Lake Macquarie is set to benefit from up to 160 new homes including 69 affordable homes, close to existing schools, shops, open spaces and just 20 minutes Southwest of Newcastle CBD under a state led rezoning proposal for the Garden Suburb which is currently on exhibition.
Importantly, the Garden Suburb rezoning will preserve about 28 hectares or 70 per cent of the site, as an Environmental Conservation Zone.
Highlights of the proposal include:
- Building heights of between 1 and 3 storeys to enable a variety of housing types.
- minimum lot size of 450 square metres for residential zones, consistent with surrounding development.
The rezoning will unlock a greater choice of homes, so that young people, families, and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.
The Garden Suburb rezoning aligns with the strategic vision outlined in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 and the Hunter Region Plan 2041, by facilitating infill development, including affordable housing, near established services and infrastructure.
The NSW Government is assessing the proposal under the social and affordable housing rezoning pathway. Introduced in May 2024, this pathway accelerates the rezoning process for the state's housing agencies to speed up the delivery of more social and affordable homes.
The proposal is on public exhibition until Monday, 20 April, and all members of the community are encouraged to provide feedback. The rezoning proposal is expected to be finalised by mid-2026. For more information, visit NSW Planning.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"Lake Macquarie is growing, and we're supporting that growth with more well-located, affordable homes.
"The Garden Suburb proposal is a great example of how we're using accelerated rezoning pathways to deliver homes faster, while protecting bushland and creating vibrant communities.
"With Lake Macquarie expected to grow over the coming years, this project will help make sure people have access to housing that's close to jobs, schools, shops, and open spaces."
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"The Hunter is one of the fastest growing regions in the state, and we're making sure that growth is matched with the homes people need, in the places they want to live.
"This proposal is about delivering more housing choice for local families, young people and essential workers, close to jobs, schools and the services they rely on every day.
"We're getting on with the job while getting the balance right. Unlocking new homes while protecting the natural environment that makes the Hunter such a great place to live."
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:
"The Minns Labor Government is unlocking the potential of Garden Suburb so that young people, families, and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.
"This rezoning will enable more homes close to schools, shops and open space, while preserving bushland."
Landcom CEO, Alex Wendler said:
"This rezoning proposal demonstrates Landcom's commitment to delivering well‑located, high‑quality homes, including much‑needed affordable housing, in communities supported by existing services and infrastructure.
"By protecting around 70 per cent of the site as conservation land, we're ensuring future residents can enjoy a connection to nature while safeguarding important bushland for generations to come."
