14 October 2016
The Hunter Regional Plan with its increased residential densities and focus on the Newcastle city centre can drive significant growth and development in the region, says the Urban Taskforce.
“With Sydney’s population growing dramatically over the coming years there will be a greater focus on stimulating nearby cities like Newcastle,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson. “Newcastle will continue its role as the major centre outside Sydney and the Hunter Regional Plan certainly acknowledges this.”
“The focus on the growth of the Newcastle CBD as an urban centre along with the increase in residential density in 19 strategic centres demonstrates the need for significant growth.”
“A Hunter Region Special Infrastructure Contribution, essentially a levy upon development, is proposed to be introduced as part of the new Plan and is currently under development. It is absolutely essential that the state government work proactively with the development industry to ensure that this proposed new levy reflects the financial viability of property development and does not deter growth and investment in the Hunter Region.”
“Ultimately there will need to be better transport connections between Sydney and Newcastle if it is to continue as a major centre on the Eastern Seaboard. Some form of faster train service could well be needed in future decades.”
“Importantly the plan looks at how the whole of the Hunter area might grow with suggestions on transport networks.”
