Planning & Environment
draft PLAN for growing Hunter DRAFT plan FOR GROWING Hunter City November 2015 © Crown Copyright 2015 NSW Government
ISBN 978-1-76039-188-1
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While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of printing, the State of NSW, its agents and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance or upon the whole or any part of this document.
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Contents
3 Foreword
4 Preface
5 Introduction
11 Managing growth and change in Hunter City
11 DIRECTION 1.1: Grow and diversify centres across the City
12 DIRECTION 1.2: Provide a greater mix of housing types to meet changing demand
15 DIRECTION 1.3: Enhance City-wide transport
15 DIRECTION 1.4: The City’s blue and green network
17 DIRECTION 1.5: Grow and manage industrial activity in the City
18 DIRECTION 1.6: Coordinate infrastructure to support and deliver growth
21 Inner Newcastle District
21 DIRECTION 2.1: Grow and diversify strategic centres in Inner Newcastle
25 DIRECTION 2.2: Build on the quality of the inner-city lifestyle
29 Northern Lake Macquarie District
31 DIRECTION 3.1: Grow and connect coastal and lakeside centres
33 Inner West District
33 DIRECTION 4.1: Grow Inner West centres
34 DIRECTION 4.2: Deliver the Inner West District’s supply of housing land
37 Maitland - New England Highway Corridor District
38 DIRECTION 5.1: Sequence urban growth
38 DIRECTION 5.2: Grow centres and communities within the district DIRECTION 6.1: Address Hunter’s national pinch point to strengthen habitat 39 connectivity and transport efficiency 43 Northern Gateways District
43 DIRECTION 7.1: Develop and diversify Hunter region’s global transport gateways
45 DIRECTION 7.2: Manage growth to protect strategic assets
48 Endnotes 2 DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 3
Foreword
This Draft Plan for Growing Hunter City has It will be a major contributor to achieving been developed as a companion to the Draft the Draft Hunter Regional Plan’s goals to Hunter Regional Plan to reflect the City’s grow and diversify the Hunter economy importance to the Hunter and the State. so that it remains the biggest and most productive regional economy in Australia; Hunter City is the urban gateway to the to protect the environment, and to Hunter region, the largest regional economy support robust regional communities. in NSW. For the first time the City is defined as the metropolitan area extending from Like the Draft Hunter Regional Plan this is Toronto and Swansea in the south to Raymond a 20-year plan for the City and it has been Terrace in the north and from Newcastle developed after considering community harbour in the east to Lochinvar in the west. and stakeholder input to the Your Future Lower Hunter Discussion Paper, and targeted It is already home to around 430,000 research for the Australian and NSW people, 64 per cent of the Hunter region’s Government’s joint Regional Sustainability total population; is the seventh largest Planning initiative for the Lower Hunter. city in Australia and the second largest in NSW. Over the next 40 to 50 years the We want to know what you think about the population of Hunter City and its hinterland proposals outlined in the Draft Plan for a is expected to grow to around 750,000. Growing Hunter City and the companion publication Draft Hunter Regional Plan so that The City is fortunate to have a pool of skilled we can work together to achieve the potential workers, global gateways to international of this great City over the next 20 years. markets; a strong and growing professional services sector, and a quickly developing Have your say. knowledge economy built on education and health services. The tourism sector is an important economic driver across the region. Newcastle offers a vibrant inner urban lifestyle complemented by a dynamic arts, music and university community.
The Draft Plan for Growing Hunter City is Scot MacDonald MLC a plan to capitalise on these assets and to Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter leverage greater economic and jobs growth, more housing, and better environmental protection within the City’s five districts: Inner Newcastle, Inner West, Maitland– New England Highway Corridor, Northern Gateways and Northern Lake Macquarie.
Left: Newcastle Beach at night 4
Preface
The NSW Government has developed a Draft Hunter Regional Plan that outlines a vision, goals and actions for the sustainable growth of this region between now and 2036.
In recognition of the pivotal role that the metropolitan area, referred to as ‘Hunter City’, will play in the Hunter region, this Draft Plan for Growing Hunter City has also been developed as a companion to the Draft Hunter Regional Plan.
These publications should be read together to gain a full understanding of the proposals outlined for Hunter City and the broader Hunter region. DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 5
Introduction
This is the first Plan prepared specifically for economic success. The Hunter’s regional Hunter City – the metropolitan area extending economy (excluding Gloucester and Great from Toronto and Swansea in the south to Lakes) is expected to continue growing, with Raymond Terrace in the north and from output expected to increase by 75 per cent Newcastle Harbour in the east to Lochinvar in to around $64.8 billion by 2036.2 Hunter City the west. It has emerged from the expansion is well-placed to capitalise on that growth. of Newcastle and its surrounding towns Around $340 million of the proceeds from the and has a rich history and strong growth long term lease of the Port of Newcastle will be prospects for the future. Today, Hunter invested in the revitalisation of Newcastle City City is the State’s second largest and the Centre. The tertiary education sector, which nation’s seventh largest urban population. is anchored by the University of Newcastle, is expanding. The Williamtown Royal Australian Integrating the planning and management Airforce base will be one of two main bases for of land use, infrastructure, the environment, 72 new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft being economy, services, housing and communities purchased by the Australian Government. The across Hunter City will make the most tourism sector has potential for international efficient use of infrastructure and resources, growth. Recent trade agreements with Japan to achieve its long term sustainable growth. and Korea will help make the region’s wine and agriculture industries more competitive Hunter City was the first location of coal mining in these markets. Facilities such as the Hunter and export in Australia. Mining commenced Stadium and Newcastle Entertainment near Nobbys Head in the 1790s. Settlement Centre underpin a growing diversity in soon followed and was heavily influenced sport, recreation, the arts and culture, by the development of national transport attracting State-level and national events. networks, linking the city to other cities and centres along the east coast of Australia. The professional services sector is a key to The development of the Port of Newcastle, the Hunter region’s future economic success. smaller river ports at Morpeth and Maitland, Hunter City will continue to be a prime location and a number of jetties, including Toronto for businesses servicing an area that extends and Warners Bay on Lake Macquarie, enabled well beyond the Hunter region. The University the transport of materials to markets around of Newcastle has provided tertiary education the world. The subsequent development for 50 years and enrolled around 27,000 of heavy rail and road networks to support students at its Newcastle campus in 2014.3 The the ports has created the transport systems John Hunter Hospital is the principal referral that service the Hunter region today. centre for northern NSW as well as the Hunter. It is also the main teaching hospital of the The Hunter region’s rural and natural University of Newcastle. Together with the resources, along with the connectivity of John Hunter Children’s Hospital and Hunter these gateway towns, have driven population Medical Research Institute, these facilities offer and economic growth across the Lower health facilities of an international standard. Hunter for several generations. Today, around 430,000 people, 64 per cent of the Hunter Hunter City’s metropolitan area is made region’s population, live in Hunter City.1 up of five distinct and diverse districts (see Figure 1). This Draft Plan for Growing Hunter Hunter City is the urban gateway to the Hunter City identifies the key directions and actions region, which is the largest regional economy necessary to manage growth and change in NSW. Hunter City’s urban infrastructure within each district, through to 2036. reflects the scale of the broader region’s 6
Supporting the vision for the Hunter region:
The Hunter region will capitalise on its diversity and connectivity “ to capture growth, using its natural resources and amenity, economic strengths, and its communities, to actively manage change and attract investment. It will offer an array of quality lifestyles within sustainable and healthy environments. ”
To achieve this vision, the NSW Government This Draft Plan for Growing Hunter has set four goals for the Hunter Region City identifies how the metropolitan in the Draft Hunter Regional Plan. area will contribute to achieving these regional goals, as set out below:
REGIONAL GOAL 1: Hunter City will have an internationally competitive Grow Australia’s economy that builds on its global gateways and strengths in health, education, manufacturing and research to next major city embrace new opportunities. Hunter City will offer a high standard of living with infrastructure and services.
REGIONAL GOAL 2: Hunter City will support the multiple roles of the Hunter region in Grow the largest coal, gas and renewable energy production and provide specialist and professional services for the region and beyond. The City will provide regional economy the strategic centres, supporting infrastructure and employment lands in Australia required to grow and diversify the region’s economy. This includes sustaining the Port of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley Coal Chain.
REGIONAL GOAL 3: Hunter City will protect its unique natural environments. It Protect and connect will sustain the health and wellbeing of its natural habitat and economy, and the benefits it provides to its communities. natural environments A balance will be struck between the use of resources and the need to protect the environment and growth.
REGIONAL GOAL 4: Hunter City will provide an array of lifestyles and support the Support robust rural and coastal communities of the region. Communities will have access to a range of housing opportunities and jobs. regional communities Access to jobs, services, shops, recreation opportunities, entertainment and the arts will deliver quality living. DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 7
Figure 1: Hunter City’s Districts
Hunter City Landscape State Forest
City Districts Waterway
National Park & Reserve 8 DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 9
About this Plan The Draft Plan for Growing Hunter City adopts a metropolitan approach with clear districts, The Draft Hunter Regional Plan identifies strategic centres and transport gateways. For goals, directions and actions to guide strategic each district there are discrete directions and planning for land use and infrastructure across actions. In addition, there are some overarching the whole of the Hunter region, including directions that will influence decisions for the its metropolitan area. This Draft Plan for region. These relate to the need to diversify Growing Hunter City sits alongside the Draft the economy, draw on the benefits of the Hunter Regional Plan, identifying additional region’s rich resources, protect and enhance directions and actions to guide strategic the environment, and improve transport planning for land use and infrastructure and support robust communities. They are within the Hunter’s metropolitan area, to presented first under the heading ‘Managing support the Hunter region’s broader strategic growth and change in the Hunter City’. planning framework from 2016 to 2036. The NSW Government will work with The Draft Plan for Growing Hunter City councils and communities in Hunter City in applies specifically to the metropolitan area the coming months to finalise this Plan. The extending from Toronto and Swansea in delivery of the Plan for Growing Hunter City the south to Raymond Terrace in the north will be coordinated and monitored as part of and from Newcastle Harbour in the east the delivery of the Hunter Regional Plan. to Lochinvar in the west. It includes part of the Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens Local Government Areas and all of the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Left: A-League game at Hunter Stadium, Broadmeadow 10 DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 11
Managing growth and change in Hunter City
Integrated planning and management of The global transport gateways are: Hunter City will see it emerge as a city of Newcastle Airport; and national significance. By integrating the • planning and management of land use, • Port of Newcastle. the environment, economy, housing and communities across the City, growth can be Strategic centres and global transport gateways accommodated to deliver the best outcomes will be the City’s main locations for jobs and for the entire City. This will make the most specialist services. Concentrating jobs in these efficient use of infrastructure and resources locations and enhancing connections between to achieve long term sustainability. them will improve access to employment, shops, services and entertainment, and the This approach supports the growth City’s liveability and competitive edge. and diversification of multiple centres and a greater mix of housing. It also Strategic centres and transport gateways will champions an integrated approach to be a focus of NSW Government investment transport, infrastructure, open space and in Hunter City. Each strategic centre or environmental planning across Hunter City. transport gateway has now, or has the potential for a transport interchange. Providing interchanges at strategic centres is key to DIRECTION 1.1 Grow delivering a transport network in Hunter City that links people to jobs and services. and diversify centres across the City The delivery of planned improvements to the road network including Newcastle Inner City Bypass, the Lake Macquarie Transport Hunter City has nine strategic centres and Interchange and the M1 Pacific Motorway two global transport gateways. These places extension to Raymond Terrace will improve are key to accommodating future growth. regional and inter-regional connections to specialised centres at the University of The strategic centres are: Newcastle and John Hunter Hospital campuses, • Broadmeadow; and in Glendale and Raymond Terrace. • Central Maitland; Smaller centres and traditional main streets • Charlestown; will remain an important focus for local communities. Growth in these centres • Glendale; will respond to the changing needs of • Green Hills-Metford; local communities. Top: Eateries and cafes, • John Hunter Hospital Campus Darby Street (New Lambton Heights); ACTION 1.1.1 Invest in strategic Centre: • Newcastle City Centre; centres to grow jobs and housing Charlestown Square and create vibrant hubs of activity Shopping Centre, • Raymond Terrace; and Charlestown • University of Newcastle Investing in strategic centres and transport Bottom: Campus (Callaghan). gateways will support growth in the economy Foreshore Park, and jobs. Newcastle 12
Left: High density housing development Right: Medium density housing
Public transport interchanges, traffic The NSW Government will management, resolution of ‘pinch points’ and work with councils to: car parking will improve productivity and make investigate options for establishing these locations more attractive to business and • retail, commercial and industrial visitors. Improving public transport services databases for the Hunter City; and and providing safe cycle and pedestrian connections will increase convenience. • monitor the construction and take-up of commercial floor space and the delivery Planning controls can enable growth when of new housing in strategic centres. they allow innovation and attract investment, making centres more competitive and viable. Amalgamating small sites will improve the DIRECTION 1.2 Provide feasibility of redevelopment. Delivering infrastructure projects will generate greater a greater mix of economic capacity. The NSW Government will housing types to meet have to work closely with councils, industry and communities to achieve these outcomes. changing demand
The NSW Government will: Approximately 60,000 more dwellings will be needed in Hunter City between 2016 target investment in strategic centres • and 2036 to support expected population and transport gateways; and growth.4 An adequate supply of land and • work with councils to review and infrastructure is central to the objectives revise planning controls in strategic of the draft Plan if homes are to be built centres and transport gateways. where and when they are needed.
A significant supply of new land has been ACTION 1.1.2 Improve data on the released or identified as a preferred location demand and supply of homes, for the future development of new homes, office and retail space to better in line with previous regional level strategies, including the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy inform strategic planning 2006-2031. These lands are estimated to have a combined capacity to deliver around 42,400 Providing an appropriate land supply for new residential lots5 and will complement jobs and housing will improve the city’s the housing growth being delivered through capacity to generate jobs and deliver infill and renewal in established areas across greater housing choice. This requires up- the City. This is sufficient to meet projected to-date knowledge of market activity. housing demand over the life of the Plan. The challenge for planning now is to deliver this Regularly monitoring land supply, particularly land supply for housing in a timely and cost- in strategic centres, will allow the timely effective manner and in a way that supports release of appropriate land for development. safe, healthy and connected local communities. Over time, it will improve the information available about the demand and supply of Delivering infill sites and renewing homes, offices and retail floor space and established residential areas across the contribute to better decision-making. City will also be an important source of new housing. This will include: DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 13
• revitalising Newcastle City Centre; The NSW Government will: • local urban renewal along • identify surplus Government-owned strategic corridors; land in the existing urban area that is suitable for urban renewal; and • smaller-scale housing renewal across the City, for example, through the • work with councils to regularly monitor redevelopment of single lots or the the supply of development sites in the delivery of smaller-scale sites within existing urban area and identify actions to established residential areas that have improve efficiency in housing delivery. not previously been developed; and redevelopment of sites that have previously • ACTION 1.2.2 Investigate new accommodated non-residential uses. land release areas to deliver These opportunities will help to meet housing in the longer term projected demand and deliver a more diverse range of housing supply in locations New land release areas for housing with good access to services and jobs. development may be required to maintain a sufficient supply of residential land for the Monitoring the supply and development of long term. Sites will be subject to assessment land releases and infill sites will assist the against a set of strategic criteria. Future NSW Government to provide adequate sites located within or adjacent to existing land stock to meet market demand. urban areas will be prioritised to protect rural and environmental values and support New housing will be accompanied by the efficient delivery of infrastructure. the delivery of infrastructure to support communities. Housing and infrastructure The NSW Government will: can be delivered most efficiently by: • establish criteria for the assessment of • locating housing where existing new land release areas, based on: infrastructure has spare capacity; potential impact to the • protecting future transport environment and biodiversity; corridors from development; potential impact to agricultural • delivering services in locations and resource sectors; that are highly accessible; and the cost of delivering transport • coordinating service delivery by and utilities infrastructure; state and local governments. potential costs arising from and increased distance from jobs, Efficient delivery of housing and services and recreation facilities; infrastructure will benefit residents and boost economic activity and jobs growth. delivery of sustainable communities; and • prioritise housing development within the existing urban footprint. ACTION 1.2.1 Identify new opportunities for housing in the existing urban area to increase ACTION 1.2.3 Identify housing supply and improve housing choice needs and develop strategies to target housing at groups Identifying sites for new housing development with particular needs within the existing urban area will provide good access to jobs and services. It will The growth in the number of single or maximise the benefits of existing infrastructure couple-only households is significant and is and deliver new infrastructure efficiently. set to continue. It is contributing to a strong NSW Government-owned land within growth in demand for smaller dwellings. the existing urban area that is underused or no longer needed for its original There are some sectors of the Hunter purpose, will be considered for housing or community that require particular types infrastructure development in the future. of housing, for example, students, 14 DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 15
older people, short-term visitors to The rail network services many of the the region, visitors accessing health traditional centres including Newcastle City services, and low income households. Centre and Cardiff. As Hunter City expands, a greater proportion of growth will occur in Preparing a housing strategy will help to areas without access to rail stations, including identify the community’s housing needs in the Inner West and Maitland-New England and to develop strategies to meet those Highway Corridor Districts, which will influence needs. A housing strategy may form part demand for passenger rail services. The NSW of a council’s Community Strategic Plan. Government is investing in the rail network to manage congestion for both passenger and The NSW Government will work with freight services. This will be supported by councils to: walking and cycling, and road and rail networks to provide attractive transport options. • prepare an integrated housing strategy for Hunter City that addresses: increasing the supply of smaller ACTION 1.3.1 Integrate land use and dwellings; transport planning to encourage increasing the supply of affordable more efficient travel patterns and housing; sustainable modes of transport delivering housing to meet special Effectively integrating land use and transport needs groups such as students, short makes it possible to move people and freight term visitors, visitors accessing health in ways that make the most of economic, services and older people; and environmental and human resources. • review local plans and strategies against the An integrated approach to land use and objectives of a Hunter City integrated transport planning can improve social, housing strategy. environmental and economic outcomes.
Growth and change in the distribution of jobs DIRECTION 1.3 Enhance and the population creates new challenges for the transport system. Transport planning City-wide transport needs to recognise areas where significant growth will occur, both from land releases Hunter City requires good inter-regional and and infill in existing residential areas. local transport to meet the needs of individuals and industry. The NSW Government will: • work with councils and communities to Most people who live in Hunter City also work align and progress transport plans for there – about 87 per cent of journeys to work Hunter City, giving priority to improving: start and end in the City. The Hunter region also has a high level of employment self- public transport, walking and containment – about 95 per cent of journeys cycling connections to key to work start and finish in the region. Over destinations and open space; and 90 per cent of the City’s workforce travels connections between strategic to work by private vehicle, demonstrating centres and transport gateways. a significantly greater reliance on car travel than other major cities in Australia.
The growing trend towards people choosing DIRECTION 1.4 The City’s an inner city lifestyle signals a need for blue and green network integrated transport planning across Hunter City. Delivering more infill housing will increase the population living near centres and Hunter City offers excellent access to a range make public transport services more viable. of water features and green spaces. The Improving connections between strategic Hunter River, wetlands and coast, including centres and transport gateways will make Lake Macquarie, define the northern and Left: eastern edges of the City and a mix of bush Hunter City open space it easier for people to use public transport and coastal amenity to get to work, recreation and services. and rural lands define its western edge. 16
Objectives for the Hunter City Green Grid
OPEN SPACE WALKING AND CYCLING PUBLIC REALM
Increase access to open space Encourage sustainable Create a high quality and transport connections and animated public realm promote active living
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION CLIMATE ADAPTATION GREEN SKILLS
Conserve the natural environment Adapt to climate extremes, Promote green skills, improve and sustain habitat connectivity improve air quality and management, maintain and increase urban greening sustain greenspace design
WATER SPORTS AND RECREATION FLOODING AND COASTAL LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION PROCESSES Encourage active living and Encourage healthy living support tourism development Protect environment and communities from threat of natural hazards DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 17
These features create a ‘blue grid’ which makes walk of a ‘green space’ (see Figure the City an attractive place to live and work, 2).6 Green spaces are highly valued by with a range of recreational opportunities the City’s residents and visitors. unequalled by other Australian cities. Councils, NSW Government and others are Hunter City also has a network of open investing in the planning and delivery of spaces including Glenrock State Conservation improvements to the City’s green grid including: Area, Blue Gum Hills Regional Park and the Newcastle Coastal Revitalisation Blackbutt Reserve. Combined with recreation • Program that has delivered upgrades facilities, open space and bushland, they to Bathers Way, providing 5 kilometres provide a ‘green grid’ across the city. of uninterrupted shared pathways from Nobbys Head to Glenrock Reserve, taking Collectively, the blue and green grids provide: in Newcastle’s five main beaches; areas of high amenity; • • Fernleigh Track; and a foundation for building a healthy • a ‘CycleSafe’ proposal to improve the built environment; and • connections between cycling routes • habitat corridors to improve biodiversity. within Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
The ongoing health and resilience of this Building on the established open space network network is influenced by how the City grows with green corridors and tree-lined streets will and is managed. provide green connections between homes, centres, public transport, jobs and recreation.
ACTION 1.4.3 Plan and deliver The NSW Government will: the Hunter City Green Grid • work with councils and communities to: The Hunter City’s natural features are develop a comprehensive green grid some of its biggest and best assets. Taking plan for Hunter City, including a delivery advantage of the City’s extensive access to strategy; and green space will support healthy lifestyles. deliver a green grid plan for Hunter City that: An overwhelming majority of residents live within 800 metres or a 10-minute 1. identifies new open space in land release areas; 2. identifies opportunities to connect Figure 2: Residents living within existing open space and recreation 800 metres of green space destinations with walking and cycling routes; and 3. provides guidelines for design and Maitland delivery.
DIRECTION 1.5 Grow Port Stephens and manage industrial activity in the City
Lake Macquarie Coal mining activities have progressively moved out of Hunter City and heavy and large-footprint industry has gravitated towards the Hunter’s transport gateways, including Newcastle the Port and Tomago industrial area. National transport infrastructure routes bisect the City – the M1 Pacific Motorway, New England 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 18
Highway and Hunter Expressway – offering DIRECTION 1.6 Coordinate transport efficiencies to industry that will be important to the ongoing economic success infrastructure to support of the region and its surrounding regions. and deliver growth
A few pockets of active mining operations Planning for State infrastructure such as roads, and undeveloped resource potential remain water, energy, schools and health services is in the Northern Lake Macquarie District and undertaken by a range of State and private in the surrounding hinterlands at Southern agencies. The timely delivery of infrastructure Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland. The is essential to support growth and involves a timing of mining operations will influence process of augmenting or expanding existing where and when land becomes available for systems and networks. This means that alternate uses including urban development. for infrastructure to be delivered in a cost- effective manner it needs to be undertaken Manufacturing is the third largest employer in a coordinated, often sequential manner. in the Hunter region, behind health and social assistance, and retail trade.7 The majority of The NSW Government will monitor manufacturing jobs are located in small to development activity to assist the delivery medium enterprises in the machinery and Road and highway of housing and jobs, and to coordinate and infrastructure equipment manufacturing, and primary prioritise infrastructure delivery across Hunter metal and product manufacturing sectors. City. Monitoring data will be provided to infrastructure providers including councils Identifying strategic locations for to better inform future infrastructure industry and opportunities for it to cluster needs, priorities and service planning. around national infrastructure routes and gateways, and safeguarding these Hunter City and its surrounding hinterland locations from urban development will have a dispersed supply of new land releases support ongoing regional productivity. for housing, which is creating demands for new infrastructure across multiple locations. Greater collaboration between the NSW ACTION 1.5.1 Identify and protect Government and councils on strategic industrial land supply in Hunter planning and sequencing will enable all City and its hinterland, to support infrastructure providers to plan and deliver the regional economy and create infrastructure that responds to demand. more jobs closer to home The NSW Government will also undertake Greater understanding of emerging improvements to the infrastructure land and infrastructure needs within contributions system. Improvements will the industrial sector will support future focus on clarifying the contributions needed planning and management of industrial to support State infrastructure servicing land supply and associated infrastructure. requirements for development and they may replace arrangements currently The NSW Government will work with councils to: in place in parts of the Hunter City. • monitor the size, location and capacity of industrial land supply; and ACTION 1.6.1 Monitor • review local plans and strategies development activity to support to assist in the timely delivery of infrastructure planning industrial lands and infrastructure. The NSW Government will monitor housing and employment activity, in particular land supply and take-up, to help deliver housing and jobs, and to coordinate and prioritise infrastructure delivery across Hunter City. DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 19
The NSW Government is currently investigating New release areas within these districts new methods to monitor land supply for are spread across multiple locations, housing and housing development activity in providing greater complexity in relation to land release areas of the Hunter City, as the coordinated and sequential infrastructure first step towards establishing a Hunter City servicing. This dispersed pattern of growth Urban Development Program. This research places concurrent demands on the NSW will provide greater insights into historic Government and local governments to growth trends and assist in coordinating expand urban infrastructure networks. future growth across the City’s established areas and new land release areas. Staging the delivery of services and infrastructure will provide greater certainty, Under the Hunter City Urban Development and enable more efficient and coordinated Program, an annual report will be delivery and management of resources. prepared to monitor housing, jobs and New release areas will be sequenced for infrastructure delivery. It will be used to State infrastructure servicing in a pipeline of adjust infrastructure priorities to match growth sites, to meet forecast demand over changing growth patterns in growth areas. time. The sequencing will be informed by the Hunter City Urban Development Program. The NSW Government will: The NSW Government will work with establish a method for monitoring • infrastructure providers and councils to: land supply for housing and housing development activity across Hunter City • prioritise infrastructure delivery and its surrounding hinterland; and based on land use and infrastructure strategies for growth areas, starting establish a Hunter City Urban • with the Inner West and Maitland-New Development Program to monitor England Highway Corridor Districts. development activity and regularly report on growth across Hunter City. ACTION 1.6.3 Review special ACTION 1.6.2 Develop infrastructure infrastructure contributions priorities based on land use and in the Hunter to support infrastructure strategies infrastructure delivery
New land release areas require a greater The NSW Government will investigate special level of coordination across all levels infrastructure contributions currently applying of government, to provide certainty in to the Lower Hunter, which spans the Inner investment and infrastructure delivery, and West and Maitland–New England Highway the timely servicing of development. Corridor Districts. This will occur as part of a series of operational improvements that The NSW Government will develop land use support infrastructure funding and delivery. and infrastructure strategies to better integrate The special infrastructure contributions land use planning and development activity will replace the existing satisfactory with infrastructure needs (see Direction 5.1). In arrangements and voluntary planning response to these plans, the NSW Government agreements currently being applied. will prioritise infrastructure delivery in the Inner West and Maitland-New England Highway The NSW Government will work with Corridor Districts, which contain the City’s infrastructure providers and councils to: largest supply of new release areas and which • review a special infrastructure contribution in recent years have consistently achieved some for the Inner West and Maitland–New of the highest growth rates in regional NSW. England Highway Corridor Districts. These districts have sufficient housing lands to meet the projected regional population growth in the City beyond the life of the draft Plan. 20
Figure 3: Inner Newcastle District
University and Tertiary Strategic Centre Education Wetlands
Centre Rail Network National Park and Reserve
Newcastle City Centre Inter-Regional Road State Forest
Urban Activation Arterial Road Non-Urban Area
Sports and Entertainment Facility Bypass Extension Urban Area (indicative)
Commercial Port Commercial Area Waterway
Cruise Ship Terminal Industrial Area
Hospital Regional Gateway DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 21
Inner Newcastle District
Inner Newcastle is evolving as the new • urban amenity that reflects economic engine room for the region. It will the region’s heritage, as well as continue to provide the most diverse mix of coastal and river frontages. specialised services in the Hunter region. Strengthening and diversifying strategic The city centre, together with the centres through targeted investments will University precinct, John Hunter Hospital, enhance access to State and regional-level Broadmeadow sport and entertainment services within Inner Newcastle. It will also precinct and numerous urban villages facilitate the development of a rich urban generate significant jobs for the region. environment with distinct neighbourhoods, These jobs are complemented by the providing housing choice and liveability inner urban lifestyle that Inner Newcastle that makes walking and cycling a reality. provides. There is an opportunity for Inner Newcastle to be the catalyst that transforms the perception of ‘Newcastle’ as a regional DIRECTION 2.1 Grow and centre to Hunter City as a metropolitan city. diversify strategic centres Significant NSW Government investment in in Inner Newcastle light rail, the Wickham Interchange, a new courthouse, upgrades to John Hunter Hospital services and the completion of the Newcastle Regional and State significant infrastructure Bypass will transform Inner Newcastle is focused in four strategic centres and expand its role as a major location for in the Inner Newcastle District: employment and services within the region. • Newcastle City Centre – stretching from the foreshore of Nobby’s Beach Further growth will result from managing to Wickham. This has traditionally been centres, neighbourhoods and corridors the focus of commercial, retail, civic and sustainably, investing in connectivity, and cultural activity and it defines the broader strengthening Inner Newcastle’s identity region’s character. It hosted over 20,000 as the cultural urban heart of the region. jobs in 20118 and nearly one million people visited the city centre in 2012-13;9 The area is a regional destination in its own right, with a contiguous and relatively flat urban • The University of Newcastle campus at area that offers: Callaghan and the John Hunter Hospital campus at New Lambton offer world- • regional and State significant infrastructure, class education, health and research including regional and specialist hospitals, services. They support community the university and the Hunter Stadium; health and wellbeing, as well as industry sustainability and innovation within the • a diversity of housing choices, from multi- storey apartments to detached dwellings; Hunter and across regional NSW. In 2011, they provided 4,00010 and 9,00011 jobs • walkable communities around a number respectively, with both facilities generating of centres and traditional main streets considerable traffic from students, health within the Newcastle city centre as service users and other visitors; and well as at The Junction, New Lambton, Adamstown, Hamilton and Mayfield; and 22
• Broadmeadow including the Hunter Newcastle Courthouse complex and Stadium and Newcastle Entertainment new University of Newcastle campus; Centre – both significant economic and West End (including Cottage Creek and social drivers for the City and the region. • Wickham) – this is emerging as the city They are home to national sporting teams centre’s new CBD. It will provide the and play host to a range of national and main shopping centre at Marketown, as international events and tournaments, well as opportunities for commercial, such as the AFC Asian Cup in 2015, industrial, retail and residential uses; as well as regional events, including the Newcastle Agricultural Show and • Honeysuckle – this will continue to Newcastle City Farmer’s Market. offer mixed-use leisure, residential and retail opportunities; and In 2011, Inner Newcastle’s surrounding suburbs Darby Street – this will maintain its and neighbourhoods supported approximately • distinct food and boutique retail presence 43,200 jobs and a population of around on the edge of the city centre. 81,900,12 in areas such as Hamilton, Mayfield, and The Junction. These areas benefit from The NSW Government will: proximity to the four strategic centres and Honeysuckle precinct, access to the City’s transport gateways. • work with Newcastle City Council, the Newcastle private sector and local communities to Providing convenient transport connections maintain the long term vision and strategies between the four strategic centres and other for growth and renewal in the city centre, areas within Inner Newcastle will support and establish planning controls that create jobs growth and improve the liveability and the right conditions for this to occur. productivity of the City and the region. The work with Council and the private sector NSW Government will focus investment to • to investigate opportunities and to grow, diversify and connect strategic centres develop local housing strategies that meet so they can continue to provide a competitive specialised housing demands, including advantage to the City and the region. student and visitor accommodation and social and affordable housing; and ACTION 2.1.1 Deliver the long • focus investment in infrastructure to: term aspirations and vision alleviate ‘pinch points’ in delivering for Newcastle City Centre large-scale renewal projects, such as site amalgamation and remediation costs; The NSW Government has worked with enhance the public domain and relevant Newcastle City Council to renew and revitalise services to improve the experience of Newcastle’s traditional centre. The role and and ability to get around the city centre, function of the city centre are evolving. The recognising Wickham as the public vision for Newcastle City Centre builds on its transport gateway into the centre; and urban amenity, industrial heritage, river and ocean frontage and access within the region. lead by example and partner The long term urban renewal and revitalisation with others to deliver landmark of the city centre has greater potential, to infrastructure projects. attract people, activities and investment.
Five major sub-precincts have been identified: ACTION 2.1.2 Diversify employment activities at the university and • East End – provides greater opportunities for residential, retail, leisure and hospital campuses and enhance entertainment uses, with a key focus their connectivity to the region on revitalising the Hunter Street Mall; • Civic – focused around Wheeler The world-class health, education and Place; offers government, cultural and research services within the University educational hubs, including City Hall and of Newcastle and John Hunter Hospital Newcastle Museum, as well as the new campuses provide an opportunity to diversify employment in Hunter City. DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 23
NSW Government investments to promote liveability in Inner Newcastle
The NSW Government is committed to creating a high in State infrastructure, including $340 million to quality natural and built environment and delivering revitalise Newcastle City Centre. The Port lease quality services to promote liveability in Inner Newcastle. funds will supplement the $120 million the NSW It has made a number of investments to achieve this Government has already allocated to the city centre, outcome as outlined below. which includes a new light rail service. Another fund is being set up, using revenue earned New justice precinct – by the Port leaseholder, which will make at least Newcastle City Centre $1 million available each year for community The NSW Government’s $90 million new Newcastle infrastructure projects. The projects must be located justice precinct, including a flagship building located within the ‘environs of the port’, and be worth in in the civic sub-precinct of Newcastle City Centre, between $10,000 and $500,000. This could include will be the largest and most technologically advanced boat ramps, pollution mitigation measures, car parks, court complex outside of Sydney. The complex will cycle ways or landscaping. provide 12 courtrooms, two tribunal rooms, holding cells, facilities for victims of crime and support Purchase of The Store building to groups, and a registry. It will hold sittings of the deliver the Wickham Transport Supreme, District, Local and Drug courts. Interchange – Newcastle City Centre The NSW Government has purchased The Store New university campus – building at 854-868 Hunter Street, paving the way Newcastle City Centre for a revamp of its plans for the nearby Wickham Construction has commenced on the new $95 million Transport Interchange project. The 12,000 square university campus in Newcastle City Centre. The NSW metre building backs onto the site of the interchange Government has contributed $25 million towards the and will provide more room for buses and taxi cost of the campus, which will provide business and ranks. Securing the site will help to consolidate law programs; digital library services and information the NSW Government’s $460 million investment commons; collaborative learning and research spaces; in transforming the city and its public transport facilities for engagement with industry, business and network. the community; social learning spaces; and resources to develop and test innovative ideas of delivering Introduction of Light Rail – education services. The campus is expected to be Newcastle City Centre completed in late 2016. The NSW Government is investigating options to introduce light rail services to Newcastle. The Establishment of the Newcastle preferred route, announced in May 2014, will link the Mines Grouting Fund – Wickham Transport Interchange with Pacific Park, Newcastle City Centre activating Hunter and Scott Streets to support the The NSW Government has committed $17 million to broader vision for revitalising Newcastle City Centre. a new mine subsidence fund that will be used to fill the historic mine shafts that occur within Newcastle Remediation of the former BHP City Centre and which have long been a barrier to Steelworks site – Mayfield development. The money will be distributed as one- off grants to investors and will be administered by Construction works will soon commence on the the Hunter Development Corporation and the Mine remediation of the 10-hectare Intermodal Area Subsidence Board. on the former BHP Steelworks site at Mayfield. The $7.6 million works represent a significant step Lease of Port funds forward in completing staged remediation to meet infrastructure investment Environment Protection Authority requirements and to allow re-use of this centrally-located port site. The NSW Government’s long term lease of the Port of Work is expected to be completed in mid-2016. Newcastle will deliver $1.75 billion for investment 24
Healthy, safe and attractive campus at the intersection of the inner city’s environments, and greater connectivity major thoroughfares and rail corridors – between the university and hospital, will Nineways. It accommodates a diverse range attract complementary health, education of activities that rely on access to heavy rail and commercial activities, within the existing and other transport corridors. Traditionally, campuses and in surrounding areas. it has been an important meeting place for the city and has a longstanding history The reach of these services extends beyond in commerce and entertainment, housing Hunter City. Direct and efficient regional and Newcastle Showground, Hunter Stadium inter-regional connections – including to (opened in 1970, capacity 33,000) and national road and rail networks and the airport the Newcastle Entertainment Centre – will be important to the growth of these (opened in 1992, capacity 7,500). specialist centres. These centres are important This precinct also houses the City’s rail arrival points or gateways to Hunter City and • connections to Brisbane and Sydney. the quality of service they deliver, as well as the Broadmeadow Station is the initial urban amenity and experience are important. location for visitors disembarking public transport to attend sporting and The NSW Government will: entertainment events within the precinct. John Hunter Hospital, work with the University of Newcastle Neonatal Intensive • Care Unit and Newcastle City Council to investigate The precinct is evolving and there are and deliver complementary economic opportunities to diversify the range of services activities within the Callaghan precinct, to on offer and to expand its large recreation generate greater employment options; and entertainment focus as industrial and manufacturing activities relocate. These work with Council to support Warabrook • opportunities for renewal will be investigated. rail station and surrounds so they become The area’s former use for industrial purposes, an attractive and accessible entry accommodation of freight corridors and point to the City, with an appropriate management of stormwater will influence level and quality of urban amenity, planning and management within the precinct. commercial uses, parking, regional public transport and cycling services; The priorities for the precinct are: investigate opportunities to provide • developing the range and quality of more efficient regional public transport • entertainment/recreational uses, to cater connections to the John Hunter for current and projected regional demand; Hospital campus, including ongoing planning and management of the • increasing the quality of multi- Newcastle Inner City Bypass; modal transport connections and facilitating interchange within the work with Council to support increased • centre, including the existing railway walking and cycling between the station and consideration of: university and hospital campuses; and parking, public transport services, work with Council and the private sector • walking and cycling within and to develop local housing strategies that through the centre to accommodate meet specialised housing demands from growing service demand and manage staff, students and health visitors within peak-time events traffic; and campuses, or in other areas within the district that are well-served by public access to, and interactions with key transport (via connecting corridors). markets and complementary services, including by co-locating/clustering uses and activities within the centre ACTION 2.1.3 Support the and through improved public transport development of the Broadmeadow services, particularly to the airport, precinct as a preferred place city centre and university campus; to live, work and play • accommodating ‘gateway/destination’ facilities and services to support the • Broadmeadow is at the geographic centre above – including low-level retail and of the Inner Newcastle District and located short-stay accommodation; and DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 25
• enhancing the quality of the public domain Facilitating a greater level of housing and and pedestrian links within the precinct jobs growth across the district will: and linking to Beaumont Street, Hamilton. • contribute to the liveability and productivity of Hunter City; and The NSW Government will: support walking, cycling and public work with Newcastle City Council, the • • transport as realistic means of Hunter Development Corporation and travel for residents and visitors. the community to continue investing and master planning for the: Investment in strategic centres will support Broadmeadow sporting and housing and jobs growth. This will occur entertainment precinct; and through a large-scale revitalisation and renewal program, as well as incremental renewal and Broadmeadow rail station; and change through local plans and strategies. • support Council to develop local housing The growth and diversification of housing and commercial strategies to accommodate and jobs across the district will occur by: growth around the strategic centre supporting local urban renewal of centres, (for example, through renewal and by • focusing in the short to medium term recognising the demands/advantages to on traditional main streets, particularly locating people and businesses nearby, those located on corridors connecting and the capacity of existing lands). strategic centres, including locations between the city centre and: DIRECTION 2.2 Build the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus (predominantly along on the quality of the Maitland Road via Mayfield); and inner-city lifestyle Broadmeadow (along Tudor and Belford Streets); and The well-distributed distinct centres and • facilitating a greater level of housing neighbourhoods of Inner Newcastle cannot growth around and between all strategic be replicated. Their heritage, walkability, centres through small-scale renewal (for inner urban amenity and links to the adjacent example, single-lot redevelopments). harbour and beaches, make them attractive to investment. Housing growth in the district will provide easy access to services and jobs. ACTION 2.2.1 Build active and vibrant corridors that support This district already has – and will continue to accommodate – the most diverse local economic growth and infill demands for housing in the region. Growth and change will predominantly The Inner Newcastle District already supports occur through infill and urban renewal. more than 63,000 jobs and benefits from its four strategic centres and good access Inner Newcastle has the capacity to to the city’s gateways. It has the capacity accommodate infill growth and this will to support greater infill housing and be influenced by the capacity to sustain economic growth, by further improving the inner urban character, human scale access to centres and the amenity of the and heritage of its diverse centres and main streets. There are opportunities to neighbourhoods. It will also be influenced by improve public transport, walking and the impact of growth on the environmental cycling connections along corridors and values of waterways, the coast and bushland, connecting centres, including between: stormwater management, local flooding, Newcastle City Centre and: and sustaining industrial activities in and • adjacent to the district (including the port). Mayfield (along Maitland Road); Hamilton; and The Junction; and 26 DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 27
• Hamilton and: and growing urban centres and renewal corridors, including Newcastle City Centre Broadmeadow (Tudor- (Cooks Hill), Mayfield to Waratah, Islington, Belford Streets); and Hamilton, Broadmeadow and Adamstown.13 Adamstown. The NSW Government will: Opportunities to strengthen traditional main support Newcastle City Council to develop street centres will be investigated at: • local strategies and plans for small-scale • Maitland Road – Hamilton/Islington, housing growth as a means of delivering Tighes Hill (TAFE), and Mayfield; infill housing within Inner Newcastle. • Tudor and Belford Streets – Hamilton, Broadmeadow; and ACTION 2.2.3 Support increased • Glebe and Brunker Roads. walking and cycling, and improved connectivity in Inner Newcastle The NSW Government will: • support councils and communities Walking and cycling are basic, affordable forms to develop local strategies and of travel available to almost all ages in the regulatory frameworks; and community. support improvements to: • The proximity of employment to housing, the public domain; combined with the generally flat topography in large parts of Inner Newcastle, suggest that public transport; and a significant number of trips could reasonably walking and cycling routes. be undertaken by walking or cycling if improvements were made to the quality of walking and cycling infrastructure. Newcastle ACTION 2.2.2 Support small- City Council has developed the Newcastle scale housing growth within Inner Cycling Strategy and Action Plan to guide the expansion and upgrade of the cycling Newcastle neighbourhoods network. Connecting the cycling network to the green grid will benefit the community. Inner Newcastle consists of established urban neighbourhoods and is dominated Changing from car travel to walking and by detached dwellings. The incremental cycling, offers a range of environmental, health, redevelopment of single lots, where economic and social benefits including: appropriate, will encourage housing diversity to cater for changing household needs. • increased capacity, and reduced congestion across the transport network; Newcastle City Council has identified the reduced environmental impacts; capacity of Inner Newcastle neighbourhoods • to provide infill housing through single lot • improved public health and redevelopment. Monitoring the effectiveness of reduced healthcare costs; and the regulatory environment currently in place, improved community wellbeing and its capacity to deliver infill housing, will • and social cohesion.14 assist the NSW Government and Newcastle City Council to achieve these outcomes. Infrastructure initiatives that support walking and cycling will benefit individuals Consultation with the community and industry and the Hunter City community. to identify the best ways of accommodating infill – while protecting or enhancing amenity, The NSW Government will: privacy, character and heritage – will help to deliver new housing in the right locations. • work with Newcastle City Council on Residential growth areas identified by ways to further support walking and Newcastle City Council prioritise new housing cycling opportunities in the district. within walking distance of established Left: Small-scale housing, Stockton 28
Figure 4: Northern Lake Macquarie District
Strategic Centre Arterial Road National Park and Reserve
Centre Bypass Extension State Forest
Sports and Entertainment Lake Macquarie Transport Facility Interchange Non-Urban Area
Hospital Urban Activation Urban Area (indicative)
Rail Network Commercial Area Waterway
Inter-Regional Road Industrial Area DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 29
Northern Lake Macquarie District
Northern Lake Macquarie District has a Urban development in the Northern Lake rich history. Settlement in this district Macquarie District will strike a balance with commenced around 1875 when small towns maintaining and managing healthy waterways formed around coal mining operations, and natural areas. New development will build as well as jetties on Lake Macquarie, and on the district’s existing strengths and provide transport corridors carrying coal and timber opportunities to restore environmental values resources to Newcastle. Today, the district’s so that communities can adapt to changing larger centres are Charlestown, Belmont, environmental factors. Future growth will Warners Bay and Toronto. Ongoing transport be accommodated by intensifying existing investment, including in the Newcastle urban areas in suitable locations, particularly Inner City Bypass, has also led to growth around centres, and recognising environmental at Bennetts Green and Mount Hutton. considerations, including the potential for sea level rise and mine subsidence. It will The district’s natural features and its be supported by enhancements to urban convenient connections to other parts of infrastructure, including public transport, Hunter City, particularly Inner Newcastle while protecting the natural features District, Inner West District, the Hinterland of the district that make it such and the Central Coast region, attract a popular lifestyle choice. people to and through the area. The district also has a rapidly ageing population.
Lake Macquarie, which is twice the size of Sydney Harbour, shapes the urban footprint and presents a significant barrier to development in the district. Steep ridgelines and biodiversity corridors contribute to the landscape amenity and attractions of the district, and are similarly not suitable for development. 30 DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 31
DIRECTION 3.1 Grow ACTION 3.1.1 Focus growth within and connect coastal coastal and lakeside centres and lakeside centres Focusing growth around existing centres will support the district’s economy and jobs Growth and change in the Northern Lake growth. It will also promote more sustainable Macquarie District will mostly be lifestyle choices. There are opportunities accommodated through incremental and to accommodate growth along the Pacific small-scale renewal of established urban areas. Highway Corridor, particularly between The district has an established urban footprint Charlestown and Belmont, where small- with few options for further expansion. The scale renewal can support the viability form and structure of residential and and vibrancy of existing centres. employment lands outside of the district’s centres are not suited to infill, placing greater The NSW Government will: importance on the centres to cater for change • support Lake Macquarie City Council and growth. to develop local strategies and plans to deliver infill housing; Housing growth will be supported by transport improvements focused on providing more • improve public transport efficiency by efficient: protecting the capacity of corridors linking northern Lake Macquarie’s • city-wide connections to improve access existing urban centres to strategic to jobs and services across Hunter City’s centres across Hunter City including: centres, including traffic management measures and enhancements to the public the Pacific Highway between transport and cycling networks; and Swansea and Newcastle; • inter-regional connections to Lakes Road between Toronto major employment destinations and Glendale; and in the Central Coast region and in cross-lake connections, particularly the Western Hunter District. between Belmont and Speers Point.
Top: M1 Pacific Motorway
Centre: Housing development
Bottom: Boats and lakeside lifestyle, Lake Macquarie 32
Figure 5: Inner West District
Strategic Centre Inter-Regional Road National Park and Reserve
Centre Arterial Road State Forest
Hospital Bypass Extension Non-Urban Area
University and Tertiary Lake Macquarie Transport Education Interchange Urban Area (indicative)
Urban Release Area Commercial Area Waterway
Rail Network Industrial Area DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 33
Inner West District
The Inner West District has a strong history DIRECTION 4.1 Grow built on coal mining, predominantly at Wallsend and Cardiff. Glendale has developed Inner West centres into a centre for retail and light industrial activity and also has capacity to support infill The Inner West District benefits from good residential development and to be a strategic access to a range of jobs and services in gateway to Hunter City. Communities in Wallsend, Glendale and Cardiff, as well as the Inner West District benefit from good the University of Newcastle and John Hunter access to employment and services in Hunter Hospital in the adjacent Inner Newcastle City and commuter connections to the district. The ongoing success, competitiveness, Upper Hunter Valley and Central Coast. liveability and sustainability of the district relies on supporting and strengthening Mining activities in the district have largely links to these centres, providing ready concluded, although some coal remains. access to employment and services. There is capacity now to provide new land releases for housing development to the The Inner West District will provide a large east of the M1 Pacific Motorway. This land proportion of Hunter City’s land release housing will form an extension to the existing urban supply over the next 10 years. New residents areas in Inner Newcastle and Northern Lake will benefit from proximity to the City’s Macquarie. Delivering new land releases strategic centres, employment opportunities and managing development in this area will and services. It makes the district a preferred help Hunter City meet projected housing location for those purchasing a new home. demand, provide greater housing choice, and establish sustainable and liveable new urban Major infrastructure investment is occurring areas. Managing environmental hazards, at Glendale, including the Lake Macquarie including threats from flooding, bushfire and Transport Interchange and associated road mine subsidence, will also be important. works to improve access to Hunter Sports Centre. Future extensions to Pennant The connectivity to, and between the district’s Street in Cardiff over the main northern centres will be strengthened to support railway line will create a new direct link growth. Development will be prioritised between Glendale and Cardiff. The NSW in locations where there is existing and Government is monitoring patronage and planned infrastructure. It will be managed demand for rail services in the long term. to protect the natural environment and reduce the risks of natural hazards. Maximising links from new growth areas to centres will provide new communities with good access to jobs and services. It will assist centres to grow and change, to meet increasing demands. Providing a planning environment that monitors and recognises the need for flexibility and change within centres such as Wallsend and Glendale-Cardiff will assist this outcome. 34
ACTION 4.1.1 Improve connections Concentrating commercial development in to and within Glendale centres with good access benefits businesses and provides new opportunities for workers. Business benefits from proximity to other Once constructed, the Lake Macquarie business and services. Locating housing in Transport Interchange will be a major or around centres also benefits businesses connection between Glendale and Cardiff and by increasing the local market for goods and important to meeting the future transport services. It benefits residents by providing needs of the Lower Hunter region. The project immediate access to jobs, shops and services. involves approximately two kilometres of Directing growth to centres also improves new road, with improved intersections and the efficiency of infrastructure delivery. pedestrian, cycling and bus facilities. The NSW Government will investigate the The interchange will: capacity for increased growth in housing and • ease congestion at a crucial commercial activity in the district’s centres pinch point in the network; that have good public transport access. • improve access in a key part of the Hunter; and New housing and land DIRECTION 4.2 Deliver development unlock growth potential. • the Inner West District’s The extension of Stockland Drive supply of housing land will provide a new access to Hunter Sports Centre and Glendale Shopping The Inner West District has a large supply of Centre, relieving traffic congestion. land release areas that have been identified through current strategies, including the Lower The NSW Government will: Hunter Regional Strategy and supporting • work with Lake Macquarie City Newcastle–Lake Macquarie Western Corridor Council and the community to identify Strategy. Many of these areas have already opportunities to leverage investment been rezoned for urban uses and further in transport infrastructure to grow investigations are under way to enable this Glendale as a centre, providing more area to accommodate growth. The NSW jobs and services closer to home; and Government’s priority is to have a regulatory environment in place that assists the timely work with Council to facilitate local urban • delivery of housing land to the market. renewal between Glendale and Edgeworth. The staged release and delivery of new urban lands to the north and south of the Newcastle ACTION 4.1.2 Investigate Link Road will deliver a diverse range of opportunities for economic and housing types and local services, catering for housing growth within centres Hunter City’s growing population. The aim is to provide an integrated extension to the Existing centres in the Inner West District City’s urban area from Wallsend, Glendale such as Jesmond, Wallsend, Cardiff, Glendale and Cardiff, Fletcher, Minmi and Cameron and Edgeworth already provide a range of Park. This will create opportunities for: housing, jobs and services. Further planning more efficient regional public will help these centres to grow and diversify to • transport services and local health meet the needs of the growing communities and education services; around them. Further opportunities for local services will also be accommodated • expanded public transport, at Minmi and Pambulong Forest. walking and cycling networks; DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 35
• new connections from growth areas to ACTION 4.2.1 Identify and address centres at Wallsend, Glendale and Cardiff; infrastructure and environmental • delivery of a green grid that supports pinch points to accelerate biodiversity conservation, public transport, delivery of new housing walking, cycling and recreation; and The timely delivery of land releases within the • improved connections to regional recreational facilities such as the Inner West District is critical to sustaining an Blue Gum Hills Regional Park. adequate and diverse housing land supply within Hunter City in the short to medium The urban form will respond to the area’s term. Critical to bringing this supply to steep topography and high environmental market is resolving all outstanding matters, values. It will accommodate newly designed including delivering and managing urban housing areas, manage biodiversity offsets infrastructure and biodiversity values. to protect and sustain habitat links, and integrate natural spaces into the City’s green The NSW Government will work with Newcastle grid. Residents will benefit from access to and Lake Macquarie City Councils to prepare quality open space and better amenity. a land use and infrastructure strategy that: Planning for land release development will • identifies opportunities for also appropriately manage natural hazards, State involvement in improving including bushfire and local flood events. local road connections;
Identifying and protecting sustainable • finalises biodiversity outcomes, habitat links in new urban areas will maintain including biodiversity offsets; connections between existing conservation • manages traffic to protect lands at Blue Gum Hills Regional Park, link road efficiencies; Glenrock State Conservation Area, Blackbutt Reserve, Hexham Swamp wetlands and • provides adequate bushfire and Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. These flood evacuation routes; links will also integrate with conservation encourages walking and cycling; and lands identified through planning within • the John Renshaw Drive corridor. • improves access to public transport. 36
Figure 6: Maitland-New England Highway Corridor District
Strategic Centre Rail Network Industrial Area State Forest
Centre Inter-Regional Road Regional Gateway Non-Urban Area
Urban Area Urban Release Area Arterial Road Wetlands (indicative) Motorway Hospital Investigation Flood Plains Waterway University and National Park and Tertiary Education Commercial Area Reserve DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 37
Maitland – New England Highway Corridor District
Historically, the Maitland–New England Future investment in flood mitigation may Highway Corridor provided a gateway to the be required to adequately protect lives, Hunter region’s coalfields and on to Tamworth livelihoods and infrastructure. Further and the New England region. The growth of planning will also be undertaken to assist the district has been driven by its road and emergency response capabilities. rail connections to Newcastle and the Hunter region, and its access to the Hunter River. New urban development will not be permitted Urban growth originally focused around in locations with a high or unmanageable the towns located along the New England risk of exposure to flooding. New housing Highway and adjacent rail corridor. With construction will be accompanied by flood its proximity to Newcastle, and the mining mitigation infrastructure, where needed. activities further north of the Hunter generating Productive floodplains will be protected as greater demand for housing, the district is agricultural, open space or environmental currently experiencing population growth conservation lands so they can continue to rates among the highest in regional NSW. This contribute to the district’s character and has influenced the district’s growth pattern, semi-rural feel, and its amenity and liveability. with urban development now found across various patches of higher lands along the Agricultural lands and related land uses will southern half of the Hunter River floodplain. need to be protected as the district grows. Integrated land use and transport planning The reduced travel times achieved by the and management will assist growth and recently completed Hunter Expressway sustainable communities, maximise the provide unprecedented access between the benefits of existing infrastructure, and allow Hunter Valley and Hunter City. This is likely the district to capitalise on its strategic location to create pressure to further extend urban as the western gateway to Hunter City. growth southward and westward, into the city’s hinterland. The primary purpose of the The eastern part of the district accommodates Hunter Expressway is for intra-regional traffic, the intersection of national networks providing including the movement of freight to the Port transport and habitat connections as part of of Newcastle. Any consideration of further the Watagans–Stockton link. The accessibility of development that relies on using the Hunter multiple freight corridors continues to generate Expressway as access will not be supported a high level of demand for urban and industrial if it impacts on this primary purpose. activities within, and in proximity to the district, to support the Hunter’s growing economy Parts of the district are prone to regular and and to service other markets in regional significant flooding which influences future NSW and the Sydney–Brisbane Corridor. development options. The implications of climate change and the increased frequency The priority for this area will be to prioritise and severity of storm events will be monitored biodiversity conservation through planning and acted upon. Investment in flood defences and management while delivering: to protect the existing community needs to be national transport infrastructure, maintained and expanded as growth occurs. • including new road and rail corridors to maintain safe and efficient routes to and through the Hunter, including connections to the Port of Newcastle; 38
• employment lands in locations where ACTION 5.1.1 Develop a land industries can benefit from access use and infrastructure strategy to resources as well as national for Maitland to coordinate the transport infrastructure. This will also recognise broader opportunities to planning and delivery of State deliver strategic employment locations and local infrastructure along the Hunter Expressway; New land release areas within the district preferred habitat corridors, and priorities • are spread across multiple fronts which can for investing in conservation to sustain make servicing these areas more complex. habitat connectivity. These will be identified It also places concurrent demands on the early in the process, recognising current and NSW Government and Maitland City Council potential future land uses. Future planning to expand urban infrastructure networks. and delivery of lands for development Sequencing the provision of services and will subsequently manage biodiversity infrastructure will provide greater certainty, offsets to provide lasting conservation coordination and management of resources. outcomes in line with these priorities. Given the variable capacity of urban infrastructure networks to accommodate Precinct-level planning and management will greater demand, the costs and extent Housing within help when considering the coinciding demands Rathluba, East Maitland of works differ, and this will affect the for lands across the area. It will also provide capacity and efficiency of progressing greater certainty for regional-level investment one development front over another. in conservation, infrastructure and economic development. The NSW Government will work with Maitland City Council to prepare a growth area framework that will include: DIRECTION 5.1 Sequence • an infrastructure sequencing urban growth program that aligns with the capacity for housing development; The district has enough supply in land release • a pipeline and staging plan of areas to meet projected demand for new development sites and an associated urban development. Significant residential, infrastructure servicing strategy; commercial and industrial growth opportunities exist for the short, medium and long term. To • a schedule of transport infrastructure maximise the efficient use of infrastructure needs to service the corridor as it grows; and sufficient housing choice, new land • the delivery of development, infrastructure releases will be sequenced for development in servicing and transport accessibility a pipeline of growth sites that will meet short, to and within the district to 2050; medium and long term demand. Prioritised sites will build on and extend existing urban • a method for integrating the development development and capitalise on existing and pipeline into local environmental plans; committed infrastructure. Future development • a strategy to generate local opportunities will be accompanied by the employment opportunities; timely delivery of supporting infrastructure. The actions in this draft Plan will assist the • an assessment of – and management effective management, sequencing and plan for natural hazards; delivery of development in land releases. • identified biodiversity assets and provision for offsetting and/or integration into the Hunter region’s green grid; and • progressive annual monitoring to accommodate changes in demand. DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 39
DIRECTION 5.2 Grow ACTION 5.2.2 Develop a centres and communities health precinct in Metford within the district The NSW Government has committed to a new Maitland Hospital. The new hospital The NSW Government will support the growth will deliver a range of services including and expansion of centres in East Maitland emergency care, enhanced elective and including Green Hills and the proposed hospital emergency surgery performance, improved at Metford. Existing rail stations at Central access to critical care services, and enhanced Maitland and Victoria Street will offer multi- ambulatory and specialist out-patient services. modal interchanges for regional connections, and connections to local public transport, In addition to new health services, a walking and cycling routes. They will improve new health precinct also has capacity to access to – and interactions between – services diversify the economy and employment located within centres along the corridor. The opportunities within the area. Further growth of these centres and urban renewal planning of the Metford area and adjacent will capitalise on the area’s iconic built heritage centres at Green Hills and East Maitland will and further strengthen the role of the district investigate these opportunities and potential as the western gateway to Hunter City. actions to achieve these outcomes.
Larger-scale infill and urban renewal will The NSW Government will: be located near rail stations and traditional • work with Maitland City Council to enable main streets. This will increase the delivery the right regulatory environment and to of diverse housing, commercial and retail provide supporting infrastructure for a services. It will also support the viability new health precinct around Metford; of services within the broader corridor. • support the precinct via a higher Smaller centres in the district will be level of public transport; and supported and strengthened to provide • work with Council to improve walking for the daily needs of current residents and cycling links between major and residents of new land release areas. transport, retail and health services.
ACTION 5.2.1 Investigate opportunities for growth DIRECTION 6.1 Address in Central Maitland Hunter’s national pinch point to strengthen Central Maitland has traditionally been an habitat connectivity and administrative, economic and civic centre for the area with good access via the road transport efficiency and rail networks. Recent renewal activities, including upgrading the main street, have A number of national transport corridors taken advantage of the centre’s heritage, converge within the eastern end of increasing its ability to attract additional retail the district. The M1 Pacific Motorway, and commercial activity. Further potential M15 Hunter Expressway, New England for residential growth within Central Maitland Highway, Main Northern Rail Line, North is limited due to extensive flood risks. Coast Rail Line and the Hunter Valley Coal Chain collectively provide passenger The NSW Government will: and freight transport connections to work with Maitland City Council to Sydney, Brisbane, North Western NSW, develop strategies to support and the Central Coast and the Hunter. reinforce the civic, economic and administrative role of Central Maitland. These national transport networks support the economic productivity of the region. They also connect the specialised services in Hunter City and link the region’s global transport gateways with surrounding regions. 40
Left: Freight train travelling through Maitland Centre: Newcastle coal and port infrastructure Right: Freight and coal rail network, Newcastle
The national freight network and the Hunter’s ACTION 6.1.1 Develop a framework transport gateways are also driving demand to balance competing interests for new manufacturing and logistics activities and deliver conservation, transport that support the Hunter region’s resource industries. This is reflected in the growth and land use planning objectives of industrial lands at Hexham, Thornton, Beresfield and, more recently, Black Hill. Planning will address the coinciding urban and environmental priorities for the area The NSW and Australian Governments have to provide a greater level of certainty for proposed a number of new initiatives to regional-level investment in conservation, improve the operational efficiency of transport infrastructure and economic development. links in the region. Ongoing investigations There is an opportunity to build on the to enhance national, state and regional benefits of existing assets in the district, productivity are likely to identify additional some of which are of national importance. demands for lands to accommodate transport corridors in this area. This reflects Hunter City’s Delivering national transport infrastructure growing importance to NSW and Australia for requires protecting road and rail corridors freight movement and the need to improve which also have associated biodiversity access to the Hunter’s transport gateways. considerations. New road and rail corridors – together with improvements Transport projects currently under way include: to existing networks – will deliver safe, efficient and globally competitive transport • an extension of the M1 Pacific routes to the Port of Newcastle, and Motorway to Raymond Terrace; to and through the Hunter region. • planning for a freight rail by-pass for trains accessing the Port of Other economic uses may be considered Newcastle from the south; and where they: • investigations for a high-speed rail network • do not impede transport efficiencies; link connecting Melbourne to Brisbane. • provide an opportunity to conserve and restore biodiversity Planning for transport corridors will take into habitat connectivity; and account the need to conserve and restore biodiversity, and particularly the regional • deliver jobs growth. objective of strengthening habitat connectivity across the Watagans–Stockton link. Recent The NSW Government will: modelling has identified this area as an existing • work with councils to identify preferred pinch point for habitat connectivity (see p.41). habitat corridors and priorities for investing in conservation to sustain habitat connectivity across this area; and • work in partnership with councils and the community to develop an integrated management plan for the area that reflects a balanced approach to environmental, transport and economic issues. DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 41
Sustaining regional habitat connectivity
Recent desktop modelling indicates that the narrowest point in the Watagans–Stockton link (generally between Weakleys Drive and Tomago) may not currently support landscape-scale habitat connectivity. This suggests that investment to rehabilitate land, either within the current corridor boundary or by extending the corridor boundary, may be required in order to realise national and regional ambitions for landscape-scale habitat connectivity. Further assessments are required to identify viable opportunities to establish landscape-scale habitat connectivity. These will need to consider the viability of securing and rehabilitating land in appropriate areas to achieve habitat connectivity that can be sustained in perpetuity. The viability of habitat connectivity will be influenced by the existing ecological capability, as well as current and future land use demands within and relating to potential habitat corridors.
Explanatory note: • Modelling data provided by Office of Environment and Heritage. • Modelling considers current land use and the extent and configuration of vegetation patches, to consider the likely level of resistance to wildlife movements through the landscape. • On this heat map, red indicates locations with the highest potential to support wildlife movements through the landscape, while green indicates locations providing the greatest resistance to wildlife movements. 42
Figure 7: Northern Gateways District
University and Strategic Centre Tertiary Education Bypass Extension Water Catchment RAAF Base National Park and Centre Williamtown Commercial Area Reserve
Newcastle CBD Rail Network Industrial Area State Forest
Commercial Port Inter-Regional Road Regional Gateway Non-Urban Area
Urban Area Cruise Ship Terminal Arterial Road Wetlands (indicative) Motorway Hospital Investigation Flood Plains Waterway DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 43
Northern Gateways District
Hunter City’s Northern Gateways District Each of these attributes requires extensive has traditionally been an important focus planning and management to sustain their for transport, with the maritime export of contributions to the district, City and region. regional resources via the Port of Newcastle Added to this are risks arising from natural driving investment to protect and connect hazards, including fire, flooding and coastal associated economic assets. This includes the processes. Monitoring and managing growth establishment of the Royal Australian Air Force within the district will help protect the ongoing base at Williamtown, which has gone on to viability and resilience of the region’s strategic facilitate growth in the defence and aviation economic and environmental assets. sectors within the region, with a commercial airport expanding to offer international services from 2016. It also includes employment lands DIRECTION 7.1 Develop at Tomago, accommodating industries that provide or benefit from port services. and diversify Hunter City’s global transport gateways Raymond Terrace, the district’s main centre, has grown around its traditional role as a river port town and benefitted from close Hunter City benefits from direct access social, transport and economic connections to global economic markets through its to centres across Hunter City. Towns and global gateways. These links have enabled villages elsewhere in the district, including the Hunter to become the largest regional Medowie and Fern Bay, are relatively economy in Australia. They have provided dispersed as a result of the dominant natural a solid basis for employment within the features within the area. This includes the region and offer a platform for the Hunter floodplains and wetlands of the Hunter to continue providing diverse opportunities River, coastal wetlands and dunes, including for growth well into the future. Stockton Bite, and the high environmental values of southern Tomaree peninsula. The region’s ongoing economic prosperity will rely on its ability to capitalise on its strategic The district is rich in water, with the Williams assets and further improve its connectivity and Hunter Rivers converging at Raymond to and through its global gateways, which Terrace, giving rise to the Hunter River include the Port of Newcastle and the estuary which is important for maritime Newcastle/Williamtown Airport precinct. transport, oyster farming, commercial fishing and recreation. The district also The Port of Newcastle is a major focus for includes the majority of the City’s drinking maritime exports and activities that service water sources at Grahamstown Dam; the the region’s resource export industries, such as Tomago and Tomaree sand beds; existing coal, grain, fuel and ore. Serviced by efficient conservation lands; protected wetlands; and transport and supply chain networks, the the Hunter estuary area’s high environmental port plays an important role in the regional values, including extensive koala habitat. economy through the international export This district’s natural environment is one of goods and commodities (including coal of only three places on Australia’s eastern and grains) from the Hunter region. It is the seaboard where the bush meets the coast. largest coal exporting port in the world. 44
The port is also a major employer for the Hunter Planning will support these gateway facilities region. Ancillary industrial and commercial and their associated networks so they remain land uses that service the port’s operations viable, globally competitive and adaptable. generate significant employment opportunities. It will also mitigate any potential impacts of other land uses on their long term operation, Historically a commercial shipping port, thereby strengthening the role of the Hunter the Port of Newcastle has diversified its as an important gateway for regional NSW. operations over time to respond to changing markets and demands, most recently, with a Growth within the Northern Gateways growing cruise ship industry. The port now District will continue to be driven by its accommodates the berthing of cruise ships role as a regional employment destination within its channel berth at Carrington. The and as a gateway for domestic passenger port’s facilities and services will need to remain travel and international trade. The growing responsive to changes arising from global number of passenger and freight vehicle demand and national economic policy. movements across the district is increasing traffic congestion on the roads, which Newcastle Airport is part of Williamtown service the port and airport precinct. Airport precinct, which includes the Demand for port and airport facilities is set Newcastle Airport Williamtown Royal Australian Air Force base. to increase. Maintaining efficient transport precinct The airport provides domestic passenger connections to these gateways will be travel between Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra important to their ongoing success. and Brisbane, and the Hunter region, and is significant to the region’s tourism industry. Recognising the interactions between the port, the airport and Tomago – and upgrades The Williamtown Airport Precinct is an of the district’s road network – will support important regional employment destination. the continued growth of these gateway It provides a diversity of employment precincts and their surrounding employment opportunities for the region’s communities, lands. It will improve the capacity of road from air traffic control and retail jobs, to those infrastructure, deliver freight efficiencies and in the developing aeronautical industries in the promote economic productivity in the region surrounding employment lands. The Australian through the efficient movement of goods. Government is seeking to grow the defence Rationalising access and managing traffic and aerospace-related industries in and around on Kooragang Island will also improve the the Royal Australian Air Force base defence efficiency of the port’s supply chain networks. lands and has recently committed to upgrade national air defence infrastructure within the The NSW Government is currently seeking precinct. A cluster of aerospace knowledge to alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve industries is emerging in the precinct. transport flows across the district, through a variety of transport initiatives such as the Tourle Newcastle Airport currently caters for Street Bridge Duplication and the M1 Pacific around 1.2 million passengers each year, Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace. with the annual passenger volumes projected to almost double by 2030. A Improving connectivity between the freight major upgrade enables passengers to travel routes; production, processing and logistics internationally direct from Newcastle. hubs; and to the global gateways of the Port of Newcastle and Williamtown Airport, will In addition to providing a national gateway for facilitate the efficient trade of goods from recreational travel, the airport also provides an the region on the global market, and drive opportunity for the Hunter and Central Coast regional economic growth. It will also assist in regions to export services and skilled labour better connecting the labour force with these to other parts of Australia, which currently important markets, sustaining the potential of benefits the nation’s mining industry. The co- natural resource productivity in the Hunter. location of commercial and defence airports present an opportunity for employment growth in specialised aerospace and defence industries. DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 45
At the same time, enhancing public transport DIRECTION 7.2 Manage services and links between the airport and the strategic centres in the Hunter, including growth to protect Newcastle City Centre and the University of strategic assets Newcastle at Callaghan, will be important in catering for users of commercial airport The Northern Gateway District includes services and airport precinct employees. rural residential land uses at Medowie and the established towns of Raymond ACTION 7.1.1 Provide the right Terrace and Stockton. Urban settlement includes small and dispersed communities regulatory environment to support in locations that have largely been the growth, diversification and shaped by the natural environment. sustainability of transport gateways Demand for housing will continue to be The port and airport place high demands on driven by the district’s proximity to the city land and infrastructure, impact on surrounding centre, the port and airport, and existing lands, and require levels of separation to employment lands. Residential development sustain their success. They also have the in the district will be limited by environmental capacity to generate associated industries constraints, the extent of economic activity, and regional and local employment. the topography, the risk of natural hazards (including bushfires and flooding), aircraft Long term planning and management noise and the land requirements of the airport of both gateways will provide greater and port. Future housing development certainty and identify opportunities for will be located within established urban further growth. Committing to these areas and committed growth areas such as plans through a supportive regulatory Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Stockton. environment will see this outcome achieved. This will help to build sustainable The NSW Government will: communities by protecting the environment, maintaining water quality and maximising • work with councils, gateway operators, the use of existing and committed the Australian Government, land owners urban infrastructure and services. and the community to develop strategies and masterplans for gateways and surrounding lands, including providing the right regulatory environment; and • work with councils and the Australian Government on local plans that adequately respond to air, noise and other issues relevant to the operations of the gateways, to protect their ongoing operation and expansion. 46 DRAFT PLAN FOR GROWING HUNTER CITY 47
ACTION 7.2.1 Investigate long term ACTION 7.2.2 Support opportunities for housing growth sustainable port growth in the Northern Gateways District within the Hunter estuary
The NSW Government will continue to work The Port of Newcastle is bounded by with Port Stephens and Newcastle City waterways and wetlands with multiple Councils to build sustainable communities in environmental values. Sustaining these the Northern Gateways District by focusing values requires ongoing monitoring of port new housing growth within the established activities and growth to sustain economic urban footprint, including those areas success in conjunction with supporting recently released for housing. Investigations healthy waterways. Vessel movements of new land releases will include: from international shipping present risks from the possible introduction of non- the capacity of existing and committed • native organisms (marine pests) into NSW land supply to cater for projected demand; waterways. Ongoing monitoring will enable • an assessment of capacity to early detection of any potential threat. accommodate growth; The NSW Government will: • the potential impacts on water quality; monitor the growth and operations of the the impact of aircraft noise; and • • Port of Newcastle and implement programs • flood risks. that aim to minimise the risk of non-native marine species from international shipping. The NSW Government will work with Port Stephens and Newcastle City Councils and other stakeholders to: • deliver the long term northward expansion of Raymond Terrace using existing land release areas; • investigate opportunities to encourage urban renewal within established areas, including Raymond Terrace and Stockton; • identify opportunities for sustainable development outcomes at Medowie that do not affect water quality; and • provide guidance on further rural residential subdivision.
Top: Fitzgerald Bridge, Raymond Terrace
Centre: Coal Loader, Port of Newcastle
Bottom: Newcastle industrial skyline 48
Endnotes
1 australian Bureau of Statistics (2015), 9 Tourism Research Australia (2013), Regional Population Growth, Australia Regional Tourism Profiles 2012/13, 2013-2014, Cat. No. 3218.0, Canberra Canberra, www.tra.gov.au/documents/ http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ srr/Regional_Profiles_2012-13.xlsx census_services/getproduct/census/ 2011/ quickstat/1023?opendocument& 10 Op cit., Transport for NSW, Bureau navpos=220 of Transport Statistics Travel Zone Explorer, travel zone 6367 2 Department of Industry (2015), Economic Profile: Hunter, prepared 11 Ibid., Transport for NSW, Bureau for the Economic Development of Transport Statistics Travel Zone Strategy for Regional NSW, Sydney Explorer, travel zone 6263
3 The University of Newcastle, (2014) Annual 12 Ibid., Transport for NSW, Bureau of Report, https://www.newcastle.edu.au/ Transport Statistics Travel Zone Explorer, about-uon/our-university/annual-report sum of employment in travel zones 6353, 6355, 6354, 6317, 6315, 6346, 6356, 4 Planning and Environment (2014), 6344, 6345, 6318, 6316, 6314, 6325, NSW Local Government Area 6324, 6321, 6322, 6389, 6388, 6313, Population, Household and Dwelling 6393, 6392, 6340, 6341, 6339, 6338, Projections, Sydney, http://data. 6337, 6386, 6385, 6387, 6300, 6347 nsw.gov.au/data/dataset/nsw- local-government-area-population- 13 The City of Newcastle (2015), Local household-and-dwelling-projections Planning Strategy, Newcastle
5 estimate residential lots data provided 14 Department of Infrastructure and Regional by Councils, August 2014, unpublished. Development (2014), Active Transport – Walking and Cycling, Canberra, https:// 6 Department of Sustainability, Environment, infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/ Water, Population and Communities pab/active_transport/index.aspx (2013), Proximity of Residential blocks to Open Space in the Lower Hunter, March 2013, Canberra https://www. environment.gov.au/system/files/ pages/25570c73-a276-4efb-82f4- 16f802320e62/files/residential-blocks.pdf
7 Hunter Research Foundation (2014), Manufacturing our Future, Maryvale http://www.hrf.com.au/resources/ publications/manufacturing-our-future
8 Transport for NSW (2015), Bureau of Transport Statistics, Travel Zone Explorer, sum of employment in travel zones 6394, 6350, 6351 and 6352, http://visua ts.nsw.gov.au/tz/