PORT STEPHENS Local Strategic Planning Statement AcknowledgmentPort Stephens Council acknowledges of the Country People, the traditional custodians of the land on which this document was prepared. We pay respect to knowledge holders and community members of the land, and acknowledge and pay respect to Elders, past, present and future. Contents Acknowledgment of Country 2 Glossary 5 Abbreviations 5 How to read this Statement 6 Purpose of this Statement 6 Consultation 8 Our Place in Greater Newcastle and the Hunter 8 Port Stephens 2040: A Vision 13

Economy 16 Planning Priority 1 | Support the growth of strategic centres and major employment areas 18 Planning Priority 2 | Make business growth easier 20 Planning Priority 3 | Support tourism development and attract events 21

Housing 22 Planning Priority 4 | Ensure suitable land supply 24 Planning Priority 5 | Increase diversity of housing choice 25 Planning Priority 6 | Plan infrastructure to support communities 26

Environment 28 Planning Priority 7 | Conserve biodiversity values and corridors 30 Planning Priority 8 | Improve resilience to hazards and climate change 31 Planning Priority 9 | Protect and preserve productive agricultural land 32 Planning Priority 10 | Create people friendly spaces in our local centres where people can come together 33

Transport 34 Planning Priority 11 | Integrate land use and transport planning 36 Planning Priority 12 | Enhance inter-regional connections 38

LEP Amendments, Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting 40 Rezoning Requests 42 Implementation, monitoring and reporting 42 Reference Groups and Partnerships 42 Current Planning Proposals 43

Glossary and abbreviations

Blue and green grid has the same meaning as in the Hunter Regional Plan and means the network of open space and waterways throughout Greater Newcastle, including recreation areas, bushland, farms, drinking water catchments, rivers, lakes, other waterways, and beaches. Catalyst areas are places of metropolitan significance where a planned approach, coordinated between State and local government, will drive the transformation of Greater Newcastle as a metropolitan city. Emerging strategic centre means a local centre that is likely to evolve into a strategic centre due to its potential for growth and proximity to major employment areas Infill housing means development in areas already used for urban purposes. Specifically, the re- use of a site within the existing urban footprint for new housing. Local centres means centres of local importance, as identified in the HunterRegional Plan, Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan or a local planning strategy endorsed by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. Local plans means Local Environmental Plans (LEP) or Development Control Plans (DCP) prepared by a council for a local government area to guide planning decisions. A local plan is typically the main mechanism for determining the type and amount of development which can occur through zoning and development controls. Local plans are the main planning tool that can shape future land use and local development. Local strategies means strategies, plans and policies adopted by . Strategic centres means centres of strategic importance (as identified in the Hunter Regional Plan and Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan).

CSP Community Strategic Plan DCP Development Control Plan DPIE Department of Planning, Industry and Environment EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 GNMP Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan HRP Hunter Regional Plan IP&R Integrated Planning and Reporting framework under the Local Government Act 1993 LALC Local Aboriginal Land Council LEP Local Environmental Plan LGA Local Government Area LSPS Local Strategic Planning Statement NSW

Port Stephens Council 5 Context

How to read this Statement Purpose of this Statement The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) The LSPS is the tool that gives local-level effect identifies the 20-year vision for land use in Port to State government regional plans by informing Stephens. It sets out social, economic and local statutory plan making and development environmental planning priorities for the future controls. It also provides the link between the and identifies when they will be delivered. The Port Stephens Community Strategic Plan (CSP) LSPS has immediate and short term actions to and land use planning. The LSPS has been deliver these priorities and identifies ongoing prepared in accordance with section 3.9 of the actions, which are listed separately under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act heading ‘Council will’ for each priority. The 1979 (the EP&A Act). timeframe for the delivery of immediate actions is 2020 to 2021, and for short term actions the timeframe for delivery is 2022 to 2024.

Local Strategic Local eeloment egional Plan itrict Plan nironmental Planning ontrol Plan Statement Plan

ommnit Strategic Plan

Figure 1 – The position of the Local Strategic Planning Statement within the NSW strategic planning hierarchy

6 Local Strategic Planning Statement The LSPS identifies the land use planning Contributions Plans (CPs) as well as providing actions to achieve the directions in the Hunter a link to the local strategic planning hierarchy for Regional Plan 2036 (HRP), Greater Newcastle centres in Port Stephens. The LSPS will shape Metropolitan Plan 2036 (GNMP) and the CSP. how these plans evolve over time to meet the The LSPS will inform local plans such as the community’s needs and vision in the CSP. Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP) and Local Infrastructure

on entre Strateg

mlementation Plan

LP menment nratrctre Plan

Site Seciic P Strategic et anagement Plan menment

ontrition Plan menment

Figure 2– Local Strategic Planning framework for centres across Port Stephens. The hierarchy outlines a suite of strategic planning documents that link planning, land use controls and local infrastructure provision in town centres

Port Stephens Council 7 Context

Consultation economic activities comprising agriculture and aquaculture, manufacturing, tourism, The LSPS has been informed by the defence, construction and a mix of retail and consultation undertaken for the Integrated and small business. Proximity to Greater Newcastle Reporting framework in 2017. The LSPS is employment centres and the resource rich consistent with the Community Strategic Plan. Hunter Valley make Port Stephens an attractive A draft LSPS was exhibited for 28 days to seek location for business and residents. community comment. The community were invited to attend drop in sessions and make and are submissions via Council’s website. regionally significant strategic centres and Tomago and Williamtown are employment The NSW Department of Planning, Industry centres identified as ‘Catalyst Areas’ in the and Environment (DPIE) and other relevant GNMP and earmarked for significant growth State agencies were also consulted during the and investment over the next 20 years. Due to preparation of the LSPS. its proximity to Williamtown and Tomago, as well the potential for residential growth, Medowie is Our Place in Greater Newcastle and likely to emerge as a strategic centre playing an the Hunter important role both within Port Stephens and Port Stephens Local Government Area (LGA) Greater Newcastle. spans 860 square kilometres and forms part of Newcastle Airport at Williamtown provides a the , ’s largest regional global gateway for the region and is home to economy. It is bounded by and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base Mid Coast Council areas to the north, Maitland and associated aerospace and aviation support City to the west, the to the services. The arrival of the Joint Strike Fighter south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the east. is anticipated to create some 3,000 direct and Port Stephens is home to approximately 72,700 indirect jobs for civilian and defence workers people living in coastal communities, hinterland and the expansion of the aerospace precinct villages, rural retreats, or in the suburbs. Each around the airport is likely to have a significant local centre in the LGA offers housing and impact on the growth of Port Stephens and lifestyles that create diverse communities. Greater Newcastle. In 2018, Port Stephens was the third fastest Nelson Bay and the Tomaree Peninsula growing LGA in the Hunter (behind neighbouring are major contributors to the regional visitor Maitland and Cessnock). Port Stephens attracts economy, hosting iconic tourist destinations that residents seeking homes with strong connections attract State, national and international visitors. to the natural environment, including our beaches, rivers and waterfronts, forests, sand dunes, or a rural outlook. Port Stephens supports a diverse range of

8 Local Strategic Planning Statement Access to Newcastle Airport, the Port of Port Stephens is important to the region’s Newcastle, and key regional road and rail drinking water supply, with the Grahamstown corridors connects Port Stephens to Greater Dam Drinking Water Catchment, the Williams Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Australian capital River Drinking Water Catchment, and the cities and worldwide destinations. Tomago Sandbeds located in the LGA. Given Port Stephens is renowned for its scenic and the significant commitments to invest in Port natural beauty, with kilometres of coastal Stephens and grow the regional and local bushland and the largest mobile sand dunes economies, Port Stephens will continue to grow. in the southern hemisphere. The LGA is also The LSPS aims to balance growth and support home to environmentally significant areas with vibrant communities in our unique environment. an underwater marine oasis at Tomaree, a substantial estuary system and several national parks as well as the Watagan to Stockton Green Corridor.

843.2km 44 Land area Suburbs

117 2 Heritage items Heritage conservation areas

6 Archaeological 26 sites Pristine beaches

Port Stephens Council 9 Urban Residential State and National Parks Council Boundary Local Centre Figure 3 Port Stephens Rural Residential Green Space Metropolitan Frame Emerging Strategic Centre Structure Plan Employment Land Rural Land Local Area Strategy Strategic Centre Agricultural Land Water Major Road Infrastructure Minor Road

10 Local Strategic Planning Statement Urban Residential State and National Parks Council Boundary Local Centre

Rural Residential Green Space Metropolitan Frame Emerging Strategic Centre

Employment Land Rural Land Local Area Strategy Strategic Centre Agricultural Land Water Major Road Infrastructure Minor Road

Port Stephens Council 11 Port Stephens snapshot 72,695 POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS ARE 55% FAMILIES WITH KIDS AGED 55 AND OVER 37% AND MEDIAN AGE IS 45 POPULATION

Our community +13% INCREASE IN 10 YEARS $5+bn GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCT 27k JOBS $11.9bn FOR THE HUNTER 4849

Our economy REGION ECONOMY BUSINESSES 920k Largest BEACH AND POOL VISITS MOBILE SAND DUNES IN THE SOUTHERN 32,156ha HEMISPHERE

Our environment OF PROTECTED LAND

36.4% OF HOMES OWNED $141.7m OUTRIGHT RESIDENTIAL 33k DWELLINGS IN BUILDING PORT STEPHENS APPROVALS NEW DWELLINGS

Our housing 7500 BY 2040 1.8m VISITORS 18.3km MEDIAN DISTANCE Growing TO WORK

Our transport AEROSPACE Data from 2018

12 Local Strategic Planning Statement Port Stephens 2040: A Vision

Port Stephens offers a variety of diverse centres Port Stephens supports a strong and varied and neighbourhoods that connect residents, economy with a growing national defence visitors and workers with their community, the and aerospace hub and regionally significant environment and opportunity. manufacturing and tourism sectors. Port Our centres are the hub of community life in Stephens is the centre of an advanced transport Port Stephens. Residents and visitors use network that provides easy local, regional and walking and cycling links to access local shops, global connections and provides opportunities schools, parks and sporting facilities. Shared to export goods, services and skilled labour spaces are activated to provide people with across Australia and the world. Opportunities for places to gather, celebrate and explore. New education and innovation make Port Stephens a communities are planned to be healthy, active desirable place for new business and provides neighbourhoods and designed to support a convenient lifestyle for local workers and sustainable lifestyles. their families. People are attracted to Port Stephens for The LSPS contains actions to achieve this the strong connections to our natural areas vision by 2040. including National Parks, wetlands, beaches and bushland. Our natural and cultural heritage is valued and reflected in the local character of our neighbourhoods and centres and communities are resilient to natural hazards such as flooding and bushfire.

Port Stephens Council 13 Our Planning Priorities

This table shows how state and regional plans, and the CSP have informed the priorities in the LSPS. Economy Housing Environment Transport

HUNTER REGIONAL PLAN 2036 The leading regional Greater housing choice A biodiversity-rich Thriving communities economy in Australia and jobs natural environment

GREATER NEWCASTLE METROPOLITAN PLAN 2036 Create a workforce Deliver housing close Enhance environment, Improve connections skilled and ready for to jobs and services amenity and resilience to jobs, services the new economy for quality of life and recreation

PORT STEPHENS COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2018 - 2028 Key Direction P1: Key Direction P3: Key Direction E1: Key Direction P2: Strong economy, Thriving and safe Ecosystem function Infrastructure and facilities vibrant local place to live Key Direction E3: Key Direction P3: businesses, active Key Direction P2: Environmental Thriving and safe investment Infrastructure resilience place to live Key Direction P3: and facilities Key Direction P3: Key Direction C3: Thriving and safe Thriving and safe place Community partnerships place to live to live

PORT STEPHENS LOCAL STRATEGIC PLANNING STATEMENT

Priority 1: Support Priority 4: Ensure Priority 7: Conserve Priority 11: Integrate the growth of strategic suitable land supply biodiversity values and land use and transport centres and major Priority 5: Increase corridors planning employment areas diversity of Priority 8: Improve Priority 12: Enhance Priority 2: Make housing choice resilience to hazards inter-regional business growth easier Priority 6: Plan and climate change connections Priority 3: Support infrastructure to Priority 9: Protect and tourism development support communities preserve productive and attract events agricultural land Priority 10: Create people friendly spaces in our local centres where people can come together

14 Local Strategic Planning Statement Port Stephens Council 15 Economy

Economy

Port Stephens is a significant contributor to and, with the expansion of the aerospace the Hunter region, Australia’s largest regional precinct around the airport, Williamtown could economy. It has been recognised by all tiers support up to 5,500 jobs by 2040. of government as a strategic location for Tomago hosts internationally recognised and economic growth, with a regionally significant highly specialised manufacturing businesses tourist and visitor economy, a long established and the GNMP identifies that a minimum 700 manufacturing sector, and Australia’s fastest additional jobs are expected in the precinct growing aviation and defence hub. by 2036. Proximity to the M1 Motorway, Newcastle Airport The Tomaree Peninsula is the primary focus of and the make Port Stephens a thriving tourism industry and a cornerstone of a convenient choice for business and creates the Hunter tourist and visitor economy. Tourism opportunities to grow. Stunning natural assets currently provides 1,169 jobs in the main attract tourists and visitors and make Port visitor destinations of Port Stephens and is a Stephens a desirable location for workers in the vital sector in terms of local employment and region seeking an enviable work life balance. supporting the local and regional economies. Port Stephens has recently attracted significant investment from both the public and private Council will sectors and is earmarked to be a primary • Monitor the supply of employment land and driver in the growth of regional NSW over the work to ensure sufficient land is available next 20 years. should a shortfall in supply be identified. • Proactively develop, implement and Planning Priority 1 | Support the monitor the local strategic planning hierarchy growth of strategic centres and incorporating land use planning, infrastructure major employment areas plans as required to guide future growth. The Port Stephens economy has a diverse and • Support the growth of strategic and growing industry and employment base. Major local centres with our community employment areas are located at Williamtown, through established strategic area Tomago, Heatherbrae and the Tomaree Implementation Panels. Peninsula. Strategic centres at Raymond • Council will co-operate and collaborate with Terrace and Nelson Bay, as well as an emerging the State Government in planning for a strategic centre at Medowie, complement the ‘Special Activation Precinct’ at Williamtown. employment areas whilst supporting their own • Encourage growth through development and employment hubs. Williamtown and Tomago implementation of the Local Housing Strategy. are identified as ‘Catalyst Areas’ in the Greater • Assess rezoning requests for consistency with Newcastle Metropolitan area, and are likely to the economic directions set in local strategies. be the focus for employment and public and private infrastructure investment over the next 20 years. Williamtown is the home of Newcastle Airport and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base, both significant economic drivers for the region. The arrival of the Joint Strike Fighter is anticipated to create some 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for civilian and defence workers

18 Local Strategic Planning Statement Actions Delivery 1.1 Prepare an economic prospectus for Port Stephens to attract Immediate term business and investment. Delivers Action 14 of Council’s adopted Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy 1.2 Prepare land use studies and strategies to support the growing Immediate term economy and facilitate jobs, including commercial and employment land studies to update the Port Stephens Commercial and Industrial Land Study 2010. 1.3 Complete strategic planning framework for strategic and local Short term centres including infrastructure plans and funding strategies.

Port Stephens Council 19 Economy

Planning Priority 2 | Make business ensure existing industries can continue to growth easier provide jobs and opportunities in our LGA. The local economy includes over 4,500 actively Council will trading businesses, with most growth currently • Evaluate business and tourism related occurring in the manufacturing, tourism and opportunities for grant funding. defence sectors. New industries are also emerging to support a growing regional • Support the establishment of a new economy, taking advantage of easy access to town centre that services Fern Bay. regional, national and international markets via • Monitor and report on the implementation Newcastle Airport. The small business sector of town centre strategies in partnership with will continue to be a major jobs generator, residents and businesses through established particularly in creative, knowledge and service Implementation Panels. based, and tourism industries. • Assess rezoning requests consistent with local Business growth in local centres can contribute strategies, including planning strategies for to more vibrant public spaces and local Fern Bay, Nelson Bay town centre, Medowie populations concentrated in and around our and Raymond Terrace. centres will support local economies. • Provide advice to Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALC) about their landholdings By creating an environment where business to assist in identifying options for can thrive, Council can facilitate the growth economic opportunities. of innovative and successful enterprise and

Actions Delivery 2.1 Expand bulky goods at Heatherbrae, further strengthening its role Immediate term as a key destination for this type of commercial development. Delivers Action 2 of Council’s Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy 2.2 Investigate Council owned land for commercial catalyst sites in Short term centres, including sites that may be suitable for shared workspaces or start-up hubs.

20 Local Strategic Planning Statement Planning Priority 3 | Support Motorway and easy access to the global tourism development and gateways of Newcastle Airport and the Newcastle Cruise Ship Terminal. attract events There has been significant recent investment The elements that make Port Stephens a great in the development of events and festivals, place to live and work also attract over a million growing emerging tourism markets, and visitors a year. It is one of Australia’s premier infrastructure such as the Tomaree Coastal tourist and visitor destinations, generating in Walk, the Koala Sanctuary at Anna Bay, and excess of $335 million for the local economy per annum. the Birubi Information Centre. The visitor economy in Port Stephens is Council will strongly linked to the appeal of our unique • Advocate for a major hotel and conference natural environment including the Worimi facility to be established in the LGA. Conservation Lands, and the Port Stephens - Great Lakes • Advocate for the State government to fund a Marine Park. coastal walk at to link to the Great North Walk. In addition to its natural beauty, Port Stephens is a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors because it is easily accessible. It has close proximity to the M1

Actions Delivery 3.1. Prepare and implement an events strategy. Immediate term

3.2 Facilitate programs for business to encourage accessible tourism Immediate term across Port Stephens. 3.3 Investigate opportunities to facilitate land uses that can support the Short term tourist and visitor economy, including enabling farm gate sales along the Nelson Bay Road corridor and areas for boat and caravan storage in suitable locations.

There are tremendous opportunities to expand tourism, especially international tourism

Port Stephens Council 21 Housing

Housing

As a major driver in Australia’s largest Planning for new development in and around regional economy, Port Stephens has existing local centres and suburbs will contribute attracted significant investment in residential towards the targets for redevelopment of urban development that will support infrastructure land set in the State Government’s GNMP. and future job growth over the next 20 years. Major public, private and civil projects will make Planning Priority 4 | Ensure suitable Port Stephens a regionally significant hub for land supply the defence, tourism, manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, marine and energy sectors. In In 2018, Port Stephens was the third fastest addition, future growth in housing will continue growing LGA in the Hunter, and given the to support the growth and development of our projected job growth in our LGA over the next strategic and local centres. These jobs will 20 years that trend is likely to continue. attract workers and families looking for a work Proximity to growing job markets in our LGA life balance in one of the Hunter’s most beautiful and Greater Newcastle will make living locally and varied landscapes. an attractive option. Most existing housing Port Stephens is a popular destination for opportunities in Port Stephens are located retirees and other people looking to enjoy within 15 minutes of a Greater Newcastle a relaxed lifestyle in beautiful surroundings. employment centre. Existing and future Future housing demand could also include residential areas, such as Fern Bay, Kings Hill, ‘regional returners’, people who left the area as and Medowie can provide housing options less young adults and are choosing to move back than 30 minutes from major employment areas to be close to family or because they value the in Williamtown, Maitland, Broadmeadow, and lifestyle in Port Stephens. Equally, a sustainable Newcastle City centre. supply of additional residential land provides Port Stephens has a housing market that greater opportunity for retaining our younger is supply driven and without an adequate population, who can maintain links to existing supply of land in the right locations, housing centres and communities whilst accessing affordability is likely to be negatively impacted. local and regional employment, education and entertainment. Council will Directions in State planning strategies require • Review or prepare local strategies, including planning for a diverse range of future housing a local housing strategy, to respond to choices, from homes in coastal communities changing circumstances. and spacious rural retreats to townhouses in • Council will continue to contribute to the State local centres and granny flats in our suburbs. Government’s Greater Newcastle Urban Providing housing diversity can have a positive Development Program. impact on housing affordability and providing • Assess rezoning requests for consistency with homes with access to jobs and centres will be the directions for housing in local strategies. key to meeting housing demand over the next 20 years.

Actions Delivery 4.1 Prepare and implement a local housing strategy to ensure Immediate term suitable land supply and other planning priorities for housing identified in the LSPS.

24 Local Strategic Planning Statement Planning Priority 5 | Increase sustainability benefits. Some models of home diversity of housing choice ownership can offer seniors independent living in close knit communities. Housing diversity means a range of housing types, sizes, tenures and price points are Planning for diverse housing can mean available to meet demand in the right locations. prioritising what people value and planning for a range of housing types and sizes to suit Housing choices in our LGA can include new different lifestyles. estates, rural lifestyle lots, terraces, duplexes, small lot housing, shop top housing, granny flats, and homes in retirement villages and Council will lifestyle communities. • Implement housing diversity actions contained in adopted strategies. Housing diversity in some locations can promote the more efficient use of existing infrastructure or Delivers Action 25 of the Raymond promote the more efficient use of land in order to Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy. protect the conservation and economic value of coastal, rural and natural environments. Some housing types offer energy efficiencies and other

Actions Delivery 5.1 Council will amend the LEP to support higher densities in Nelson Immediate term (NB) Bay town centre and surrounding the Raymond Terrace town centre. Immediate term (RT) Delivers Action 7 in the Progressing the Nelson Bay Town Centre and Foreshore Strategy: A revised implementation and delivery program (Nelson Bay Delivery Program). Delivers Action 15 in Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy. 5.2 Investigate and promote the development of suitable catalyst Short term sites in the Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy for diverse housing opportunities. Delivers Action 25 of the Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy.

Port Stephens Council 25 Housing

Planning Priority 6 | Sandbeds. Planning for new development Plan infrastructure to in the vicinity of drinking water catchments to maintain water quality will protect these support communities regional infrastructure assets. As Port Stephens grows, communities will require housing, infrastructure and services Council will that can meet changing needs. Liveable • Align infrastructure in local strategies with the communities have employment, housing Local Infrastructure Contributions Plans to and transport options that meet their needs ensure new development and infrastructure and enjoy access to quality public spaces, can be delivered in line with growth. community or sporting facilities, and services • Collaborate with infrastructure providers such such as medical care or child care. Increasingly, as Hunter Water to ensure the security in the digital infrastructure and smart technology can supply of infrastructure. positively impact the sustainability, resilience • Assess rezoning requests for consistency and safety of our community. with local strategies that identify Port Stephens is significant to the Hunter infrastructure needs. Region’s drinking water supply, including Drinking Water Catchment, the Williams River Catchment, and the Tomago

Actions Delivery 6.1 Council will develop a Smart City Blueprint to plan for digital Immediate term infrastructure and data management. 6.2 Council will collaborate with in the Short term preparation of a drainage strategy for Medowie. Aligns with the Medowie Planning Strategy

6.3 Council will review the Port Stephens Infrastructure Specifications Short term to deliver best-practice guidelines for planning, designing and developing sustainable built environments.

26 Local Strategic Planning Statement Make Port Stephens a digital hub

Port Stephens Council 27 Environment

Environment

Port Stephens is home to a variety of natural Green spaces can serve as important habitat landscapes including coastal plains, sand corridors as well as creating places that dunes, rivers, valleys, forests, beaches, enhance social connections and contribute to wetlands and wooded ridgelines. Port Stephens defining communities. supports an abundant natural environment with remarkable flora, fauna and marine Planning Priority 7 | Conserve species including koalas, oysters, dolphins biodiversity values and corridors and whales. Our natural and cultural heritage shapes the local character and identity of our Port Stephens is home to unique areas of high centres, towns and villages and underpins local environmental significance including the Hunter economies, including aquaculture and the visitor estuary and wetlands, the Stockton sand dunes, and tourist economy. the Watagan to Stockton Green Corridor, the Hunter and Williams rivers, and National Parks. Managing impacts on the natural environment The blue and green grid of natural landscapes, and planning for green connections promotes open spaces and waterways contributes to and protects biodiversity, natural habitats and conserving high biodiversity values and includes cultural heritage. Our natural assets can help Stockton beach, Hunter Botanic Gardens, the mitigate the impacts of urban development, Hunter River, and areas in Port Stephens that increase resilience to natural hazards such support the koala population. as flooding, and contribute towards economic development and tourism. Healthy natural environments support clean air, water and healthy soils. Biodiversity in Access to green space can support the Port Stephens supports ecological, cultural, promotion of biodiversity and provides residents recreational, economic and scenic values. with lifestyles that promote wellbeing and Managing environmental impacts and promoting enhances quality of life. Our parks, gardens biodiversity benefits community wellbeing and recreational facilities provide opportunities and seeks to ensure the health, diversity and to soften the interface between urban and productivity of our environment is maintained or other development and the natural landscape enhanced for the benefit of future generations. provides an enhanced visitor experience.

Actions Delivery 7.1 Council will review and update the tree and vegetation Immediate term management framework.

7.2 Council will prepare and implement a Biodiversity Strategy to avoid, Short term minimise and offset impacts on biodiversity.

7.3 Council will review and update the koala management framework. Short term Aligns with the Medowie Planning Strategy

30 Local Strategic Planning Statement Planning Priority 8 | Improve Where and how we build communities can resilience to hazards and impact resilience to hazards and climate change. Planning for land use can include climate change taking into consideration evacuation planning Port Stephens experiences a wide range of principles to minimise risk to life or reduce the natural hazards such as flooding, coastal burdens on emergency services. Choice of inundation, erosion and bushfires. Natural materials, design and efficient use of water hazards and risk management influence how and energy can make the built environment we plan for future growth and new development more resilient and promote ecologically in Port Stephens. sustainable development. Strategies to build community and environmental resilience to natural hazards Council will and climate change support positive economic, • Implement the recommendations of Council’s environmental and social outcomes. Flood Committee. Reducing risk exposure and increasing • Assess rezoning requests for consistency resilience to natural hazards ensures that with environmental, sustainability and risk people, property, infrastructure, the economy management directions in local, regional and and the environment can withstand future state planning framework. hazard events.

Actions Delivery 8.1 Council will review the Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan. Immediate term

8.2 Council will assist the NSW Rural Fire Service in reviewing the bushfire Short term mapping for Port Stephens

8.3 Council will prepare and implement a Coastal Management Program to Short term mitigate natural hazards and incorporate resilience measures that promote ecologically sustainable development.

8.4 Council will review existing policies for water sensitive design Short term and consider options to improve outcomes for the environment and home owners.

8.5 Council will develop a Sustainability Strategy which will include Short term actions for energy savings, reduction of waste and encourage low carbon emissions.

Ecologically sustainable development should be recognised as a key commitment

Port Stephens Council 31 Environment

Planning Priority 9 | Protect and ‘food miles’. There may be opportunities and preserve productive for existing agricultural businesses to capitalise on complementary uses such as agricultural land artisan food premises, boutique breweries Agriculture is an important sector of the Port and wedding reception venues which can Stephens economy, contributing $107 million provide supplementary income for farm of exports annually and providing around based businesses. 400 jobs. Poultry and oyster farming are the Managing the impacts of new development dominant agricultural industries in the LGA and in some areas requires assessing potential agriculture is significant to the local character land use conflicts to ensure existing and and cultural heritage of villages in the rural potential agricultural uses are protected. This west of Port Stephens and some coastal areas. can include managing new housing and land Some types of agriculture support the visitor fragmentation in rural areas and managing and tourist economy and contribute to unique water quality and other natural resources that visitor experiences. sustain local agricultural industries such as Productive agricultural land in Port Stephens oyster aquaculture. can support healthy neighbourhoods and locally produced food is generally more sustainable, expending less energy, emissions

Actions Delivery 9.1 Prepare a local housing strategy that includes assessment criteria Immediate term for new rural residential development to protect existing and potential productive agricultural land.

9.2 Review local plans to encourage niche commercial, Short term tourist and recreation activities that complement and promote agricultural industries.

Protect the distinctive rural heritage of the West Ward area

32 Local Strategic Planning Statement Planning Priority 10 | Create people ─ Improve amenity and grow connections friendly spaces in our local centres ─ Include public art and are suitable for where people can come together community events ─ Support the ageing population Planning for healthy communities promotes ─ Enhance local character, including natural wellbeing and encourages active living. Healthy and cultural heritage neighbourhoods include public spaces and green spaces where people can come together ─ Facilitate the reuse of heritage places and feel connected to the natural environment. ─ Meet objectives in the Better Placed Liveable communities with access to shared Framework and Regional Urban Design space and adequate recreational areas foster Guide (published by the NSW Government strong social connections. Our public places in Architect’s Office) and the Movement and and around local centres can provide spaces Place Framework (published by Transport where people can meet, play or explore. Place for NSW) making can empower communities to make • Support placemaking initiatives in spaces more inviting and create opportunities town centres. for residents and visitors to participate in events • Consult with LALCs in the review of local that bring people together. planning strategies to identify and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage values. Council will • Undertake community consultation to ensure • Improve access to open space, recreation town centre revitalisation projects respond to areas and waterways by implementing local community values and priorities. strategies such as the Recreation Strategy, Pathways Plan and the Pedestrian Access • Assess rezoning requests for consistency and Mobility Plans. with the directions in local strategies for public spaces. • Investigate opportunities in existing centres to provide better public spaces and plan for public spaces that:

Actions Delivery 10.1 Prepare a Community Wellbeing Strategy to promote Short term liveable communities.

10.2 Support the activation of public spaces, including events, public Short term art, small business opportunities, markets and other temporary uses.

10.3 Prepare a Public Domain Plan for Raymond Terrace. Immediate term

Port Stephens Council 33 Transport

Transport

Port Stephens is connected by local, regional Transport infrastructure can facilitate the land and global transport networks that provide easy uses that will grow the local and regional access to jobs, interstate and overseas travel, economies in Port Stephens. Improved education, and health services. Access to the infrastructure can make tourist destinations global gateways that are Newcastle Airport more accessible, and infrastructure such as and the Port of Newcastle, as well as the M1 trails and cycle ways can themselves attract Motorway, and regional rail corridors make Port visitors for tourism or recreational opportunities. Stephens a well-connected place to live and a Transport options can be provided around hub for business and industry. employment and retail centres that supports Local transport infrastructure supports thriving employees living and working locally and communities and businesses. Local roads, encourages people to shop locally. pathways, bus shelters, car parks and other Planning for communities that can access public transport facilities, such as the Birubi Point transport, walking and cycling paths promotes Aboriginal Place Tourism Interchange, can more active living and can help reduce car connect Port Stephens to Greater Newcastle, dependency, congestion and commuting time. connect our local centres and support Transport planning can make our public spaces local economies, including the tourism and more attractive and functional. Town centres visitor economy. that are accessible support local businesses New development in Port Stephens will by connecting customers, employees and contribute funding towards local infrastructure related industries. Public spaces that balance that provides or upgrades facilities, including movement and place are people friendly and sporting, community and cultural facilities, inviting for residents and visitors. road upgrades and cycle paths. Infrastructure that connects residents to public transport or Council will promotes walking and cycling can facilitate • Undertake town centre upgrades to support healthy communities. accessibility and improved connections, Investment in town centre rejuvenation will including works to improve parking and include transport infrastructure upgrades, pedestrian connectivity in town centres. such as parking strategies and roadworks, to Aligns with local strategies for revitalise centres and activate main streets. Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Pedestrian connections and connections to Nelson Bay, the Nelson Bay Public public transport will ensure our centres are Domain Plan and the Nelson Bay accessible. Local business will benefit from Citizens Parking Panel Report. attractive and accessible centres that are • Seek grant funding for infrastructure that destinations for residents and visitors. supports healthy communities such as footpaths, shared paths and end of trip Planning Priority 11 | Integrate land facilities for cyclists in centres. use and transport planning • Support investigations to establish a ferry Planning for land use to integrate with transport terminal at North Stockton/Fern Bay. infrastructure can have significant social, Delivers Action 19 in the draft Fern environmental and economic benefits. Transport Bay and North Stockton Strategy. planning can support planned land uses, create demand for different land uses, or change the • Assess rezoning requests for consistency character of a place and the lifestyles of the with the directions for transport infrastructure people that live and work in our LGA. in local strategies.

36 Local Strategic Planning Statement Actions Delivery 11.1 Identify and prioritise delivery of pathways that form part of, or Immediate term connect to, regional trails.

Port Stephens Council 37 Transport

Planning Priority 12 | Enhance Council will inter-regional connections • Advocate for improved transport connections, including more active and public transport, Port Stephens has established connections from Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Fern to the Hunter, and other capital cities, Bay to major employment areas at Tomago and international destinations. Our connections and Williamtown and other centres in Greater support business and industry, our visitor and Newcastle. tourist economy, and residents. • Support State agencies to identify a potential As a global gateway, Newcastle Airport is future freight corridor to Newcastle Airport. central to unlocking unrealised potential for the • Work with Maitland City Council to coordinate tourism industry and provides an opportunity for infrastructure and land use planning in areas the Hunter region to export goods, services and with connections to the Maitland LGA. skilled labour across Australia and the world. • Advocate for rail connections between The Airport provides national and international Newcastle Airport and Newcastle City and to opportunities to grow local businesses and connect Port Stephens to the Hunter region, supports a more agile workforce, including fly in the NSW North Coast and . and fly out workers and people choosing to live in Port Stephens and work remotely. People living in Port Stephens also have access jobs and services Greater Newcastle with major residential areas in Port Stephens located within 15 minutes of a Greater Newcastle employment centre. Proximity to the Port of Newcastle, the M1 motorway, and regional rail corridors supports local business and industry to access markets in Sydney, the Hunter Valley, northern and central NSW, and interstate. There are opportunities to improve public transport and active transport connections from Port Stephens to Greater Newcastle centres and beyond. Planning for future rail connections, in particular to support inter- regional freight or passenger connections to Newcastle Airport, will further enhance existing transport links.

38 Local Strategic Planning Statement

LEP Amendments, implementation, monitoring and reporting

The Port Stephens LSPS has been prepared support Council’s CSP, and will be reviewed in accordance with section 3.9 of the EP&A concurrently every four years, commencing in Act. It gives effect to the HRP and GNMP, 2024. The review will take into account changes implementing the directions and priorities at to the HRP, the GNMP, Council’s updated CSP a local level. It puts forward the vision and and other relevant local planning strategies. long-term land use strategy for Port Stephens for the next 20 years. To realise the vision, Reference groups and partnerships amendments to the LEP, DCP and CPs may be Actions contained within the LSPS are the required to provide the framework for delivery. primary responsibility of Port Stephens Council. However, the successful implementation of Rezoning Requests the actions will require the input, advice and In accordance with section 3.33(2) of the EP&A assistance from a range of additional groups Act the assessment of rezoning requests will and organisations. include whether the proposed instrument will Council will continue to work hard to maintain give effect to the LSPS and will comply with effective partnerships with the following relevant directions under section 9.1 of the organisations and State government agencies EP&A Act. to support the realisation of the plan: Current Planning Proposals • Aboriginal Strategic Committee • Community Groups On adoption of the LSPS, Council will contact • Heritage Committee and invite the proponents for selected existing planning proposals to provide additional • Hunter and Central Coast Development information to support the further assessment Corporation of the proposal, including (where necessary) an • Hunter Joint Organisation amended planning proposal. • Hunter Water Corporation • Flood Committee Implementation, monitoring • Newcastle Airport and reporting • NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Council will monitor, review and report on its Environment LSPS to ensure that the planning priorities are • Roads and Maritime Services being achieved. • Strategic Arts Committee Implementation of the LSPS will be monitored • Strategic Centre Implementation Panels and reported through the Integrated Planning • Urban Development Program and Reporting Framework (IP&R) under the Local Government Act 1993. The LSPS will Appendix 1 Actions Responsibility Secondary Delivery responsibility 1.1 Prepare an economic prospectus for Port Stephens to attract Economic Development Strategic Planning Immediate business and investment. and Tourism term 1.2 Prepare land use studies and strategies to support the Strategic Planning Not Applicable Immediate growing economy and facilitate jobs, including commercial term and employment land studies to update the Port Stephens Commercial and Industrial Land Study 2010. 1.3 Complete strategic planning framework for strategic and local Strategic Planning Not Applicable Short term centres including infrastructure plans and funding strategies. 2.1 Expand bulky goods at Heatherbrae, further strengthening its Strategic Planning Not Applicable Immediate role as a key destination for this type of commercial development. term 2.2 Investigate Council owned land for commercial catalyst Economic Development Not Applicable Short term sites in centres, including sites that may be suitable for shared and Tourism workspaces or start-up hubs.

42 Local Strategic Planning Statement Actions Responsibility Secondary Delivery responsibility 3.1. Prepare and implement an events strategy. Economic Development Not applicable Immediate term and Tourism 3.2 Facilitate programs for business to encourage accessible Economic Development Not applicable Immediate term tourism across Port Stephens. and Tourism 3.3 Investigate opportunities to facilitate land uses that can Strategic Planning Not applicable Short term support the tourist and visitor economy, including enabling farm gate sales along the Nelson Bay Road corridor and areas for boat and caravan storage in suitable locations. 4.1 Prepare and implement a local housing strategy to ensure Strategic Planning Not applicable Immediate term suitable land supply and other planning priorities for housing identified in the LSPS. 5.1 Council will amend the LEP to support higher densities in Strategic Planning Not applicable Immediate term Nelson Bay town centre and surrounding the Raymond Terrace (RT) town centre. Immediate term (NB) 5.2 Investigate and promote the development of suitable Strategic Planning Not applicable Short term catalyst sites in the Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae Strategy for diverse housing opportunities. 6.1 Council will develop a Smart City Blueprint to plan for digital Strategic Planning Not applicable Immediate term infrastructure and data management. 6.2 Council will collaborate with Hunter Water Corporation in the Flooding and Strategic Planning Short term preparation of a drainage strategy for Medowie. Drainage 6.3 Council will review the Port Stephens Infrastructure Development Strategic Planning Short term Specifications to deliver best-practice guidelines for planning, Engineering designing and developing sustainable built environments. 7.1 Council will review and update the tree and vegetation Natural Resources Strategic Planning Immediate term management framework. 7.2 Council will prepare and implement a Biodiversity Strategy Natural Resources Strategic Planning Short term to avoid, minimise and offset impacts on biodiversity. 7.3 Council will review and update the koala Natural Resources Strategic Planning Short term management framework. 8.1 Council will review the Climate Change Adaptation Natural Resources Strategic Planning Immediate term Action Plan. 8.2 Council will assist the NSW Rural Fire Service in reviewing Natural Resources Strategic Planning Short term the bushfire mapping for Port Stephens 8.3 Council will prepare and implement a Coastal Management Natural Resources Strategic Planning Short term Program to mitigate natural hazards and incorporate resilience measures that promote ecologically sustainable development. 8.4 Council will review existing policies for water sensitive Development Strategic Planning Short term design and consider options to improve outcomes for the Engineering environment and home owners. 8.5 Council will develop a Sustainability Strategy which will Natural Resources Not applicable Short term include actions for energy savings, reduction of waste and encourage low carbon emissions. 9.1 Prepare a local housing strategy that includes assessment Strategic Planning Not applicable Immediate term criteria for new rural residential development to protect existing and potential productive agricultural land. 9.2 Review local plans to encourage niche commercial, Strategic Planning Not applicable Short term tourist and recreation activities that complement and promote agricultural industries. 10.1 Prepare a Community Wellbeing Strategy to promote Strategic Planning Community Development Short term liveable communities. and Engagement 10.2 Support the activation of public spaces, including events, Economic Development Community Development Short term public art, small business opportunities, markets and other and Tourism and Engagement temporary uses. 10.3 Prepare a Public Domain Plan for Raymond Terrace. Strategic Planning Not applicable Immediate term 11.1 Identify and prioritise delivery of pathways that form part of, Civil Assets Not applicable Immediate term or connect to, regional trails.

Port Stephens Council 43 116 Adelaide Street | PO Box 42 Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 [email protected] 02 4988 0255

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