Lake Macquarie City Council has welcomed the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan’s recognition of North West Lake Macquarie as a significant catalyst area for economic growth.
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The plan was released on Monday by the Minister for Planning, Anthony Roberts, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald.
It sets out a blueprint for regional growth over 20 years across an area that comprises all or significant parts of the local government areas of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens.
It acknowledges that North West Lake Macquarie will be a key area for urban renewal, employment and economic growth in the region in coming decades, with potential to create 1800 new jobs and 3700 dwellings by 2036.
The precinct encompasses the economic centres of Glendale and Cardiff and parts of Boolaroo, Teralba, Speers Point and Argenton.
Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser, said North West Lake Macquarie would help meet regional demand for affordable housing, enhanced lifestyle amenities, retail and advanced manufacturing.
“This precinct is recognised by all of the region’s key industry and stakeholder groups as being integral to regional growth, increasing local employment and improving transport connectivity,” Cr Fraser said.
“With the potential offered by the residential redevelopment of the former Pasminco site, the linking of Boolaroo and Cardiff through the Munibung Road Extension, and the planned expansion of Stockland Glendale and the Hunter Sports Centre, the area is set to boom.
“Council has also started a conversation around the future use of former mining land at Teralba, which could offer significant opportunities for manufacturing, light industrial and emerging industries in the digital economy.
“With its direct links to the M1 [Pacific Motorway] and Great Northern Railway, North West Lake Macquarie serves as a strategically located gateway to Greater Newcastle and is well situated to meet the transport and logistical needs of industry.”
The region’s mayors - Loretta Baker (Maitland), Ryan Palmer (Port Stephens), Nuatali Nelmes (Newcastle), Bob Pynsent (Cessnock), and Kay Fraser (Lake Macquarie) – joined Mr MacDonald for the launch of the plan on Monday.
Lake Macquarie City Council advocated strongly for the inclusion of North West Lake Macquarie as a catalyst area in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan.
“This is an important and common-sense acknowledgement that recognises the importance of this precinct not only to Lake Macquarie but to the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan area,” Cr Fraser said.
Learn more about the plan at lakemac.com.au