Vision Bathurst 2040

MEDIA RELEASE 17 April 2020

A draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) has been prepared for the Bathurst Region, called Vision Bathurst 2040.

The purpose of the LSPS is to guide how land is used in the Bathurst region over the next 20 years to achieve desirable economic, social and environmental outcomes. Vision Bathurst 2040 outlines how Council will manage land use change as the region moves towards a population of approximately 55,000 over the next 20 years. Council resolved to place the LSPS on public exhibition at its meeting held on 15 April.

The LSPS is an important document for the region. The LSPS covers land uses including housing, recreation, transport, industry, public open space, cultural activities, agriculture, business, tourism and natural areas.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the recent bushfires and current health crisis highlight the ongoing importance of long-term land use planning.

“Council encourages our community to share their thoughts on this key strategic document. The draft LSPS can be accessed online at Council’s YourSay website and Council staff are available during normal business hours to answer any questions you may have about the document,” he said.

“The draft LSPS will be used to guide decisions that Council makes about how land will be used and provide clarity on the types of development that are likely to be supported in certain areas and those that may not.”

The document also identifies actions to improve the region’s water security, to protect farming land, natural areas and towns from the impacts of our changing climate and sets out actions to reinvigorate town centres, manage residential development and promote the protection of the region’s environment and its heritage and culture.

Importantly the LSPS builds on and consolidates Council’s previous consultations and strategies that have been completed over the past decade.

Visit https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/BathurstLSPS before 20 May 2020 to:

• download the complete draft LSPS;
• make a submission; and
• find out how to talk to Council staff about the project.

All feedback will be used to refine the draft and make sure it aligns with community expectations for land use over the next 20 years.

All feedback must be received by Council by 20 May 2020.

ENDS

Media contact: Corinne Boer Media and Communications Officer P: 02 6333 6179
M: 0448 685 340 E: corinne.boer@bathurst.nsw.gov.au