • State Environmental Planning control plans maximise the of flood table land(NSW Policy (Mining, Petroleum achievement of the principles and Government 2005) Production and Extractive recommendations in these policies Industries) 2007 and plans, in particular: • Coastal zone management plans under the Coastal • Planning for bushfire protection • NSW Coastal Policy and State Protection Act 1979 Environmental Planning Policy (NSW Rural Fire Service 2006) No. 71 – Coastal Protection • Existing coastal and estuary • Acid sulfate soils planning management plans • NSW Government’s Water guidlines (Acid Sulfate Soils Quality and River Flow • Soil landscape mapping Management Advisory Objectives (1999) (Department of Environment Committee, NSW Government 1998) • Northern Rivers and Hunter- and Climate Change) Central Rivers catchment • Oyster industry sustainable • The National Climate Change action plans aquaculture strategy Adaptation Framework (Council • Local stormwater management (Department of Primary of Australian Governments plans Industries 2006) Climate Change Group 2007).

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 36 9

Cultural heritage

Background are locations, areas or regions most areas. Urban growth and valued by an Aboriginal group (or development in the Region has The Mid North Coast Region groups) because of their long and the potential to further impact encompasses the traditional lands complex relationship with that on existing as well as yet to be of the Gumbaynggir, Dunghutti, land. Areas identified as holding identified cultural heritage values. Birpai and Worimi people, and more specific value to Aboriginal The identification, recording and extends into Bundjalung country in communities due to a particular protection of cultural heritage the north. The first Europeans to use or association can also be are important for current and settle in the Region were cedar­ shown. Information identified future generations. It contributes getters. Squatters soon followed, through this mapping process to community identity, wellbeing establishing grazing lands for would supplement that held by and sense of history. Heritage sheep. The subsequent subdivision the Aboriginal Heritage Information items and areas also reinforce the and development of land in the Management System database economic base for tourism. Region has impacted on Aboriginal administrated by the Department communities, affecting their lifestyle of Environment and Climate Built heritage studies have been and settlement and the to Change and knowledge held by prepared for many of the towns conduct traditional activities. local Aboriginal communities. and areas within the Region. Most, Councils and other government but not all of the items have been Despite this, the Mid North Coast included in local environmental is rich in cultural value to the authorities will be encouraged to use Aboriginal cultural landscape plans. Many of the heritage studies Region’s Aboriginal communities, are more than ten years old and with many places and objects maps to better conserve Aboriginal cultural heritage. should be reviewed and renewed of spiritual, historical and social as councils complete local growth significance known to exist. European settlement has changed management strategies. The It is possible, working closely the landscape of the Region over heritage schedules in new local with Aboriginal communities, to a relatively short period of time. environmental plans should reflect identify and map areas of cultural The conservation areas, buildings the many different types of heritage value to Aboriginal communities. and archaeological sites that have now recognised as contributing to Such mapping can identify particular heritage significance the cultural landscape and sense cultural landscapes, which have been well documented in of place in the Region.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 37

9 cultural heritage

Outcomes Actions

The importance of the Region’s • Councils are to ensure that Aboriginal cultural heritage is cultural and community values recognised by the planning that are important to Aboriginal process. Development should communities are considered and not adversely impact on places, resolved in the future planning features or landscapes of cultural and management of the local significance to Aboriginal people. government area.

Aboriginal cultural landscape • The Department of Planning and mapping and assessment councils will review the scope and guidelines, along with other quality of the existing statutory information sources, will be used lists of heritage items and ensure to inform and guide development that all places of significance are and manage activities within the included in the heritage schedules Region so Aboriginal cultural of local environmental plans. values are maintained. • The cultural heritage values of The input and involvement of major regional centres and major owners, custodians and other towns that will be the focus interest groups into the identification of urban renewal projects will and conservation of cultural heritage be reviewed, with the aim of will be encouraged through the protecting cultural heritage. development of a cultural heritage management protocol.

The Region’s places, precincts and landscapes of cultural heritage significance will be identified (where appropriate) and protected in planning instruments.

A better understanding of the diversity of cultural heritage values in the Region, including aesthetic, archaeological, architectural, historic, scientific, social and spiritual will be encouraged.

The Region’s major regional centres and major towns will continue to evolve their forms, while still maintaining the heritage values that are important.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 38 10

Water and energy resources

Background All councils/local government share of water is allocated for water suppliers in the Region are annual urban water supplies, Urban water supplies for the Mid developing integrated water cycle except where exceptional drought North Coast Region in conjunction management plans within a whole­ conditions prevent this. with the existing treatment and ofcatchment framework. This will distribution infrastructure and help them identify water supply Transgrid, operates the high its scheduled augmentation are issues and water management voltage transmission network while the supply of energy to customers adequate to meet expected problems. The plans aim to reduce is the responsibility of Country demand to 2031. water extraction from rivers and groundwater aquifers through Energy. The potential for coal, and The completion of the Shannon demand management, recycling seam methane, reserves in the Creek water storage facility, of effluent for suitable reuse Clarence and Great Lakes local government areas provides the presently under construction, and improved management of opportunity for the re-development and the recent filling of the new stormwater runoff. These actions of a local energy industry, and local Cowarra water storage facility, will work in association with BASIX targets for new residential power generation. will secure urban water supplies construction to reduce water to the main growth areas of Coffs consumption within the Region. Harbour and Port Macquarie. The Outcomes current augmentation of MidCoast The Department of Water and The Regional Strategy Water’s water filtration and Energy will be determining acknowledges the importance pumping infrastructure, access to environmental flows and water of access to water and energy a groundwater source at Nabiac in access rules for both surface and infrastructure in supporting groundwater sources through 2008 and a programmed increase settlement and employment the development of macro water­ to the storage capacity of the in the Region. sharing plans. Within this planning Bootawa Dam by 2012 will meet process it is acknowledged that The Regional Strategy aligns the future growth and development towns have a higher priority for work of the Department of Water water demand for southern areas access to water. These macro and Energy and local councils to while satisfying requirements for water plans will recognise this ensure a secure, safe and adequate environmental flows. priority by ensuring that a full regional water supply through:

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 39 10 water and energy resources

• identification of environmental • All future development is to apply flow allocations for all unregulated water sensitive urban design rivers within the Region principles and meet stormwater management targets that support • specification of per capita environmental values of the reduction in urban water use catchments. and strategies to achieve this • Suitable locally generated and/or • improved water cycle renewable energy projects such management to increase reuse as wind, solar, bio-waste and of effluent and reduce the impact wave power will be supported. of sewage and stormwater.

• maintenance and improvement of existing ground and surface water quality levels.

Actions • Local environmental plans will recognise and protect regional water supply catchments and systems through appropriate planning provisions.

• In preparing local environmental plans councils will liaise with water and energy providers and make provision for any regional water, electricity and gas infrastructure corridors that may be required.

• Councils or water supply authorities will complete integrated water cycle management plans for their local areas.

• The Department of Water and Energy and local water authorities will prepare a Regional Water Plan to ensure long term regional water efficiencies and improved drought security.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 40 11

Regional transport

Background extensive road network which greater transport efficiency and includes: safety for residents, for both intra The Mid North Coast Region is and interregional movements. currently served by air, rail, road • the Pacific Highway which is the The final length of the Pacific and bicycle transport networks. major north–south corridor, and Highway within the Mid North An estimated 520 million trips are in the northern and southern Coast Region is expected to be made by residents and visitors parts of the Region, the around 500 kilometres. Of this each year, and around 11.9 million Summerland Way and Bucketts tonnes of freight are moved within Way respectively, which also length, 117 kilometres is already and through the Region. The road provide important north–south dual carriageway and a further network is especially important corridors 64 kilometres is either under to the Region with approximately construction or has planning 65 per cent of all journeys within • the Gwydir and Oxley approval. Planning is underway the Region being by car. Highways, Grafton-Armidale to upgrade the remaining length. Road, Waterfall Way, An upgrade of the Oxley Highway Air travel provides fast, long­ Kempsey-Armidale Road and between Port Macquarie and the distance passenger travel to and Thunderbolts Way that provide Pacific Highway is also proposed. from the Region. Coffs Harbour the Region’s main east–west airport provides the primary links, the Gwydir Highway being The main Sydney–Brisbane rail link, service for the Region with the only B-double link to/from which passes through the Region, 5000 domestic flights carrying the west enters the Region from Dungog, approximately 260 000 domestic heads in a general northerly passengers annually, with an • a network of main roads linking direction to Grafton and then exits additional 25 000 freight and settlements within the Region. the Region on the way to Casino charter flights, some of which A major initiative of the State and (which lies in the Far North Coast are international. Domestic flights Commonwealth Governments Region). The line is used primarily also operate at Grafton, Port is the upgrading of the Pacific Macquarie and Taree airports. for freight movement (around 90 Highway to dual carriageway trains per week), as well as for The majority of current passenger standard. The improvements passenger transport, as part of the and freight trips use the Region’s to the road corridor will provide State’s Countrylink network.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 41

11 regional transport

The Australian Rail Track Outcomes interchange in the four major Corporation, as lessee of the regional centres, the major The Regional Strategy identifies the rail network from the NSW towns and the towns that are regional transport corridors and Government is currently upgrading well connected to pedestrian hubs, which link the Region’s major the track and signalling on the and cycle ways. urban centres and destinations/ North Coast Line between Maitland origins outside the Region. • Local environmental plans and the Queensland border. will recognise and protect the This work involves concrete re­ The Pacific Highway will be the regional transport network sleepering, the lengthening and/or primary inter-region road corridor. through appropriate planning upgrading of 11 passing loops and It will also have an important role provisions. various smaller upgrade projects. as an intra-region link in particular The aim of this investment is to providing access to the major • New development will be assist in reducing travel times for regional centres of each subregion located to ensure that ribbon/ intermodal freight trains by 3.5 hours from the other settlements in strip development along major and thereby to increase the amount those subregions. The efficiency roads does not occur and that of freight transported by rail on the and safety of the Pacific Highway it does not impact on the safety North Coast Line from the present corridor will be enhanced and and efficiency of arterial roads. 19 per cent to 30 per cent. protected. • Planning and construction of Countrylink buses also link with this The North Coast rail line within the Pacific Highway upgrades rail network to extend the service the Region will continue to be through the Region will continue to Iluka, Yamba, Port Macquarie enhanced, increasing potential to completion. and Hawks Nest within the for growth in freight and Region. The Countrylink transport passenger transport. network is then extended locally Through its settlement planning by a number of existing local bus and urban design actions, the networks which, together with local Strategy also seeks to improve school buses, service the major connectivity and accessibility within towns and settlements in the Mid urban areas. North Coast Region. The shipping entrances at Coffs Several of the Region’s ports Harbour, the Clarence River, the are used for sea freight and and the Hastings recreational voyaging as well as River are acknowledged as the the harbouring of the fishing fleets. Region’s priority for continued The Port of Yamba is one of five provision of navigable shipping deep water ports in NSW. There is channels. potential for these ports to increase their economic and recreational roles. It is important that their Actions entrance channels remain open for • Local environmental plans safe and reliable passage. will provide for a passenger

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 42 12

Implementation

The Mid North Coast Regional existing and future Contributions Strategy will be implemented planning processes primarily through agreed Funds collected from contributions local growth management The Mid North Coast Regional from major developments will be strategies prepared by councils, Strategy will guide the development used for regional infrastructure, local environmental plans, of new local growth management consistent with the State development control plans, the strategies for each local Infrastructure Strategy and State Infrastructure Strategy and government area. These local approved biodiversity outcomes. strategies will use the Regional funds collected as developer Where a development or rezoning Strategy’s growth areas as the contributions. increases the need for State limit of investigation for future infrastructure, the Minister for The State Infrastructure development over the next 25 years. Planning may require a contribution Strategy identifies infrastructure The local strategies will in turn from the development, having projects in the shorttomedium guide the preparation of new local regard to the State Infrastructure term that will be necessary to environmental plans. The eight local Strategy and equity considerations. accommodate population growth councils in the Mid North Coast are and demographic change in the preparing new comprehensive local Funds collected by councils Mid North Coast. A list of projects environmental plans. through local contributions plans from the 2008–2009 to 2017–2018 and levies will be used to fund Section 117 of the Environmental strategy is contained in Appendix 4. local infrastructure. Planning and Assessment Act The Regional Strategy sets out 1979 allows the Minister for the agreed position of the NSW Planning to direct the content Government for the future of the of a local environmental plan. Mid North Coast and is recognised A section 117 direction to by the State Infrastructure Strategy implement the Mid North Coast as a long term planning strategy Regional Strategy will be prepared, to be used by State agencies and requiring local environmental plans public trading enterprises to plan to be consistent with the Strategy. for the future infrastructure needs of the Region.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 43 13

Monitoring and review

Progress on actions established The Mid North Coast Regional in this Regional Strategy will be Strategy will be comprehensively monitored annually. Monitoring reviewed every five years, so that of the settlement and economic it can adjust to any demographic, projections in the Strategy will economic and policy changes. also be undertaken annually This will assist local councils through the Mid North Coast with their five year review of Housing and Land Monitor. local environmental plans, required under reforms to the planning system.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 44 sustainability Appendix 1. criteria A1

The following Sustainability Criteria In order that a development public consultation through the allow Government to take a strong proposal can be considered statutory processes as set out in position in relation to matters of against the Sustainability Criteria it the Environmental Planning and urban settlement in the Mid North will be necessary to demonstrate Assessment Act 1979. Coast confident in the knowledge to the local council, as well as that innovative development the State Government, that the The Sustainability Criteria proposals can still be considered proposal satisfies the Sustainability provisions do not apply in the even though they may be outside Criteria. As with all rezoning Coastal Area as shown on the of the Regional Strategy process. proposals the Department of Strategy map. The Sustainability Criteria represent Planning requires a thorough a clear, transparent list of matters assessment of the merits of the that any new proposal will be proposal by the LEP Review assessed against. Panel, as well as requiring

Suggested Threshold Sustainability Criteria for defining potential development boundaries Measurable explanation of criteria 1. Infrastructure Provision • Development is consistent with the Mid North Coast Regional Strategy, any subregional strategy, the State Infrastructure Strategy and relevant section Mechanisms in place to ensure 117 directions. utilities, transport, open space and communication are provided in a • The provision of infrastructure (utilities, transport, open space and timely 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 efficient 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 efficient 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, ferry 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

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 45 A1

Suggested Threshold Sustainability Criteria for defining potential Measurable development boundaries 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 Mid North • Meets subregional employment projections. Coast’s expanding role in the wider • Employment related land is provided in appropriately zoned areas. regional and NSW economies 5. Avoidance of Risk • No residential development within 1:100 floodplain. Land use conflicts, and risk to human • Avoidance of physically constrained land, e.g. health and life, avoided > High slope. > Highly erodible. • Avoidance of land use conflicts with adjacent existing or future land use as planned under relevant subregional or regional strategy. • Where relevant available safe evacuation route (flood and bushfire).

6. Natural Resources • Demand for water within infrastructure capacity to supply water and does not place unacceptable pressure on environmental flows. Natural resource limits not exceeded/ environmental footprint minimised • Demonstrates most efficient/suitable use of land. > Avoids identified significant agricultural land > Avoids productive resource lands – extractive industries, coal, gas and other mining, and quarrying. • Demand for energy does not place unacceptable pressure on infrastructure capacity to supply energy – requires demonstration of efficient and sustainable supply solution.

7. Environmental Protection • Consistent with governmentapproved Regional Conservation Plan (if available). Protect and enhance biodiversity, • Maintains or improves areas of regionally significant terrestrial and aquatic air quality, heritage, and waterway health biodiversity (as mapped and agreed by DECC). This includes regionally significant vegetation communities, critical habitat, threatened species, populations, 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.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 46 growth areas requiring significant A2 Appendix 2. issues to be resolved

Land LGA description Issues / considerations

Clarence West Yamba • Already included in an adopted local growth management strategy. Valley • Final boundaries to be established through the local environmental plan process. • Extent of any development potential is to be consistent with a final Floodplain Risk Management Plan, currently being prepared.

Coffs North • Westward expansion (hatched) can only occur once a series of constraints on urban Harbour Boambee development have been resolved. These include: Valley > avoidance of conflict with Boambee hard rock quarry through the identification of an appropriate buffer > identification and protection of horticultural land, including appropriate buffer > identification and protection of land with high biodiversity values.

Kempsey South West • Already included in an adopted local growth management strategy. Rocks • Extent of any development potential to be based on the identification and protection of (western area) land with high biodiversity values, consistent with current study underway.

Greater Taree Brimbin • Brimbin is a new town concept that may ultimately comprise 8000 dwellings and 340 hectares of employment lands. • Extent of development potential relies on completion of a structure plan for the entire site that establishes a proposed urban structure, conservation planning and infrastructure requirements (include lead-in infrastructure). • The structure plan needs to address the following principles: > appropriate balance of development against high conservation values > identification and protection of key conservation values, eg regional conservation and habitat corridors, ability to maximise new development on cleared areas > maximising the locational opportunities of the site – such as context to adjacent major employment area and Taree > appropriate release of land consistent with infrastructure provision.

Great Lakes North Tuncurry • Northern expansion (hatched) subject to an assessment which reviews: > level of significance of environmental values > level of significance of environmental hazards > the extent of development potential that exists.

Great Lakes Bulahdelah • The growth area map identifies the broad boundaries for a 200 dwelling/tourist Golf Course proposal and accompanying golf course expansion. • Extent of development is to be based on completion of environmental and urban capability assessment including: > land capability > identification and protection of high conservation values > protection of any current or proposed Aboriginal places under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 47 growth areas requiring significant Appendix 2. issues to be resolved

Land LGA description Issues / considerations

Great Lakes North Hawks • The extent of development potential is to be based on completion of environmental Nest and urban capability assessment which addresses the findings and recommendations of the 2001 Commission of Inquiry report. • The extent of development potential will also be subject to the resolution of an appropriate environmental offset: > allowing the transfer of a major part of the site (as identified and agreed to by the Department of Environment and Climate Change) to create an effective extension of the National Park > that has a legally enforceable mechanism, including triggers and timing for the transfer of the land to the conservation reserve at no cost to the Government.

Great Lakes North Karuah • The growth area map identifies a strategic expansion of Karuah. • The extent of development potential is to be based on joint strategic planning undertaken by both Port Stephens and Great Lakes Councils to address the wider extent and footprint of development and infrastructure provision in the Karuah locality.

extractive and Appendix 3. mineral resources A3 Local government area Identification Local government area Identification Clarence Valley Tabbimoble Quarry Site A Kempsey Maguires Crossing Clarence Valley Tabbimoble Site C Kempsey Yarrabee Road Quarry Clarence Valley Wilcocks Quarry Port Macquarie–Hastings Sancrox Quarry Clarence Valley Causleys Quarry Port Macquarie–Hastings Bago Quarry proposal Clarence Valley Shark Creek Quarry Port Macquarie–Hastings Grants Head Quarry Clarence Valley Carrs Island Dredgings Port Macquarie–Hastings Sand Pit Coffs Harbour Woolgoolga Quarry Greater Taree Johns River Quarry Coffs Harbour Nerasko Quarry proposal Greater Taree Jandra Quarry Coffs Harbour Jungs No. 2 and Landrigans Pit Greater Taree Possum Brush Quarry Coffs Harbour Boambee Quarry Great Lakes Failford Quarry Coffs Harbour Goldens Aurania Quarry (proposed) Great Lakes Sweet Pea Road Sand Pit Bellingen Beaumonts Quarry Great Lakes Bare Hill Quarry (proposed) Bellingen Raleigh Shoal Great Lakes Allworth Park Nambucca Marriotts Quarry Great Lakes New Karuah Quarry Nambucca Warrell Quarry

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 48 major A4 Appendix 4 infrastructure projects

State Infrastructure Strategy 2008-2009 Justice Electricity to 2017-2018 projects in the Mid North Attorney General Transmission Coast Regional Strategy area Court Replacement, Coffs Harbour * Bulahdelah 132kV Substation Human Services Court Upgrade, Port Macquarie Coffs Harbour–Kempsey 132/66kV Line Conversion Health Police Hawks Nest 132kV Substation Coffs Harbour Base Hospital: Non-Acute Coffs Harbour Police Station * Herons Creek Area 132kV Substation Mental Health Unit Kempsey Police Station Kempsey–Port Macquarie 132 kV Line Grafton Base Hospital: Emergency Transport Nabiac 132kV Substation Department Stroud to Bulahdelah 132kV Line Manning Base Hospital: Emergency Roads Taree Substation Upgrade Department, Taree Oxley Highway: Upgrade from Wrights Road to Pacific Highway Tomago to Stroud 132kV Line Education Pacific Highway: Bonville Bypass Dual Distribution Bowraville Central School: Upgrade Carriageways (State and Federal Funded) Coffs Harbour South Zone Substation Coffs Harbour Education Campus TAFE Pacific Highway: Bulahdelah Bypass, Dual Mid North Coast Sub-transmission Works: College: Automotive, Health, Sport and Carriageways (State and Federal Funded) Coffs Harbour to Kempsey Recreation Pacific Highway: Coffs Harbour (Sapphire) to Coffs Harbour High School: Upgrade Woolgoolga Duplication * (State and Federal Water Great Lakes TAFE College: Relocation from Funded) Country Towns Program Tuncurry Site Pacific Highway: Coffs Harbour Bypass * Bootawa Water Treatment Plan Kempsey High School: Upgrade (State and Federal Funded) Coffs Harbour Regional Sewerage: Stage 2 Kororo Public School: Demountable Pacific Highway: Coopernook to Moorland Priority Works Replacement Dual Carriageways (State and Grafton Sewerage Augmentation Nambucca Heads High School – Trade Federal Funded) Hastings District Water Supply: Southern School: New Metals Engineering Training Pacific Highway: Failford Road to Pipeline Facility Tritton Road * Iluka Sewerage Upgrade Narranga Public School: New Hall Pacific Highway: Herons Creek to Stills Road Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour Regional Old Bar Public School: Upgrade Pacific Highway: Iluka Road to Woodburn * Water Supply: Shannon Creek Dam Port Macquarie TAFE College: Child Studies, Pacific Highway: Karuah to Bulahdelah Maclean/Townsend Sewerage Upgrade Beauty Therapy and Learner Support Sections 2 and 3, Dual Carriageways (State Nambucca District Water Supply Upgrade: Centre and Federal Funded) Stage 2 Ageing, Disability and Home Care Pacific Highway: Kempsey to Eungai * (State Nambucca Heads Sewerage Augmentation Accommodation Reconfiguration and Fitout, and Federal Funded) Stroud Sewerage Augmentation Dairyville Pacific Highway: Moorland to Herons Creek Wooli Sewerage Upgrade Accommodation Reconfiguration and Fitout, Dual Carriageways (State and Federal Funded) Yamba Sewerage Augmentation Wauchope Pacific Highway: Oxley Highway to Kempsey * Stronger Together: New Accommodation, Pacific Highway: Warrell Creek to Urunga * Grafton (State and Federal Funded) Note. * These projects are not yet approved but Stronger Together: New Accommodation, Pacific Highway: Wells Crossing to form part of the $140 billion State Infrastructure Kempsey Iluka Road * Strategy to 2017–18. Pacific Highway: Woolgoolga to Wells Crossing *

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 49 Growth areas map 1 – Clarence North

MAP SHEET Grafton Airport INDEX

Six M 1A ile Lane

Clarence North

AD Clarence LI RO WOO South

Coffs Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

Kempsey

Port Macquarie - Hastings

Greater Taree

Great Lakes North Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 50 Growth areas map 1 – Clarence North Growth areas map 2 – Clarence south

MAP SHEET INDEX

Clarence North

Clarence South

2A Coffs 2B Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

Kempsey

Blaxlands Flat

Port Macquarie GOOLANG CREEK - Hastings

Greater Taree

Great Lakes North Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 51 Growth areas map 3 – Coffs Harbour

MAP SHEET INDEX

Clarence North

Clarence South

Coffs 3AHarbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

Kempsey

Port Macquarie - Hastings

Greater Taree

Great Lakes North

Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 52 Growth areas map 3 – Coffs Harbour Growth areas map 4 – Bellingen

MAP SHEET INDEX

Clarence North

Clarence South

Coffs Harbour 4A

Bellingen

Nambucca

Kempsey

Port Macquarie - Hastings

Greater Taree

Great Lakes North

Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 53 Growth areas map 5 – Nambucca

MAP SHEET INDEX

Clarence North

Clarence South

Coffs Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

5A

Kempsey

Port Macquarie - Hastings

Greater Taree

Great Lakes North

Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 54 Growth areas map 5 – Nambucca Growth areas map 6 – Kempsey

MAP SHEET INDEX

Clarence North

Clarence South

Coffs Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

6A 6B

Kempsey

Port Macquarie - Hastings

Greater Taree

Great Lakes North Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 55 Growth areas map 7 – Port Macquarie – Hastings

MAP SHEET INDEX

Clarence North

Clarence South

Coffs Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

Kempsey

7A Port Macquarie 7B

Greater Taree

Great Lakes North

Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 56 Growth areas map 7 – Port Macquarie – Hastings Growth areas map 8 – Greater Taree

MAP SHEET INDEX Clarence North

Clarence South

Coffs Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

Kempsey

Port Macquarie - Hastings

8B Greater Taree 8C

8A Great Lakes North

Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 57 Growth areas map 9 – Great lakes north

MAP SHEET INDEX

Clarence North

Clarence South

Coffs Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

Kempsey

Port Macquarie - Hastings

Greater Taree

9A Great Lakes 9B North Great Lakes South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 58 Growth areas map 9 – Great lakes north Growth areas map 10 – GREAT lakes south

MAP SHEET INDEX

Clarence North

Clarence South

Coffs Harbour

Bellingen

Nambucca

Kempsey

Port Macquarie - Hastings

Greater Taree

10B Great Lakes 10C 10D North Great Lakes 10A South

MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 59

2006–31

02 6641 6600 or 02 4904 2700 Email: [email protected] Department of Planning Locked Bag 9022 Grafton NSW 2460 Further information Inquiries: