Latest news with #StateSignificantRezoningPolicy


The Advertiser
25-07-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Biggest rezoning in decades: government announces plans for 4200 new dwellings
The state government will fast-track the rezoning of 574 hectares of bushland earmarked for 4200 dwellings as part of the massive Eden Estates housing project. The project, one of the largest Hunter land rezonings in decades, straddles the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie council areas and is bounded by Wallsend, Cameron Park, Elemore Vale and Glendale. The buildings would include a mix of housing types with a focus on affordable housing, employment and supporting community facilities. It is one of five sites across the state identified as suitable for the construction of an estimated 7800 new homes in the coming years. The other sites are: Beverly Hills Town Centre (west), a site adjacent to Sydney Markets, Shoalhaven Street Precinct (Kiama Depot), and the former Wallerawang Power Station. City of Newcastle said it was disappointed the government was taking the rezoning process away from councils. A council spokeswoman said it was a similar scenario to when the government removed the council's planning powers for 505 Minmi Road, but ultimately agreed with its concerns on biodiversity. "City of Newcastle's staff have worked collaboratively with Eden Estates and all stakeholders, including Lake Macquarie City Council, to achieve a suitable planning outcome for the site," she said. "The significant high environmental value of the bushland areas of the Eden Estates land has recently been reflected in the exhibition of the Local Strategic Planning Statement. The Eden Estates concept was in the final stages of an agreement for the preservation of bushland, balanced against the need for housing in well-located areas." Hunter environmental groups have warned that widespread clearing of the Eden Estates site, also known as the Link Road Forest, would result in an ecological disaster. Preliminary ecological assessments have identified 11 threatened fauna species, including the endangered large-eared pied bat, and five threatened plant species. While no koalas were recorded on-site, they have been found nearby. The Hunter Community Environment Centre has called for the project's plans to be amended to preserve the region's last major east-west vegetation linkage. "There is a desperate need for an amended project plan which shows due consideration to our precious and diverse threatened species by reducing the clearing footprint and preserving bushland connectivity," HCEC spokeswoman Johanna Lynch said. "Indeed, many members of the community want to see this development halted completely due to its size and unalterable loss of so much native vegetation providing habitat." An evaluation panel within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure assessed each of the projects, with oversight from an independent probity advisor to ensure objectivity and to uphold the best interests of communities. The State Significant Rezoning Policy, introduced in September 2024, aims to fast-track the rezoning of key precincts and existing planning proposals delayed in the planning system. Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure deputy secretary Monica Gibson said the department would work closely with councils and other stakeholders to deliver well-located homes and jobs. "We are also working with applicants to address long-standing, complex challenges by stepping in to lead rezoning in areas that have high potential for growth," she said. "We're streamlining processes, cutting through red tape, and bringing together key state agencies to help in the delivery of more homes, where they are needed." The state government will fast-track the rezoning of 574 hectares of bushland earmarked for 4200 dwellings as part of the massive Eden Estates housing project. The project, one of the largest Hunter land rezonings in decades, straddles the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie council areas and is bounded by Wallsend, Cameron Park, Elemore Vale and Glendale. The buildings would include a mix of housing types with a focus on affordable housing, employment and supporting community facilities. It is one of five sites across the state identified as suitable for the construction of an estimated 7800 new homes in the coming years. The other sites are: Beverly Hills Town Centre (west), a site adjacent to Sydney Markets, Shoalhaven Street Precinct (Kiama Depot), and the former Wallerawang Power Station. City of Newcastle said it was disappointed the government was taking the rezoning process away from councils. A council spokeswoman said it was a similar scenario to when the government removed the council's planning powers for 505 Minmi Road, but ultimately agreed with its concerns on biodiversity. "City of Newcastle's staff have worked collaboratively with Eden Estates and all stakeholders, including Lake Macquarie City Council, to achieve a suitable planning outcome for the site," she said. "The significant high environmental value of the bushland areas of the Eden Estates land has recently been reflected in the exhibition of the Local Strategic Planning Statement. The Eden Estates concept was in the final stages of an agreement for the preservation of bushland, balanced against the need for housing in well-located areas." Hunter environmental groups have warned that widespread clearing of the Eden Estates site, also known as the Link Road Forest, would result in an ecological disaster. Preliminary ecological assessments have identified 11 threatened fauna species, including the endangered large-eared pied bat, and five threatened plant species. While no koalas were recorded on-site, they have been found nearby. The Hunter Community Environment Centre has called for the project's plans to be amended to preserve the region's last major east-west vegetation linkage. "There is a desperate need for an amended project plan which shows due consideration to our precious and diverse threatened species by reducing the clearing footprint and preserving bushland connectivity," HCEC spokeswoman Johanna Lynch said. "Indeed, many members of the community want to see this development halted completely due to its size and unalterable loss of so much native vegetation providing habitat." An evaluation panel within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure assessed each of the projects, with oversight from an independent probity advisor to ensure objectivity and to uphold the best interests of communities. The State Significant Rezoning Policy, introduced in September 2024, aims to fast-track the rezoning of key precincts and existing planning proposals delayed in the planning system. Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure deputy secretary Monica Gibson said the department would work closely with councils and other stakeholders to deliver well-located homes and jobs. "We are also working with applicants to address long-standing, complex challenges by stepping in to lead rezoning in areas that have high potential for growth," she said. "We're streamlining processes, cutting through red tape, and bringing together key state agencies to help in the delivery of more homes, where they are needed." The state government will fast-track the rezoning of 574 hectares of bushland earmarked for 4200 dwellings as part of the massive Eden Estates housing project. The project, one of the largest Hunter land rezonings in decades, straddles the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie council areas and is bounded by Wallsend, Cameron Park, Elemore Vale and Glendale. The buildings would include a mix of housing types with a focus on affordable housing, employment and supporting community facilities. It is one of five sites across the state identified as suitable for the construction of an estimated 7800 new homes in the coming years. The other sites are: Beverly Hills Town Centre (west), a site adjacent to Sydney Markets, Shoalhaven Street Precinct (Kiama Depot), and the former Wallerawang Power Station. City of Newcastle said it was disappointed the government was taking the rezoning process away from councils. A council spokeswoman said it was a similar scenario to when the government removed the council's planning powers for 505 Minmi Road, but ultimately agreed with its concerns on biodiversity. "City of Newcastle's staff have worked collaboratively with Eden Estates and all stakeholders, including Lake Macquarie City Council, to achieve a suitable planning outcome for the site," she said. "The significant high environmental value of the bushland areas of the Eden Estates land has recently been reflected in the exhibition of the Local Strategic Planning Statement. The Eden Estates concept was in the final stages of an agreement for the preservation of bushland, balanced against the need for housing in well-located areas." Hunter environmental groups have warned that widespread clearing of the Eden Estates site, also known as the Link Road Forest, would result in an ecological disaster. Preliminary ecological assessments have identified 11 threatened fauna species, including the endangered large-eared pied bat, and five threatened plant species. While no koalas were recorded on-site, they have been found nearby. The Hunter Community Environment Centre has called for the project's plans to be amended to preserve the region's last major east-west vegetation linkage. "There is a desperate need for an amended project plan which shows due consideration to our precious and diverse threatened species by reducing the clearing footprint and preserving bushland connectivity," HCEC spokeswoman Johanna Lynch said. "Indeed, many members of the community want to see this development halted completely due to its size and unalterable loss of so much native vegetation providing habitat." An evaluation panel within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure assessed each of the projects, with oversight from an independent probity advisor to ensure objectivity and to uphold the best interests of communities. The State Significant Rezoning Policy, introduced in September 2024, aims to fast-track the rezoning of key precincts and existing planning proposals delayed in the planning system. Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure deputy secretary Monica Gibson said the department would work closely with councils and other stakeholders to deliver well-located homes and jobs. "We are also working with applicants to address long-standing, complex challenges by stepping in to lead rezoning in areas that have high potential for growth," she said. "We're streamlining processes, cutting through red tape, and bringing together key state agencies to help in the delivery of more homes, where they are needed." The state government will fast-track the rezoning of 574 hectares of bushland earmarked for 4200 dwellings as part of the massive Eden Estates housing project. The project, one of the largest Hunter land rezonings in decades, straddles the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie council areas and is bounded by Wallsend, Cameron Park, Elemore Vale and Glendale. The buildings would include a mix of housing types with a focus on affordable housing, employment and supporting community facilities. It is one of five sites across the state identified as suitable for the construction of an estimated 7800 new homes in the coming years. The other sites are: Beverly Hills Town Centre (west), a site adjacent to Sydney Markets, Shoalhaven Street Precinct (Kiama Depot), and the former Wallerawang Power Station. City of Newcastle said it was disappointed the government was taking the rezoning process away from councils. A council spokeswoman said it was a similar scenario to when the government removed the council's planning powers for 505 Minmi Road, but ultimately agreed with its concerns on biodiversity. "City of Newcastle's staff have worked collaboratively with Eden Estates and all stakeholders, including Lake Macquarie City Council, to achieve a suitable planning outcome for the site," she said. "The significant high environmental value of the bushland areas of the Eden Estates land has recently been reflected in the exhibition of the Local Strategic Planning Statement. The Eden Estates concept was in the final stages of an agreement for the preservation of bushland, balanced against the need for housing in well-located areas." Hunter environmental groups have warned that widespread clearing of the Eden Estates site, also known as the Link Road Forest, would result in an ecological disaster. Preliminary ecological assessments have identified 11 threatened fauna species, including the endangered large-eared pied bat, and five threatened plant species. While no koalas were recorded on-site, they have been found nearby. The Hunter Community Environment Centre has called for the project's plans to be amended to preserve the region's last major east-west vegetation linkage. "There is a desperate need for an amended project plan which shows due consideration to our precious and diverse threatened species by reducing the clearing footprint and preserving bushland connectivity," HCEC spokeswoman Johanna Lynch said. "Indeed, many members of the community want to see this development halted completely due to its size and unalterable loss of so much native vegetation providing habitat." An evaluation panel within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure assessed each of the projects, with oversight from an independent probity advisor to ensure objectivity and to uphold the best interests of communities. The State Significant Rezoning Policy, introduced in September 2024, aims to fast-track the rezoning of key precincts and existing planning proposals delayed in the planning system. Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure deputy secretary Monica Gibson said the department would work closely with councils and other stakeholders to deliver well-located homes and jobs. "We are also working with applicants to address long-standing, complex challenges by stepping in to lead rezoning in areas that have high potential for growth," she said. "We're streamlining processes, cutting through red tape, and bringing together key state agencies to help in the delivery of more homes, where they are needed."
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sydney Fish Market redevelopment to deliver 1,500 homes
The New South Wales (NSW) state government in Australia has fast-tracked the redevelopment of the old Sydney Fish Market site at Blackwattle Bay, which is set to deliver more than 1,500 homes. This acceleration comes after a rezoning initiative that aims to unlock an additional 320 homes in the precinct. The project includes a 7.5% affordable housing contribution, ensuring these homes remain affordable in perpetuity. The Rezoning Proposal, enabled by the NSW Government's State Significant Rezoning Policy, has amended the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 to increase residential floor space. This move is part of a broader effort to revitalise the harbour foreshore and address the exodus of young people from Sydney due to high housing costs. The development will offer new homes near transport links, with over half of the Blackwattle Bay precinct becoming open and accessible to the public. This includes a 1.1-hectare waterside park and a waterfront promenade that completes a 15km foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo. Infrastructure NSW is in the process of selecting a development partner through an open and competitive expression of interest. Lendlease, Mirvac, and Stockland are the three shortlisted developers expected to submit their proposals next month. The state government aims to start the project as soon as possible, with a focus on public spaces along the waterfront. Upon completion, the site will offer housing, commercial spaces, retail, and cultural experiences. The first new homes are anticipated to be built by 2028, with construction expected to continue for another six to eight years. Meanwhile, Powerhouse Parramatta, the museum project in NSW, has reached a significant milestone, achieving its full 75m height. The project's steel exoskeleton, which constitutes the majority of the 12,000 tonnes of steel used, allows for seven column-free exhibition spaces. Two spaces are already being prepared for exhibits. Powerhouse Parramatta, set to attract two million visitors annually, represents a cultural infrastructure investment by the NSW Government. The Neilson Foundation has donated A$5m ($3.2m) to the project, which includes naming rights for an exhibition space. The Powerhouse Museum philanthropic campaign has now raised A$65.9m, in addition to the NSW Government's A$840m investment. Construction of Powerhouse Parramatta is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with a public opening scheduled for late 2026. NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 'Today's topping out and completion of the exoskeleton marks an impressive milestone and is a clear indication of the scale and momentum behind this landmark build. "Once finished, Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum in NSW, with 18,000m² of exhibition and public space - a true cultural and architectural icon for Parramatta and Western Sydney.' In April this year, the NSW Government approved a new A$139m warehousing estate in Western Sydney's Aerotropolis, marking further development in the region. "Sydney Fish Market redevelopment to deliver 1,500 homes" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.