Lithgow City Council is pleased to advise that the Draft Lithgow Land Use Strategy 2010-2030 has been endorsed by both Council and the Department of Planning for public comment.   Submissions relating to the Draft Strategy will be received by Council until close of business on the 16th June 2011.

“Decisions relating to future land use planning are amongst the most important decisions facing Council”, said Mayor Neville Castle.  “To ensure that Council is making the correct decisions, it is very important for everyone in the community to review this document to determine how it will impact upon them and on the community as a whole.”

"Extensive research and investigation has been undertaken by Council officers in preparing the Draft Land Use Strategy.  The wider community is invited to provide constructive input to shape what the final strategy document will look like.  The final Land Use Strategy document should represent the communities vision for land use planning in the LGA for the next 20 years, and will determine what, we as a community, bequeath to future generations” said the Mayor.

The Draft Land Use Strategy identifies strategies and actions that will assist in:

• Planning and managing growth
• Encouraging settlement in and around existing towns and villages
• Providing lifestyle choice
• Allowing for the sustainable provision of services and infrastructure
• Allowing for the protection of environmentally sensitive land and resources
• Providing opportunities for the provision of new employment lands
• Providing for consolidation of commercial and business areas.

Also on joint exhibition are two supporting studies being the Draft Open Space and Recreational Needs Study and the Draft Heritage Development Control Plan Study.

Council has arranged an extensive public exhibition period between 5 May and 16 June 2011.  “The purpose of this exhibition is to allow the community to provide input into determining issues facing the area and whether the proposed new planning strategies will set the right directions for the community for the future”, said Council’s Strategic Land Use Planner, Mrs Sherilyn Hanrahan.

In order to assist the community in becoming informed about the Draft Strategy and its implications, Council will be holding a number of open house information sessions in various locations across the local government area.  These sessions are designed to allow anyone to get information that is relevant to them and at a time and venue convenient.  It also allows an opportunity to meet face to face with representatives of Council’s Planning staff to discuss relevant elements of the Draft Strategy. These sessions will be held as follows:

The Draft Strategy and supporting documents are also available for viewing at Council’s Administration Centre and each town library as well as on Council’s website at www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au

For those seeking an abbreviated version, a summary document has also been prepared and is also available on Council’s website.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Council on 02 6354999.

Contact:

Mayor Neville Castle
Tel: 02 6354 9999
Fax: 02 6351 4259