A proposal to build up to 600 homes and help Aboriginal people take greater control of their land on the Central Coast, is now on exhibition for community feedback.
The Department's Executive Director of Local and Regional Planning Malcolm McDonald said the community could help shape Lake Munmorah's growth, by sharing its views on the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council project.
"Showcasing this proposal to the public represents a significant milestone in Darkinjung's journey, to use its land to reap economic rewards for local Aboriginal people and deliver much-needed new homes," Mr McDonald said.
"The 55-hectare site lays the foundations for a new park and up to 600 homes at various price points, close to existing services and jobs, not just for the Traditional Owners but everyone on the Central Coast.
"The proposal balances development with environmental conservation by protecting 21-hectares of untouchable bushland, home to wildlife such as the masked owl."
Mr McDonald said progressing the rezoning proposal marked another step toward reconciliation.
"This proposal is a gamechanger for Lake Munmorah, boosting housing supply, promoting cultural heritage, strengthening self-determination, and locals are encouraged to have their say," he said.
"We will continue to work with Darkinjung to identify how its land can best be planned, managed, and developed.
"This is one of three Darkinjung projects currently being assessed under a streamlined planning system, to support the local Aboriginal community. It follows the 2020 approval for an industrial hub in Wallarah, with the potential to create 1,200 new jobs."
Darkinjung is the largest non-government landowner on the Central Coast and is one of 120 Local Aboriginal Land Councils in NSW.
For more information and to provide your feedback on the plan by midday 24 May 2022, visit the Lake Munmorah/Crangan Bay, Rezoning land at Pacific Highway and Kanangra Drive page.
