Community identifies opportunities for change in Windale

Lake Macquarie City Council, with the help of the community, has identified opportunities for change in Windale and will now prepare a Development Control Plan for the area.

Council’s Manager Integrated Planning, Sharon Pope, said throughout November, residents, workers and business owners were encouraged to identify opportunities for new housing, jobs and improved open space in Windale.

“The community used Council’s online interactive map and ideas wall to tell us what they like and don’t like about Windale and suggested ideas on how to improve the area,” Ms Pope said.

Participants and support workers from local community organisation Centre for Hope refurbished a five-speed Kawasaki mountain bike to giveaway as part of Council’s consultation.

Angela Gavin participated in the community consultation and was presented with the bike for her winning idea, which identified Windale as an area of opportunity, particularly for affordable housing for people entering the housing market. Matthew McMullen and Jurgen Bonnet were also recognised for their enthusiastic and helpful suggestions.

“It was great that we were able to partner with Centre for Hope throughout the initial stage of this project,” Ms Pope said.

“The community has put a great deal of thought into what changes they would like to see in Windale.”

Ideas include planting shrubs, trees and low maintenance gardens in public spaces, rezoning the area to allow for small lot housing, beautification works and signage along the Pacific Highway and South Street and refurbishing the tennis courts.

Council would like to thank the Centre for Hope, participants and support workers from Wheels for Hope, Gateshead Cycles and Newcastle Cycleways for providing support during the community consultation.

A draft Development Control Plan for Windale will now be prepared by Council, and put forward for public comment in early 2016.

Comments on the development of Windale are still welcome through Council’s interactive map.

Visit http://haveyoursaylakemac.com.au/planning-for-windale for more information.