LIFESTYLE 2030 STRATEGY

Transcription

1 Lake Macquarie City LIFESTYLE 2030 STRATEGY Adopted by Council 11 March 2013 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 1

2 Contents Introduction 3 1 CONTEXT AND STRUCTURE OF LS CITY VISION 10 3 CORE VALUES 11 4 AIMS 12 5 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 13 6 STRATEGIC PLAN MAPS AND INTENT STATEMENTS Urban Structure Map Movement Systems Map Green System Map Sub-Regional Context Map 44 7 IMPLEMENTATION, REVIEW AND MONITORING Implementation Review and monitoring 47 Acknowledgement: 47 Bibliography: 47 Adopted by Council 11 March F2008/ Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

3 Lifestyle 2030 Strategy Introduction Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) recognises that the City's prosperity, natural assets, and community are essential elements of residents quality of life. It is important to have in place a Strategy that provides the direction for the future urban and rural land use pattern, based on achieving the principles of sustainability. Lifestyle 2030 Strategy (LS2030) provides the long-term direction for the overall development of the City and describes Council s high level policies for managing private and public development in Lake Macquarie. Lifestyle 2020 (LS2020) has served the Lake Macquarie community for ten years; Lifestyle 2030 Strategy is a revised version of that Strategic Plan, reflecting shifts in planning policy and social, economic and environmental trends through the period 2000 to LS2030 is a long-range land use strategic plan and policy document. Supporting documentation to LS 2030 includes: 1. Lifestyle 2020 Review Discussion Paper Biodiversity Background Technical Report 2011 LMCC Sustainability Department, and 3. Employment Lands Study SGS Economics and Planning. Details of these documents can be located in the Bibliography of this document. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 3

4 1 Context and Structure of LS2030 National, State and Regional Planning Framework Planning in Lake Macquarie occurs within a broad national, state, and regional policy framework. The State of Australian Cities reports (2010 and 2011) provide a national comparative overview of the nature of Australia s cities with a population over 100,000. The focus of the Reports is on the capital cities; however, a number of issues are identified which are of particular relevance for Lake Macquarie: There is a national mismatch between the production of housing and the size of households There is a national mismatch between housing production and the need for affordable housing. Housing is affordable when households that are renting or purchasing are able to pay their housing costs and still have sufficient income to meet other basic needs such as food, clothing, transport, medical care and education. Real housing prices have more than doubled since Dwelling approvals have fallen below levels of demand The most carbon-efficient form of housing are townhouses and villas in inner suburban areas Urban density is showing an increasing trend The Newcastle urban area (which includes Lake Macquarie) has one of the highest proportions of detached dwellings of any major city in Australia The Newcastle urban area has a very low proportion of trips by public transport The social and economic congestion costs of road transport are increasing Road freight movement within cities will increase dramatically 4 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

5 The main employment growth areas are in skilled and professional workers Urban areas are displacing land previously used for food production Climate change will lead to sea level rise and more frequent extreme weather. At the state level, the NSW State Plan sets clear priorities for the NSW Government for the next 10 years. Whilst the Plan identifies many challenges, the following future challenges are specifically mentioned: The pressures of an ageing population Economic competition from growing economies in the Asia Pacific region Pockets of disadvantage in the community Environmental Challenges, particularly climate change and drought Planning challenges arising from continuing population growth. These challenges are as relevant to Lake Macquarie LGA as for NSW overall. Of particular interest to Lake Macquarie are the following priorities and targets of the State Plan: Increase the use of public transport Reduce the regulatory burden on business Increase business investment Maintain and invest in infrastructure Better environmental outcomes for native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways Improve housing affordability Improve the efficiency of the road network Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Ensure a supply of land and mix of housing that meets demand Improving the access to employment centres by public transport. At the regional level, The Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (LHRS) guides the growth of the Lower Hunter, ensuring that adequate land is available and appropriately located to accommodate the projected housing and employment needs of the Region s population up to Its sister document, the Western Corridor Planning Strategy provides key planning principles, including the planning for infrastructure, to accommodate projected urban and employment development in the north-west region of the City. By 2031, the LHRS projects that the Lower Hunter will have 160,000 additional residents and 115,000 new dwellings by Of these, 36,000 additional dwellings are proposed in Lake Macquarie LGA, 15,000 in the new release areas, and the balance within the existing urban areas. The LHRS advocates the majority of new development be in close proximity to major centres and employment lands in order to maximise access to services and employment opportunities. Within Lake Macquarie, Charlestown is designated a regional centre by the LHRS, with Glendale/ Cardiff and Morisset as emerging regional centres Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 5

6 which will experience substantial dwelling and employment growth. Significant urban release areas are proposed at Cooranbong, Morisset, Wyee, and in the north west of the LGA, as well as in the Catherine Hill Bay area. The LHRS also identifies two renewal corridors to allow more housing, commercial and employment opportunities to be provided in existing urban areas. These corridors extend from Cardiff to Edgeworth along Main Road, and from Charlestown to Bennetts Green along the Pacific Highway. A large area of land in the southeast and west of the Lake Macquarie LGA is regionally significant conservation land, being part of the Watagans Stockton and Wallarah Green Corridor. The LHRS and the Western Corridor Planning Strategy are complemented by the Lower Hunter Conservation Plan (LHCP), which also describes the conservation priorities for the Lower Hunter. Policies of adjoining Council s such as Wyong and Newcastle City also complement planning in Lake Macquarie. To the City s south, the draft North Wyong Structure Plan and the Central Coast Regional Strategy inform future development lands in Wyong. To the north, significant portions of land that cross the border with Newcastle City Council continue to be under strategic investigation. Maintaining and enhancing social, environmental and economic connectivity between the cities remains a priority. 6 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

7 Lake Macquarie Integrated Planning framework Council has developed an Integrated Planning Framework that aligns organisational planning, processes, and performance to the Lake Macquarie 10 Year Community Plan. This supports the vision and directions as set out in LS2030. The framework consists of the following: Lifestyle 2030 Strategy (LS2030) provides the long-term vision for land use in the City. The vision is encapsulated in a series of strategic directions that convey envisaged outcomes for future land use patterns in the City The 10 Year Plan adopts LS2020 s strategic directions and will adopt LS 2030 s strategic directions. 10 Year Community Strategic Plan - outlines short (1 year), medium (2-5 years), and long term (6-10 years) priorities, directions, strategic objectives, and progress indicators that address the community's main priorities and aspirations for the future. Four Year Delivery Program - outlines how (actions) Council will deliver the Community Plan's strategic objectives One Year Operational Plan & Budget - a financial and resource allocation plan that identifies services and activities to be carried out over a 12-month period. The plan also provides a succinct review of our performance against specific community and organisational indicators Figure 1: Integrated Strategic Planning Framework Annual Report - reflects and reports on Council's objectives, operations, and performance for the preceding financial year LS2030 is the primary guiding document for the development of local plans, regulations and guidelines that control development of land. Two important documents that are informed by Lifestyle 2030 are Draft Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2012 (LEP 2012) and Draft Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan 2012 (DCP 2012). Draft LEP 2012 is the legal instrument that imposes local standards to control development, including the allocation of land use zones. DCP 2012 provides specific, more comprehensive guidelines for certain types of development. New development must comply with LEP 2012 and DCP LS2030 is a very important part of Council s suite of adopted planning policies and tools, and should be considered in the assessment of rezoning and development applications and other matters, such as the preparation of planning policies. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 7

8 Structure of Lifestyle 2030 Strategy LS2030 is structured as a hierarchy of policy statements, with more detailed matters addressed at lower levels of the hierarchy, as shown in Figure 2. The first three levels City Vision, Core Values and Aims provide the context and parameters within which LS2030 operates. The City Vision is that adopted in the Lake Macquarie Integrated Strategic Plan. It describes Council s vision for the place called the City of Lake Macquarie. The Core Values have been carried over from LS2020. They provide principles that the strategic directions, desired outcomes and policies of LS2030 are based on. The Aims focus on what LS2030 is aiming to achieve. The Strategy Directions and Intent Statements describe the overall desired outcomes, being progressed by more detailed outcomes statements listed beneath each Strategic Direction. Council s general intentions are also stated for each Strategic Direction. The Strategic Directions are those adopted in the Lake Macquarie Integrated Statement Plan, and are a modified form of those in LS2020. The Outcome Statements describe detailed outcomes being sought by Council under each of the Strategic Directions. New development is expected to contribute towards the achievement of these outcomes. The Strategy Maps provide strategic level detail in a number of important areas of policy - Urban Structure, Movement Systems and Green Systems. The Strategy Maps and accompanying narrative aim to provide an overview of the major issues in these policy areas and LS2030 s response to these issues. New development is expected to be consistent with these responses. Figure 2: LS2030 Structure City Vision, Set out the ideal being sought during the life of Lifestyle Core Values, The foundation of decisions and actions. Aims, Support the overall vision and core values. Strategic Directions and Intent Contain Desired Outcomes to be achieved. Strategic Plan Maps and supporting narrative describe outcomes for urban structure, movement and green systems in the LGA 8 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

9 Technical Studies Three major technical studies have been completed as part of the review of Lifestyle 2020 and have been used to inform the preparation of LS2030. These are: Lifestyle 2020 Review Discussion Paper Strategy Hunter Employment Land Study - SGS Economics & Planning Biodiversity Background Technical Report - LMCC The Lifestyle 2020 Review Discussion Paper analyses environmental, social and economic changes and trends that have occurred in the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area since the adoption of Lifestyle 2020 in This includes a detailed demographic analysis. The discussion paper has formed the basis for proposed changes to Lifestyle 2020 and has guided the development of LS2030. The Employment Land Study provides an analysis of supply and demand for commercial and employment land in Lake Macquarie up to the year The study provides a framework to plan for further floor space to accommodate this demand; and identifies economic strategies that will help Council achieve its economic development objectives. The Biodiversity Background Technical Report reviews and updates biodiversity issues and indicators, legislation, Strategies, plans and policies, relevant to biodiversity that have evolved since the adoption of Lifestyle 2020 in Since the adoption of Lifestyle 2020, new legislation, policies, plans and strategies have been introduced at all levels of government which have influenced land use and management decisions about biodiversity. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 9

10 2 City Vision Centred on the largest coastal salt-water lake in NSW, and flanked by the Watagan Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the City of Lake Macquarie has the social, environmental, and economic potential to be one of the most liveable places in Australia. The vision for the City, held by Council and the community, is that it is a place: where the environment is protected and enhanced. where the scenic, ecological, recreational, and commercial values and opportunities of the Lake and coastline are promoted and protected. with a prosperous economy and a supportive attitude to balanced economic growth, managed in a way to enhance quality of life and satisfy the employment and environmental aims of the community. that recognizes, encourages, develops its diverse cultural life and talents, protects, and promotes its heritage. that encourages community spirit, promotes a fulfilling lifestyle, enhances health and social well-being, encourages lifestyle choices, and has opportunities to encourage participation in sport and recreation. that promotes equal access to all services and facilities and enables all citizens to contribute to and participate in the City's economic and social development. that promotes affordable housing. 10 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

11 Core Values 3 To guide future development in the City the four core values of the Strategy are: Sustainability This means integrating the management of environmental, economic, social, and cultural elements to ensure that all resources of the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area (LGA), as well as those sourced from other places, are respected, preserved, enjoyed, and utilised in a sustainable manner both for current and future generations. Equity This means fairly distributing and improving access to employment, housing, urban services, community facilities, environmental quality and recreation and providing for a range of lifestyle opportunities to suit all members of the community. Efficiency This means facilitating infrastructure and a land use structure that provide a more comprehensive approach to the design of movement networks, open space and water management systems and other services across a wide range of living, employment and leisure opportunities that are capable of adapting over time to social, economic or environmental change. Liveability This means developing a well designed, attractive and functional land use pattern that results in diverse, accessible, compatible and vibrant environments that support security, safety, identity, historic continuity and cultural diversity, and allows for the efficient and timely provision of necessary infrastructure. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 11

12 4 Aims LS2030 aims to: Provide the community with a realistic expectation about the future development patterns of the LGA, while retaining flexibility for land use decision making in the longer term. Reinforce and strengthen Centres so that a wide range of commercial and community services may be provided in a timely and accessible manner. Provide local employment opportunities for residents and to promote economic development consistent with the LGA s natural, locational and community resources. Guide the development of urban communities which are compact, distinct, and diverse with a range of housing types and activities. Achieve a strong sense of positive community identity, through the development of local communities which are safe and liveable and offer a diversity of use, economic opportunity, and ready access to services, while minimising the use of private motor vehicles. Develop attractive and liveable urban areas in the LGA which reflect its physical and natural environment, and visual character. Manage the City's natural environment so that its ecological functions and biological diversity are conserved and enhanced, and contribute to the City's overall well being and amenity. Manage the City's heritage and economic resources, in a way that protects the value of these resources and enhances the City's character. Integrate land use with the efficient provision of public and private movement systems. 12 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

13 Strategic Directions 5 Strategic Direction 1 A city responsive to the environment The Lake Macquarie Local Government Area (LGA) is recognised and appreciated by the community, and visitors, as a place of significant natural assets, including: The Lake and its foreshores, bays, islands and other waterways. The coastline and beaches. The forested mountain backdrop. The variety of bushland communities and wetlands. The diversity and quantity of native fauna. It is intended that the integrity and sustainability of these assets will be protected, by ecologically sustainable development. Outcome 1.1 Biodiversity connectivity and conservation areas are identified, protected and enhanced with the major elements shown schematically on the Green Systems Map and the Urban Structure Map. 1.2 Biodiversity values are protected and managed. 1.3 Any unavoidable removal of native vegetation or fauna habitat associated with development is adequately offset. 1.4 Where not part of an urban development strategy, the development of planned communities on previously undeveloped land (Greenfield development) is limited to areas adjacent to existing development and is preferentially directed to cleared areas, which do not support threatened species. 1.5 Viable populations of threatened species and areas of endangered ecology are maintained and enhanced. 1.6 Estuarine, riparian and coastal ecosystems are protected and enhanced. 1.7 Community awareness of the importance of biodiversity and biodiversity priorities for Lake Macquarie LGA is increased and voluntary participation in the management and protection of biodiversity is facilitated. 1.8 The health of aquatic habitats, such as the Lake and ocean, are maintained and enhanced by limiting urban runoff and pollutants. 1.9 Urban development incorporates and makes provision for sustainable water cycle management Ecosystems and species are assisted to adapt and migrate in response to the impacts of climate change Healthy, resilient ecosystems, such as coastal ecosystems, have the capacity to assist in protecting infrastructure and property The LGA is prepared for the impacts of climate change, including adaptable infrastructure and buildings The scenic natural beauty of the City is maintained and enhanced, and buildings or structures visible from the Lake and coast (including the coastal walk) exhibit high quality design sympathetic to their setting The planting of trees and maintenance of native vegetation are used to assist in improving microclimate and air quality. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 13

14 Strategic Direction 2 A city that makes an equitable contribution to global sustainability. The Lake Macquarie LGA provides a positive example of how a community achieves a long-term vision based on a balance of social, economic and environmental values. It is intended to provide community leadership by encouraging the adoption of behaviours, practices, technologies, and development patterns, which reduce the impact on the global environment of the citizens of Lake Macquarie. Outcome 2.1 Lake Macquarie LGA has a reduced per capita demand on the earth s resources (ecological footprint) compared to financial year baseline data, including reducing its per capita consumption of water and electricity. Waste to landfill and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced consistent with Council adopted Targets and Policy. 2.2 Consumption in the Lake Macquarie LGA is based primarily on renewable resources with a declining per capita use of non-renewable resources. 2.3 The resources required to construct and operate new development are minimised, the embodied energy in all new development is reduced and new development increasingly relies on methods and products that minimise the ecological impact of design and construction. 2.4 Community awareness of the global impacts of resource consumption is increased. 2.5 The carbon storage role of natural ecosystems including terrestrial native vegetation and soil is retained and promoted. 14 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

15 Strategic Direction 3 A well designed adaptable and liveable city The Lake Macquarie LGA benefits from a high amenity natural environment. Within this environment, there exists a number of discrete and diverse urban and rural living, working and recreational opportunities. It is intended to recognise, retain and enhance the character and attributes of the City that make it an attractive and liveable environment for residents, workers, investors and visitors, and to build its capacity to respond to future social, economic and environmental needs and challenges in a positive way. Outcome 3.1 The role of centres is consistent with the Centres Hierarchy as discussed, and shown on the Urban Structure map. 3.2 More development occurs in the City s centres by encouraging developments having more than one use (mixed use developments) and multiunit housing through Council s land use policies. 3.3 More extensive building and development in vacant areas of the City s centres, such as Charlestown and Cardiff, (infill redevelopment) occurs. Such development should incorporate medium density housing (approx dwellings per hectare) to achieve a 30% medium density housing (not including duplexes) target by Charlestown Master Plan, Glendale Master Plan, Morisset Structure Plan and Wyee Structure and Local Area Plans are implemented. 3.5 Mt Hutton centre grows into a comprehensive town centre with a mix of commercial services, retail, community facilities, and residential development. 3.6 Local Area Plans with location specific development guidelines are developed and implemented for all town centres such as Belmont, Swansea, and Toronto. 3.7 The unique character and sense of place of centres, such as Wyee and Cardiff, is reinforced in their buildings, streetscape and public domain. 3.8 There is a stronger functional and urban design relationship between the Lake and the centres at Swansea, Belmont, Valentine, Rathmines, Wangi Wangi, Toronto and Warners Bay. 3.9 The amenity of centres located on main roads is improved, particularly at Swansea, Belmont, Charlestown and Morisset Large scale commercial and retail development, other than development that sells, hires or displays bulky goods, that is not within or adjacent to a centre is discouraged Development on previously undeveloped land (new release urban development) is focused on new centres or reinforces the role of existing centres. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 15

16 Strategic Direction 3 (cont) A well designed adaptable and liveable city 3.12 urban development, including new release urban development, is more intensive and contains a gradation of density such as multiunit housing surrounding each centre, with lower dwelling densities at the periphery of the development. The impacts associated with urban/non-urban interface are minimised The scenic qualities of the Lake and its setting, such as foreshores, forested ridges, wooded ridges, riparian areas are promoted, protected, and enhanced The scenic and heritage qualities of the coast and its setting, such as headlands, beaches, wetlands and dunes, are protected and enhanced Important rural vistas are protected, such as along Freemans Drive and in the south-west of the LGA The impact of land uses incompatible with the environmental values of the Watagans and surrounding area are minimised Speers Point Park is developed into the LGA s premier open space A strategy for addressing the risks that climate change may have on urban development is developed with the community There is a diversity of lot sizes and housing to meet users needs Public housing areas, such as in Windale, Toronto West, Belmont and Booragul/Bolton Point are rejuvenated (in consultation with Housing NSW) 3.21 A comprehensive set of Local Area Plans, providing locally specific urban design requirements and guidance, particularly in character areas such as West Wallsend, Martinsville Valley, and Catherine Hill Bay, are prepared and implemented The arrangement, appearance and function (urban design) of industrial developments is improved Development at major intersections and gateways exhibit a high quality of urban design and sense of place including such locations as at the Crossroads (Glendale), Charlestown, Cameron Park, Swansea Town Centre and Morisset Town Centre The heritage of Lake Macquarie and its localities are celebrated in shaping the City s physical environment in order to improve the quality of life in the City There are adequate buffers between industrial, mining, gas and petroleum activities, including coal seam gas exploration and extraction and other developments, which are sensitive to their impact The social and economic impacts of increased fossil fuel prices, due to climate change policy and peak oil, are identified and adaptive strategies are developed Good quality neighbourhood (destination) parks are provided in close proximity to high density urban development A review of rural-residential land is undertaken, including an analysis of the supply and demand for ruralresidential land The air quality of the City is maintained and enhanced Lake Macquarie Aboriginal Heritage Management Strategy is implemented, including Sensitive Aboriginal Landscapes Mapping The North Wallarah Conservation Land Use Management Plan and North Wallarah Peninsula Masterplan are implemented and the Murray s Beach Design Essentials applied. 16 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

17 Strategic Direction 4 A well serviced and equitable city Lake Macquarie is a City of many Centres whose economic viability and ability to provide services is impacted by their distance from each other and the dispersed community they serve. It is intended to: Maximise opportunities for development in existing urban areas in order to limit the extent of urban expansion and to provide more efficient use of existing land and infrastructure, and Recognise community, commercial, and investor needs through accommodating the City's projected population growth, where feasible, within Centres and established areas. This will stimulate and strengthen the viability and ability of Centres to serve community needs. The size and dispersed nature of Lake Macquarie results in increased travel times, difficult public transport provision, and leads to reliance on private vehicles. Residents and visitors should be able to travel safely, economically, comfortably and conveniently within the City as a pedestrian, cyclist or by public or private transport. This includes accommodating the needs of people with disabilities and the ageing population into the designs of public transport and other transit systems. It is intended that future development will reduce reliance on private vehicles and support an efficient and accessible movement system. Outcome 4.1 There is sufficient infrastructure capacity to support the planned growth of centres, and employment areas, including new infrastructure such as the Pennant Street overpass and Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange at Glendale. Provision will rely on the support and strategies of relevant State Government authorities. 4.2 The capacity of existing urban areas to support more intensive urban development has been assessed and density provisions applied accordingly. 4.3 Development on previously undeveloped land should not occur unless essential physical and social infrastructure can be provided and funded. 4.4 New development supports the effective and efficient functioning of both public and private transport infrastructure, including provision for electric vehicle infrastructure. Provision will rely on the support and strategies of Transport NSW and Infrastructure NSW. 4.5 No urban area is more than 10 minutes walk from a regular public transport route. The outcome will be achieved through the coordinated activities of Council, Transport NSW, Hunter Buses and City Rail. 4.6 Local scale commercial activities are selectively developed to provide services to the public at a limited number of coastal and lakeside locations, especially as in association with Surf Life Saving Clubs, board riders Clubs, sailing and rowing clubs and public facilities. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 17

18 Strategic Direction 4 (cont) A well serviced and equitable city 4.7 An improved transport system which offers a choice of safe, direct, and frequent options is provided with Centres as the focus and allows people the freedom to live, connect, engage and be involved in their towns and villages (to be provided in consultation with Transport NSW, Hunter Buses and City Rail). 4.8 New development enhances the amenity, viability and use of public transport. 4.9 There are transport interchanges at Charlestown, Glendale, and Morisset. The outcome will be achieved through the coordinated activities of Council, Transport NSW, Hunter Buses and City Rail The pedestrian and cycle network is well maintained, more extensive and better utilised, including the completion of both commuter and recreational cycle ways such as the Fernleigh Track, the Wallsend- Glendale cycleway, and the cycleway around the Lake Urban development, including new release urban development, has a high degree of vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, such as by utilising a modified grid layout, pedestrian /cyclist friendly intersections, off road paths and linked open space Congestion in the transport system is reduced, by encouraging use of alternative forms of transport and better locating new housing, employment and shopping activities Heavy vehicles have direct access to arterial roads and to the F3 freeway from areas such as Cardiff Industrial Estate, and heavy vehicle movements are minimised on local residential streets. The outcome will be achieved with the support and strategies of the Roads and Maritime Services and Infrastructure NSW Industrial areas have direct access to arterial roads Water based public transport on the Lake is encouraged Existing communities are well serviced with physical and social infrastructure The location and timing of major infrastructure provision is guided by the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy. 18 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

19 Strategic Direction 5 A City of progress and prosperity Lake Macquarie has a strong economic base. This foundation has potential to diversify and provide the community with greater employment and wealth generating opportunities. It is intended to maintain and expand the breadth and strength of the City's economic base, in a responsible manner that takes into account its liveability, natural resources and locational advantages. It is intended to support a prosperous economy with a supportive attitude to balanced economic growth managed in a way to enhance quality of life. Outcome 5.1 Investment opportunities in Lake Macquarie are promoted. 5.2 There is a trend toward a greater proportion of the City s residential workforce being employed in the LGA. 5.3 The development of higher order businesses in Centres is encouraged particularly in the regional centres of Charlestown, Glendale, and Morisset. 5.4 There is sufficient land supply for commercial development in centres. 5.5 There is sufficient land supply for a diversity of commercial spaces including a business park having land devoted to commerce and/or manufacture rather than private residences. 5.6 There is sufficient supply and spatial distribution of industrial land and a diversity of lot sizes to meet user s needs. 5.7 Select industrial areas are able to be operational and accessed 24 hours/day. 5.8 Employment generating business activity grows. 5.9 Local scale commercial activities are encouraged to meet the needs of park and beach users, including in association with Surf Life Saving and Board Riding Clubs, and public facilities The Hunter Sports Centre is further developed as a regional facility Areas of existing or potential food and agricultural production are identified and protected, particularly considering the impacts of climate change and energy pricing Loss of rural land that is viable for agricultural production is avoided, by limiting subdivision of rural land for rural lifestyle lots Rural/non urban based forms of tourism, such as bed and breakfast and farm stays are further developed Tourism opportunities within Lake Macquarie City are encouraged and developed (in consultation with Destination NSW) 5.15 An adequate and competitive supply of land is maintained to meet future housing needs consistent with the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy New and emerging industries are established and expand, particularly green technology and renewable energy industries The transition of home based business to traditional commercial and industrial locations is facilitated Infrastructure is adequate to support new and existing employment activity in the City, including movement systems, telecommunications, energy supply, water and solid waste management, and educational and health care facilities (to be provided in consultation with the relevant Government agencies) 5.19 A regular passenger service is established, flying from the former Aeropelican Airport site. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 19

20 Strategic Direction 6 A City responsive to the wellbeing of its residents Lake Macquarie is a city committed to improving social equity and the opportunities available to its residents. It is intended to encourage and enable all people to participate fully in the economic and social life of the community as well as enjoy equal life chances and equal opportunity for access to the resources of the community. It is intended to encourage a community spirit which promotes a fulfilling lifestyle, enhances health and social wellbeing, encourages family life and lifestyle choices, allows opportunities to participate in sport, recreation and cultural pursuits, promotes equal access to all services and facilities, as well as enabling all citizens to contribute to the City s economic and social development. Outcome 6.1 The well being of residents continues to improve. 6.2 The Lake, coastline, and Watagans support a mix of recreation and tourism activities that are compatible with their environmental values. 6.3 Plans of Management identify the appropriate level of intensity of open space development for specific parks. 6.4 A major sporting complex is developed at Teralba/Cockle Creek. 6.5 There is diverse range of dwelling types and sizes developed in response to demographic change. 6.6 There is an increased supply of affordable housing (housing is affordable when households that are renting or purchasing are able to pay their housing costs and still have sufficient income to meet other basic needs such as food, clothing, transport, medical care and education). 6.7 There is adaptable and universal housing to meet community needs. 6.8 There is additional social housing, integrated with privately owned housing. (to be provided with appropriate consultation with Housing NSW). Social housing refers to rental housing which may be owned and managed by the State, by non-profit organisations, or by a combination of the two, usually with the aim of providing affordable housing. 6.9 The heritage of Lake Macquarie LGA and its localities is celebrated in urban design and place making initiatives The City has a rich and diverse cultural life Place making initiatives to beautify the community, enhance the public life of streets and common places, and strengthen the sense of place are grounded in cultural development and the locality s natural characteristics Facilities and mechanisms that ensure education, health care, community development, income distribution, employment and social welfare (social infrastructure) are developed and recognized as an important component of place making Special places, such as Speers Point Park, Rathmines Park, and the Art Gallery, are a focus for specific place making activity Lake based aquatic facilities are upgraded to meet increased community needs. 20 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

21 Strategic Direction 6 (cont) A City responsive to the wellbeing of its residents 6.15 Development is designed to foster a quality and affordable lifestyle, while minimising exposure to future energy, water and transport cost increases There is an adequate supply of appropriately located educational facilities, with opportunities for cosharing with community groups (to be provided with appropriate consultation with the Department of Education and Communities). Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 21

22 Strategic Direction 7 A City that practices participatory democracy and is well governed Lake Macquarie City Council delivers its support, regulatory, and corporate functions in an open, efficient, and cost effective manner. It endeavours to reach a balance between community opinion, city advancement, and timely decision making. It is intended to work with all members of the community, government agencies and private sector organisations to achieve the objectives of Lifestyle 2030 Strategy within the resources and powers available to Council. Outcome 7.1 Council works with Government, community and private stakeholders to achieve the objectives of LS Lake Macquarie City Council participates in the development of sub regional strategies within the Lower Hunter and adjacent areas of the Central Coast. 7.3 There is a high awareness of the role, and the unique sense of place and function of Lake Macquarie Local Government Area within the Lower Hunter. 7.4 Planning in Lake Macquarie LGA is well coordinated with relevant State Government planning strategies, policies and plans, including the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, the Lower Hunter Conservation Plan, Central Coast Regional Strategy, and the North Wyong Structure Plan. 7.5 The impacts of Sydney metropolitan strategy on Lake Macquarie LGA are assessed and addressed. 7.6 The impacts of emerging State and Federal climate change related policy initiatives on the local area are considered and addressed. 7.7 Approval processes are transparent, and as efficient as possible. 7.8 A residential development strategy identifies infill capacity and priorities, impediments to and incentives for higher density development and parameters for new release development. 7.9 There is an improved risk framework for determining the impact of; mine subsidence on development, coal seam gas extraction, and minerals exploration Strategic planning and place making initiatives are grounded in community involvement Council s biodiversity objectives are achieved through strong partnerships with Government, community and private stakeholders Citizens of Lake Macquarie have an increased awareness of and preparedness for natural disasters There are diverse mechanisms for enabling citizens to have meaningful and empowering input into key decisions that affect their lives in Lake Macquarie. 22 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

23 Strategic Plan Maps and Intent Statements 6 The Strategic Plan Maps identify the preferred pattern of development for the City and form a graphic description of how LS2030 s Aims and Directions will be achieved. They do this by describing the intent for each of the elements, systems, or networks in the following Maps: Urban Structure Map Centres Urban zoned land Growth and expansion corridors Intensification Corridors Major remnant vegetation and ecological connections National Parks, State Forests and proposed conservation lands Potential and existing employment lands Rural landscape Urban Change and Investigation Map Areas zoned for medium and higher density development Investigation areas Lower Hunter Regional Strategy potential urban and employment areas Movement System Map Road Network Rail Network Bus Network Airport Transport Interchanges Cycleways Coal Haul Road Green System Map State Significant vegetation and habitat National Park and State Forest Regionally significant vegetation and habitat Waterways State significant waterways State significant aquatic habitat Proposed conservation areas Other remnant vegetation Sub-Regional Context Map Newcastle Regional City Sub-regional Green Corridors Employment Land Transport Links Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 23

24 6.1 Urban Structure Map Urban Areas The aim of this Section and the Urban Structure Map is to complement the Strategic Directions and Outcomes of LS2030 by describing the desired spatial pattern of development in the LGA, and the major reasons for this approach to the development of the LGA. Prevailing property and development markets have a significant influence on the delivery of spatial outcomes. To this extent, the timing of development will largely be beyond Council s direct control. However, describing the desired spatial pattern provides a clear guide to the overall spatial distribution of current and desirable land uses within the City. This is important in order to give effect to the vision, aims and strategic directions of the strategy. Urban areas are those parts of the LGA, which are commonly described as built up areas. They are zoned as residential, commercial, and industrial areas, as well as associated open space, services, and transport corridors. They contain housing, shops, schools and services, among other uses. It is not possible to consider future development in the LGA without considering its context within the broader Newcastle urban area/lower Hunter region and its proximity to urban areas on the Central Coast and the metropolitan area of Sydney. LS2030 recognises these links and influences through the location of the major urban development and infill areas in the north and south of the city, and through measures to strengthen public and non-car based transport between to adjacent urban areas. The pattern of urban development in the LGA is strongly influenced by the Lake, which provides an attractive setting for many of the LGA s urban areas as well as being a substantial barrier to movement. Many of the town and village centres of the LGA have evolved from smaller settlements, which were founded to serve the needs of coal mining, rural, and fishing communities. Although the original reason for settlement has passed in most cases, many settlements have continued to grow to form the urban area we know today. Through this process, previously undeveloped land between the settlements has progressively been developed. Much of the former vacant land is now developed or is unsuitable for development, leading to most new suburban growth being located on the urban fringe, such as at Cameron Park, Cooranbong and Wallarah. Development on the urban fringe is progressively reducing areas of 24 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy

25 native bushland and agricultural land. At the same time, low density fringe growth is not conducive to viable public transport and other alternatives to the motor vehicle. In response, LS2030 aims to build on the existing urban structure of the LGA. LS2030 aims to reinforce the LGA s Centres, focus growth and change around these Centres, reduce car dependence, and minimise new urban development on the fringe. Important components of this approach are: A hierarchy of regional, town and local centres which provide a focus for urban development and community activity. Encouraging developments having more than one use (mixed use development) in the Centres in order to increase their vitality and adaptability. A gradation of development intensity - higher near the Centres and lower at the urban periphery - in order to take advantage of proximity to services and public transport, and provide increased choice. A substantial part of the City's urban area remaining relatively low density, and mainly detached housing, achieving approximately 8 15 dwellings per hectare An increase in housing diversity, to meet community need. A particular focus on increasing the supply of medium density housing, such as retirement homes, townhouses, small lot housing, apartments, shop top housing and dual occupancy, achieving approximately dwellings per hectare, generally within a: - Five minute walk of a centre; - Five minute walk of bus stops with frequent services to major centres; - Ten minute walk of Regional and Town Centres; - Ten minute walk of major public transport nodes, such as railway stations or interchanges; and - In selected areas of high amenity which are suitable for multiunit housing. Augment pedestrian systems with improved cycle systems to extend the catchment of urban centres and key public transport systems. Measures will include: - Provision of cycleways and/or on-road cycle routes/lanes to all new developments, linking residential areas to shops, schools, urban centres and public transport systems, such as public transport interchanges and train stations. - Provision of bicycle parking facilities with higher security and/or undercover bicycle parking at major centres. Provision of infrastructure to support uptake of private and public electric vehicles. Centres Centres are the fundamental building block of the urban structure of the LGA, and are intended to be the focus for: Commercial and retail activity. Service delivery and employment opportunities. Safe, convenient, and accessible pedestrian, cycling and public transport. Places for social and community interaction and recreation. Higher density housing, and mixed-use development incorporating housing. Accordingly, the Strategic Directions and Outcomes of LS2030 aim to: Strengthen the function and character of Centres. Provide economic and employment opportunities. Provide a diversity of housing opportunities. Improve the connectivity of roads, public places, and facilities. Improve accessibility by public transport, cycling and walking. Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy 25

26 Hierarchy of Centres LS2030 provides for a hierarchy of Centres, which provide various functions, and levels of service. This hierarchy is shown on the Urban Structure Map. Major Regional Centre: Charlestown: The Major Regional Centre of Charlestown: Contains a concentration of mixed use, business, higher order retailing, employment, professional and social services and generally including civic functions and facilities. Contains medium and higher density residential within and adjoining the centre. Services a number of districts. Is a focal point for subregional road and transport networks. Has public transport interchanges to provide a high level of public transport service and accessibility. Is readily accessible by foot and cycling. Expresses the character of the area. Will be developed in accordance with the Charlestown Masterplan. Have frequent public transport services to neighbouring urban areas, other town centres and a regional centre. Are readily accessible by foot and cycling. Express the character of the area. Master Plans, Area Plans and Structure Plans will guide development in the town centres. Neighbourhood Centres: Predominantly serve a local business and residential community. Provide convenience, day to day retail, professional and business services and may include local social services or community facilities. Have medium density residential within and adjoining the centre. Have frequent public transport services to neighbouring urban areas, and a town centre. Are readily accessible by foot and cycling. Express the character of the local area. Where available, Area Plans or Master Plans will guide development in Neighbourhood Centres. Emerging Regional Centres: Glendale and Morisset: The Emerging Regional Centres of Glendale and Morisset contain some of the attributes of the Major Regional Centre of Charlestown but are expected to grow and encompass all the attributes of major centres in the future. The Glendale and Morisset Master Plans will guide development in these Centres. Town Centres: Belmont, Cardiff, Mount Hutton, Swansea, Toronto, Warners Bay and potential emerging town centres Provide a range of mixed use, retail, and commercial activities, professional, social services, and community facilities. Have medium density residential within and adjoining the centre. Serve a number of surrounding business and residential communities. Are located on the major transport network or arterial roads. Non-Centre Based Employment Areas The nature of economic activity in the LGA is changing. As the service based economy grows, the role of Centres in supporting economic activity is increasingly important. Non-centre based economic activity is also very important to the prosperity of the LGA. Non-centre based employment can include industry, mining, power generation, home-based businesses and home-based industries, tourism, and intensive agriculture. 26 Lake Macquarie City Lifestyle 2030 Strategy