Several technical studies that will guide future growth and development in the Hallidays Point area are on public exhibition until Monday 3 November 2025 and the community are encouraged to have their say.
Traffic, biodiversity and bushfire are the focus of the technical studies which will also be referred to the NSW Department of Planning and other State agencies for comment during the exhibition period.
"The technical studies have been undertaken to ensure that future growth and development occurs in the right places in Hallidays Point and that we have appropriate infrastructure to support the release of land for development," Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell, explained.
The technical studies will help to inform Council's position on future growth and development at Hallidays Point.
"There is a risk to future growth and development in the area as there is insufficient funding for infrastructure, including roads, that are required to support additional subdivision."
Mr De Szell said further funding would be required to upgrade infrastructure and this is likely to mean additional costs for those who want to develop land in the area.
The technical studies were commissioned to support the development of a 'Place Strategy' for Hallidays Point in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, however with the department's decision late last year to withdraw from the process, a 'Place Strategy" will no longer be developed.
"While there will not be a 'Place Strategy' developed, the technical studies do allow us to consider the impacts of growth and development in relation to the area's biodiversity, bushfire and traffic impacts."
Each of the technical studies identifies important issues for the Hallidays Point community.
The biodiversity study identifies wildlife corridors and the significant habitats that connect them. It outlines a range of actions to deliver biodiversity outcomes and discusses trends and pressures from development.
The traffic study examines the capacity of the current road network to meet the needs of the population, while considering the impact of bushfires. This study looks at road upgrades that would be required to deal with the impacts of more growth and development.
The bushfire study recommends that additional road infrastructure is required before any further development occurs in the area. While the bushfire study identified a preference for the upgrade and realignment of Old Soldiers Road to provide an alternative access route, this upgrade is considered unlikely given the significant issues associated with its location and construction including cost.
"The only way that roads will be upgraded to support more growth and development, or an alternative access will be provided, is with significant investment by developers in the area."
Mr De Szell said Council would continue to work with the NSW Government and the NSW Rural Fire Service to identify evacuation areas, educate the community on the risks of bushfire and the need to leave early if safe to do so.
The studies will be on public exhibition until Monday 3 November and are available on Council's website: www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/hallidays-point-technical-studies
For those interested in discussing the studies prior to submitting any feedback, Council's land use planning team can be contacted on 7955 7777.
