Council commits to retain character of local areas for decades to come

Kempsey Shire Council has adopted a new Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) branded ‘Your Future Macleay - Growth and Character’ which outlines a road map for planning in our area over the next 20 years.

The LSPS outlines the community’s economic, social, cultural and environmental land use needs and aspirations and it will be a foundation for all strategic planning for the area.

Crucially, the document details the special characteristics of 13 locations across our region, from Kempsey to South West Rocks, Bellbrook to Stuarts Point, Crescent Head to Frederickton, and outlines individual planning priorities for each of them.

Kempsey Council General Manager Craig Milburn noted that these statements of character were developed after extended consultation in each of the 13 communities.

“The LSPS is a tool that guides the next 20 years of land use in the shire and will be a foundation for all strategic planning for the area,” said Mr Milburn.

“Council staff conducted one-on-one consultations, held information stalls, attended council catch-ups before publishing a discussion document on our online engagement portal Your Say Macleay and the final LSPS has responded to matters raised by members of the public and State agency submissions received over the public exhibition period.”

Council officers will now request that the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment endorse the adopted Your Future Macleay – Growth & Character LSPS. The final document will also be uploaded to Council’s website and Your Say Macleay.

Development of the next phase of Council’s long-term planning process, the new Community Strategic Plan (CSP), will commence in 2021, and staff will take this opportunity to review the LSPS to ensure alignment with the new CSP.