Land south of Bega.
22 May 2025
Councillors yesterday endorsed the Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal to rezone 279 hectares south of Bega for homes, shops and public spaces.
The proposal will now be referred to the NSW Government for approval to proceed to community and stakeholder consultation ahead of a final decision.
If approved, the rezoning could ultimately deliver more than 2,200 new dwellings — a critical move to meet growing demand for housing across the shire.
Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said the planning proposal represents a long-term and strategic response to the local housing crisis.
"This will be a milestone decision for our community," Mayor Fitzpatrick said. "It moves us closer to providing more housing choice, supporting sustainable growth, and delivering much-needed infrastructure and public open space."
The planning proposal implements the recommendations of the Bega Structure Plan, which was adopted in June 2024 following extensive community and stakeholder engagement.
It outlines how three new neighbourhoods could be developed in the area, with supporting infrastructure including roads, utilities and open spaces.
Council's endorsement will allow the proposal to be submitted to the NSW Government for Gateway Determination under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
If progressed, the proposal will be placed on public exhibition to allow further community input.
The proposal is accompanied by a draft Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme to support affordable housing while keeping development viable. The scheme, if approved, would capture a small portion of the increased property value that comes from rezoning the land, and direct it toward the provision of affordable housing.
"This isn't just about rezoning land, it's about planning responsibly for the shire's future," Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
"We know that more than 1,000 additional homes will be needed in the next 14 years. This proposal lays the groundwork for 25 to 30 years of housing supply and helps ensure future growth is well-serviced and thoughtfully designed."
If the NSW Government grants gateway approval, details on how to provide feedback will be available on Council's website.
A further report will be provided to Council on feedback received during the public exhibition period before a final decision is made.
