South West Rocks Structure Plan

The South West Rocks Structure Plan is being reviewed before being presented to a future meeting of Council for adoption.

The draft Structure Plan was on public exhibition from 1 February to 14 March 2023. The survey is now closed.

The population of the South West Rocks area is forecasted to grow at an average of 2.2% per annum between 2020 to 2041, increasing from 5,414 in 2020 to 8,477 people in 2041. 

To meet the demands of the forecasted population, it is projected that the South West Rocks area will need an additional 1,582 dwellings by 2041.

In light of this, Kempsey Shire Council has developed the South West Rocks Structure Plan, encompassing the localities of South West Rocks, Arakoon and Jerseyville, to plan for the projected growth.

The Plan articulates a clear vision and framework for the future and the values that the community cherishes and wants to sustain.

A timeline of the development of the plan and where we are at now:

How did we get here? 

The Plan has been developed over a 12-month period with background investigations and extensive community engagement taking place during this time. 

After public consultation in January 2022, Council received more than 400 submissions. The results of the community engagement are summarised and can be viewed in the Engagement Outcomes Report

Key findings from community feedback informed the South West Rocks Structure Plan process through the preparation of a Discussion Paper. 

The Discussion Paper presented outcomes directly from the public consultation and made recommendations for the Structure Plan to support appropriate future development opportunities.

An analysis of the existing road network in the area was also undertaken resulting in the preparation of the Transport and Movement Report which also informed the Discussion Paper and ultimately the Structure Plan.

The Structure Plan identifies areas where preservation is the primary planning response and identifies suitable areas where appropriate growth can be accommodated. 

Amendments to the Kempsey Local Environmental Plan, preparation of further plans and strategies and identification of future projects and opportunity sites are identified in the Structure Plan. An implementation program and actions are also included to implement recommended changes. 

Exhibition period and survey is now closed. 

The community was encouraged to provide feedback to let council know whether we've got the plan right or if there is anything missing. 

Submissions were made by one of the following methods:

1. Filling out the short online survey 

2. Providing a written response and address it to:

General Manager
Kempsey Shire Council
PO BOX 3078
West Kempsey 2440

How engagement was carried out

Council placed the draft South West Rocks Structure Plan on public exhibition from 1 February to 14 March 2023. 

 responses were received via the Your Say Macleay online survey platform.

What you said

Responses summarised below:

1.  The overall outcome was the majority of respondents did not agree with adopting the draft Strategy, while less then 10% of respondents were neutral and just over 7% agreed the draft Strategy should be adopted.

2. Most respondents were not satisfied that the draft Strategy addressed services, development or amenities sufficiently.

3. Feedback suggested a lack of infrastructure, caution towards over development and greater consideration of the resulting environmental impact.

The exhibition period was extended to 14 March 2023 and submissions are now closed. 

The public exhibition period has now ended. Council will review the submissions and determine what amendments are required to the Draft South West Rocks Structure Plan. 

Once any necessary changes are made, the South West Rocks Structure Plan will be reported to a future Ordinary Meeting of Council for endorsement.