FAQs
What is a planning proposal?
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 and Environment 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.
What land does the planning proposal relate to?
1 Lorikeet Loop and 2 Wild Duck Drive, Cams Wharf
What is the objective of the planning proposal?
The planning proposal seeks to increase the maximum building height permitted from 8.5m to 16m at 1 Wild Duck Drive, Cams Wharf, and up to 36.5m at 2 Lorikeet Loop, Cams Wharf, to enable tourist development of a scale to attract a five-star hotel operator.
Above: Existing building height (left) and proposed building height (right)
What are the next steps?
Public exhibition of the planning proposal closes on 4 December. The submissions received during the exhibition period will be summarised in a report to Council in early 2024.
How to make a submission
- Provide written feedback via the online submission form on this website.
- Email [email protected] with the subject heading "Planning Proposal, Raffertys Resort, RZ/4/2022" by 4 December 2023.
- Write to Integrated Planning, Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310
How can I make a submission?
Printed copies of the planning proposal are available from the Council Administrative Centre in Speers Point and Swansea Library.
I've made a submission - what happens next?
Feedback may result in further 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. It is expected the proposal will be reported back to Council seeking adoption in early 2024.
What should I put in a submission?
Your submission can be as concise or as long as you wish:
Ideally, you will express your level of support for the proposal and provide detailed and specific feedback. The feedback will be reviewed by staff and later presented to Council to make an informed decision.
Should multiple submissions be received from a single resident regarding this project, the feedback will be reviewed by staff and counted as one submission when reporting back to Council.
Any submission received by Council will be publicly available on Council’s website. Submissions may also be accessed under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. Council may reproduce submissions in Council reports or in Court proceedings.
If you have made a reportable political donation or gift in the last two years your submission must be accompanied by a "Disclosure Statement of Political Donations and Gifts where Council is Approval Authority - Submitters" Form. For more information on reportable political donations or gifts, or to download a copy of this form go to lakemac.com.au(External link) and search for "Political Donations Submitters". Please note failure to complete a statement, if a Political Donation/Gift has been made, is an offence under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.