Gunnedah Shire Council’s director of planning and environmental services Michael Silver said a number of potential “game changers” such as large coal mining developments, a proposed second rail overpass and potential major business interests, will have significant implications for how Gunnedah grows over the next decade.

“It is essential that council takes account of these potential changes and puts mechanisms in place that provide opportunity for developers, but at the same time ensure broad and equitable community benefit,” Mr Silver said.

“We have already seen exceptional residential development over the last six years.

“A significant component of the land currently zoned residential in Gunnedah now carries subdivision approvals, so it is timely that the next phases of residential subdivision release be examined.”

Mr Silver said while there were still almost 1000 residential lots that could be developed “council needs to confirm its long-term approach to residential subdivision, particularly in respect of service provision and extension”.

The strategic review will ensure that potential land uses are capable of being supported by the necessary infrastructure such as water supply, sewer, storm water and suitable road access can be provided.

Likely changes to highway and thoroughfare traffic movements through Gunnedah in the near future will be of particular significance in the analysis of potential business and commercial development, with regard to highway entry points and the opportunities that consequently may arise in the West End business district.

The strategic review follows on from a council review of the Gunnedah Local Environmental Plan 2012, after two years of operation.

“The Local Environmental Plan review indicated that the plan is working very well with only a handful of minor amendments necessary,” Gunnedah Mayor Owen Hasler said.

“Council, however, has identified a need to re-examine some of its strategies particularly in relation to commercial development.”

The Gunnedah LEP 2012 is based on the “standard instrument” introduced by the NSW government in 2006. The “standard instrument” provides for a consistent approach to land use and other planning provisions across NSW with numerous standards and provisions mandated by the instrument.

“Council is very mindful of the need to facilitate business development while at the same time supporting and providing the capability for existing commercial activity to expand,” Mr Hasler said.

“The review process will involve consultation with relevant sectors of the community, particularly business, and the public exhibition of the draft strategies prior to their consideration by council,” he said.

It is anticipated the strategic planning review process will take four months to complete.