How do we balance economic and environmental growth?
Consultation has concluded
How do we balance employment growth, while preserving our natural and cultural assets?
There are many things that make living in Kempsey Shire special, and we want to make sure that the growth of our region enhances these qualities.
The Kempsey Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) outlines how Council will plan for population growth over the next 20 years by ensuring there is enough suitable land for residential and employment growth, while still protecting our natural assets.
The LGMS is informed by four key background reports which are explained below.
Employment Lands Audit
The Employment Land Audit addresses our community’s priorities to grow our local economy, attract investment to our townships and ensure a greater number and diversity of jobs and provide a planning framework to support business localities across the Kempsey Shire.
The Employment Land Audit will:
- Identify key employment trends at the State and National level and how they will impact employment opportunities within Kempsey Shire
- Identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of economic assets, employment trends and growing sectors across the Shire
- Provide estimates of projected employment growth for 2020-2041
- Provide estimates of projected demand for various business and commercial land uses
- Provide recommendations for future land use planning
The Employment Land Audit will also guide future employment policies for the Shire once endorsed by Council.
Scenic Protection Layer Review
Our region is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, and the protection of these assets is of great importance to our community. The Scenic Protection Layer Review reviews Council’s existing Scenic Protection Area mapping, provides criteria for the management and protection of these values, and includes recommendations for future consideration. The intent of the review is to ensure development in the vicinity of these areas is located and designed in a way to minimise visual impact.
Local Character Statement Review
Within Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement are 13 local character statements. The purpose of this report is a comprehensive review of these local character statements.
A Local Character Statement is the identity of place and what makes it distinctive. Character is a combination of the people, history, culture and natural and built environment, and how they interact. There are three key indicators of local character:
- Environment: tree canopy, open spaces, and public domains
- Social: Housing and heritage features
- Economic: Town centres, road network and the local economy
The Local Character Statements Review will provide direction for the growth of both residential and employment land, ensuring that the community’s local character is identified and respected.
Local Housing Strategy
The Local Housing Strategy was open for community feedback in early 2022 and received 143 submissions. It was open for comment along with the SWR Structure Plan which received 414 submissions. These responses are currently being reviewed and will be used in the development of the Local Growth Management Strategy.
How can you have your say?
These draft documents on exhibition will inform the new Local Growth Management Strategy, which in turn shapes the Kempsey Local Environmental Plan (LEP). The LEP is the primary legal planning document for guiding land use and planning decisions made by Council.
Survey 1: Do you agree with our recommendations to support economic growth?
Survey 2: What natural and cultural assets should be protected?
Survey 3: What is the character of your town?
Make a written submission:
General Manager
Kempsey Shire Council
PO BOX 3078
West Kempsey NSW 2440
Making a submission will ensure your opinions are included in our evaluation of the documents. This will be completed before any recommendations are made to Council.
Feedback closes at 4PM Friday 22 July 2022
