Back

Planning proposal: Housing diversity

About the project

Australia is currently experiencing a housing crisis affecting regional communities including Lake Mac.

Our city needs more diverse housing to support future growth, our ageing population and smaller households.

The objective of this planning proposal (RZ/4/2023) is to increase the supply and diversity of housing in Lake Macquarie City.

It proposes amendments to the Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2014 intended to contain urban sprawl by enabling housing growth in infill areas and allowing for a greater mix of housing types.

At its Standing Committee meeting on 2 December 2024, Council decided to hold a Councillor workshop, prior to considering this planning proposal at a future Council meeting in early 2025.

Fast facts

Housing types

Housing types

In 2020, 84 per cent of houses in Lake Macquarie were detached dwellings. 

Household makeup

Household makeup

By 2036, couple families without children and lone person households will account for almost half of all households in Lake Mac.

Housing preferences

Housing preferences

In a 2012 study of Lower Hunter housing preferences, 46 per cent of households said they'd prefer to live in a semi-detached dwelling or apartment. 

The survey is now closed. Thanks for participating.

Documents

FAQs

A planning proposal is a document and supporting information that explains the intended effect and justification of a proposed amendment to a Local Environmental Plan.

Local Environmental Plans guide planning decisions for local government areas through zoning and development controls.

A landowner, developer or an individual seeking to amend the zoning or development standards that apply to land they own, or have an interest in, may initiate a planning proposal.

Council support of the planning proposal is required before it is able to be submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Gateway Determination.

If the department issues a Gateway Determination, a proposal proceeds to community consultation and any submissions are considered before making amendments to the planning controls

Feedback may result in changes being made to the planning proposal prior to a report being prepared for Council.

You will be notified again, prior to Council considering the matter, which will include a link to the Council report containing a summary of submissions and how feedback was considered.

Who's listening

  • Abigail Hawtin
    Senior Strategic Land Use Planner
    Lake Macquarie City Council