A new Draft Housing Strategy outlines how Lake Macquarie City Council will tackle housing pressures across the LGA.
Now on public exhibition, the strategy outlines Council's responses to population growth, declining household sizes, land supply, infrastructure provision and affordability.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the strategy provided a clear blueprint to help existing residents and people moving to the city find homes that meet their needs.
"Australia is facing a severe housing shortage, with demand far outstripping supply and driving rents up rapidly," he said.
"Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our community and this plan aims to address that challenge head-on. It focuses on delivering more choice, improving affordability and making the most of commercial precincts and existing services and transport."
The strategy is built around four key priorities: directing growth to existing urban areas, increasing housing diversity, supporting more affordable and social housing, and maintaining liveable, high-quality neighbourhoods.
A separate Draft Employment Land Use Strategy is also on public exhibition following Monday night's Council meeting.
That strategy plans for up to 15,000 new jobs by 2046 as Lake Macquarie transitions from traditional industries to emerging sectors.
Mayor Adam said it supported Council's goal to repurpose former mining and energy sites for new uses, including renewable energy, manufacturing and technology industries.
"Planning for housing is critical, but we also need to plan for jobs" Mayor Adam said.
"We need to work with the development community to ensure people can live close to the things they need, while also unlocking new economic opportunities across the city."
The strategy also highlights the potential for growth in knowledge-based industries, including opportunities linked to Avondale University.
Lake Macquarie City Council Director Development Planning and Regulation David Antcliff said both strategies were grounded in strong evidence and community feedback.
"This work reflects what we've heard from residents and industry about the need for more housing choice, better affordability and well-planned growth," he said.
