North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area
Public exhibition
We're inviting feedback on our draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy.
The draft place strategy will guide the future growth of Teralba, Speers Point, Boolaroo, Cockle Creek, Argenton, Glendale and Cardiff.
The draft place strategy has the potential to attract 13,000 new residents to the area, unlocking 5200 new homes and 3000 additional jobs, creating an extra $6.3 billion of annual economic output for the region.
The place strategy seeks to manage this growth while maintaining and enhancing the area's heritage, character, public spaces and natural environment.
View the draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy(PDF, 12MB) and background reports, which detail analysis undertaken to develop the place strategy:
Hard copies of these documents are also available to view at Council's Customer Service Centre at Speers Point and Lake Mac Libraries' Cardiff and Speers Point branches.
Submissions are open until 23 July 2024.
To make a submission, please complete our online form or alternatively:
- email your submission, with subject line 'North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy' to [email protected]
- post your submission to Lake Macquarie City Council, Integrated Planning, Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW, 2310.
Make a submission
For more information, contact Council's Senior Strategic Land Use Planner Joanne Dunkerley at 4921 0333 or [email protected].
What is a place strategy?
A place strategy is a plan for an area undergoing significant change. It shows where and how growth can occur and identifies the infrastructure needed to enable the cost-effective delivery of new homes and jobs.
Why do we need a place strategy?
The north west of Lake Macquarie is expected to grow and change substantially over the next 20 years. The North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy outlines Council’s vision for this growth and development. It will also assist state agencies to prioritise, plan, fund and deliver infrastructure when and where it’s needed.
Other benefits include:
- clearly identified development and growth opportunities that support private investment in locations consistent with our vision
- a clear understanding of infrastructure needs and priorities to support government infrastructure planning and funding at the right time
- potential for expedited planning proposals to rezone land where changes are consistent with the place strategy.
How was the place strategy developed?
Development of this place strategy has been overseen by a multi-agency steering group, which includes Council and state agencies responsible for planning and delivery of land use, transport and infrastructure improvements.
Stakeholder feedback from a variety of Council projects recently undertaken throughout the Catalyst Area has been used to develop this place strategy.
How will Council implement the place strategy?
The place strategy identifies precinct objectives to guide planning and infrastructure delivery. Changes to planning controls such as zones or building heights will be undertaken through developer or council-led planning proposals. Specific local infrastructure projects will be identified through Council’s four-year Delivery Program and one-year Operational Plan. This approach enables plans and infrastructure to be programmed in alignment with Council’s strategic priorities and funding availability.
Councill will use the place strategy to advocate to State Government to fund and deliver state infrastructure such as upgrades to arterial road intersections.
North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area precincts
Discover the opportunities identified in the eight precincts of this catalyst area:
1. Lake Mac Central (Cockle Creek) Precinct
Our vision
Lake Mac Central is a regionally significant urban landmark highlighting the city’s leading role in the economic diversification of the region and NSW. With excellent access to public transport, the surrounding natural environment and arts scene, the precinct has developed with diverse new businesses, residents and visitors from outside of Lake Macquarie.
Read more about our vision for Lake Mac Central in our draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy.(PDF, 12MB)
2. Cockle Creek West Precinct (deferred)
Our vision
A future business and industry hub for Lake Macquarie and the Hunter region, with potential to sustain a significant number of new jobs and homes.
A separate place strategy will be developed for the Cockle Creek West Precinct. This will enable the unique challenges and opportunities associated with post-mining land renewal to be investigated and resolved.
3. Glendale Retail and Sports Precinct
Our vision
The continued evolution of the shopping centre and Hunter Sports Centre provide a vibrant and diverse place for work and leisure. The precinct offers quality high-density housing with the natural beauty of Winding Creek providing an inviting natural space for residents and visitors. The precinct is well-connected to the surrounding areas by active and public transport routes.
Read more about our vision for the Glendale Retail and Sports Precinct in our draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy.(PDF, 12MB)
Paralympian Evan O'Hanlon training at Hunter Sports Centre
4. Glendale-Argenton Renewal Precinct
Our vision
The Glendale-Argenton Renewal Precinct is a vibrant and attractive community featuring a range of affordable housing options. Public and active transport routes connect the precinct to education facilities, the Glendale Retail and Sports Precinct and recreation spaces.
Read more about our vision for the Glendale-Argenton Renewal Precinct in our draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy.(PDF, 12MB)
A commuter rides along the Speers Point-Glendale shared pathway at Argenton
5. Cardiff Advanced Industry Precinct
Our vision
Cardiff Advanced Industry Precinct is the leading destination for advanced manufacturing, technology, and co-working spaces in the region. It leverages its strategic location on the national transport and data networks to access markets at all levels. Munibung Road is a key transport corridor supporting vehicles, public transport and active travel within and beyond the precinct.
Read more about our vision for the Cardiff Advanced Industry Precinct in our draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy.(PDF, 12MB)
6. Cardiff Mixed-use Precinct
Our vision
A vibrant pedestrian-friendly centre integrating with Cardiff train station forms the heart of the precinct. Excellent bus and rail connections, affordable and diverse, high-density housing, quality shops, services and recreation spaces continue to attract diverse residents and visitors. Winding Creek is an inviting recreation space that enhances the natural beauty of the area.
Read more about our vision for the Cardiff Mixed-use Precinct in our draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy.(PDF, 12MB)
7. Boolaroo-Speers Point Precinct
Our vision
Boolaroo and Speers Point are vibrant local centres that attract residents and visitors with their diverse offering of shops, services and housing that complement the local heritage character. The precinct is well-connected to the surrounding landscape and recreation areas. The ‘Creative Lake’ art trail extends from Speers Point to Boolaroo, transforming Main Road into a pedestrian and cycling-friendly street that showcases local art and culture.
Read more about our vision for the Boolaroo-Speers Point Precinct in our draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy.(PDF, 12MB)
The Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP), mima in Speers Point Park
8. Teralba Precinct
Our vision
The retention and enhancement of the valued landscape and heritage character has created an attractive and unique place to live and visit. The local centre has a variety of shops and services that meet the day-to-day needs of residents and visitors. A mix of low-rise housing types, nestled below the vegetated ridges, supports a diverse community with excellent public and active transport links to the wider region.
Read more about our vision for Teralba in our draft North West Lake Macquarie Catalyst Area Place Strategy. (PDF, 12MB)
