Setting the benchmark for liveability in Bathurst

MEDIA RELEASE 12 July 2018

Council is developing comprehensive plans and strategies to manage current subdivision patterns and to ensure provision of open space within the Bathurst region.

Council’s recently adopted Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy and its other strategic documents will inform future subdivisions and living densities to reflect modern and contemporary urban design principles that are relevant to the Bathurst and regional context.

Work is continuing on the Bathurst 2040 Open Space Strategy and Council is about to commence the development of a master plan for the Laffing Waters area.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said it was important to think about the future population growth of the city and the region.

“Planning for the future now will ensure that we cater for the predicted population growth and have adequate housing and infrastructure to support that growth,” he said.

“Council has recently approved several key plans and strategies that provide a blueprint for our city’s future

“These plans will guide the delivery of best practice planning and urban design and set a new benchmark for liveability in Bathurst”

Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy

The Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy recognises that there are a number of methods that could be used to increase the living density of the city with the aim of reducing unrestrained urban sprawl, whilst maintaining the rural feel of the City. The identified actions will assist in delaying the zoning of additional land and reducing the city’s urban sprawl.

Bathurst’s population will continue to age and household size will continue to decrease. The identified actions in the Housing Strategy encourage housing choice and diversity, particularly with respect to lot and household size.

The strategy will guide the anticipated population growth of Bathurst and is presented in two volumes.

1. Background Information

This brings together the background research undertaken in the preparation of the strategy.

2. The Implementation Plan

This identifies the strategic context for the future supply of housing, impacts for future infrastructure provision and opportunities for growth and change. It establishes a strategy for growth through a series of planning precincts. The significant features, constraints and opportunities for each precinct are identified along with recommended objectives and actions to enable planned change.

Bathurst 2040 Open Space Strategy

Council has commissioned the Bathurst 2040 Open Space Strategy and its development is progressing. One of the primary aims of the strategy is to determine an appropriate rate for the provision of open space in the residential areas of Bathurst and what that open space should look like.

Council recognises that as living densities increase (as one of the recommendations of the Housing Strategy), the role and importance that open space plays in the community is more important.

Council will continue to have conversations with the community as part of the development of the strategy in the coming months.

Laffing Waters Development Master Plan

Council is currently assessing tenders to develop a master plan for the Laffing Waters development area which generally covers the residential land from Marsden Lane to Sofala Road. The project aims to improve the urban development that is currently occurring in the suburbs of Bathurst, including medium density housing, neighbourhood shopping, open space and other community infrastructure. Ends

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