Building momentum for Lake Macquarie housing diversity

Lake Macquarie City Council’s crusade for housing diversity gathered momentum at tonight’s first ordinary meeting of the year, held at the Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko.

Councillors adopted a revised Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan (LMDCP) 2014 incorporating feedback from public exhibition to allow for more varied housing offerings across the city.

Last February, Council endorsed a Housing Diversity Planning Proposal, which amended the Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan (LMLEP) 2014.

This allowed a broader range of housing types in low and medium density residential zones, as well as greater flexibility to subdivide smaller lots down for a variety of land uses.

This version of the LMDCP also includes actions devised at the Council-led Lake Macquarie Housing Forum to further bolster housing diversity.

Deputy Mayor Colin Grigg said Council continued to show leadership amidst the nation’s ongoing housing crisis.

“Lake Macquarie requires greater diversity in housing supply to improve affordability, support population growth and accommodate smaller households, and we’re introducing measures at a local government level to support this across our city,” he said.

“This plan supports the delivery of smaller, more affordable homes that meet the varied needs of our community, from providing downsizing options for older residents to creating achievable entry points for singles and couples.

“It also strengthens public transport viability and helps boost the supply of affordable dwellings.”

Council also resolved to advocate for housing outcomes at the 2026 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly of Local Government.

Councillors approved six motions to be submitted at the assembly in June, reflecting shared regional priorities developed collaboratively by the Hunter Joint Organisation and its 10 member councils.

Bringing forward National Housing Accord performance payments to prioritise construction of infrastructure to support new housing developments and ensuring infrastructure delivery keeps pace with housing growth are among the motions.

A priority item is a proposed joint motion with Central Coast Council on the Newcastle to Sydney high speed rail route.

The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes. 

The stream of tonight’s meeting will be available online at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours.