Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the Central West and Orana Regional Plan 2041 sets out strategies to guide development in the region’s 19 local government areas including Bathurst, Lithgow, Blayney and Oberon.
“As the gateway to the Central West and Orana, Bathurst is a popular place for new families and it’s important we hear from the community on how we can best support it’s growing population to continue to enjoy a relaxed rural lifestyle,” Mr Toole said.
“Housing is a number one priority and the draft plan inclues strategies to introduce more diverse housing in town-centres like Lithgow and Bathurst or to build new homes on undeveloped land in Oberon.
“We want to hear from the community on how we are planning to ensure there is a sustainable water supply as Bathurst grows and transport connections to capitalise on Lithgow’s convenient location near Sydney.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the draft plan was being updated every five years to reflect the changing nature of the Central West.
“We released the first Central West and Orana Regional Plan in 2017 and we are updating it to reflect post-COVID migration and the growing renewables and resource sectors and their impact on natural assets like water,” Mr Stokes said.
“The region is set to soar with $12.6 billion in public and private investment in major infrastructure projects like renewables and the plan lays out strategies for how the region will accommodate for new families and different types of business.
“As the resource sector continues to grow, the plan includes measures for industry to use water more efficiently to reduce impact on other water users and the environment.”
The draft Central West and Orana Regional Plan 2041 is underpinned by 22 objectives which will be achieved through actions and strategies delivered by local and State governments.
To read the draft plan and have your say by Friday, 18 February 2022 visit https://dpie.nsw.gov.au/centralwestorana2041.