South East and Tablelands vision revamped

The Department of Planning and Environment is encouraging the public to have its say on the draft South East and Tablelands Regional Plan 2041 and attend one of five community workshops.

Executive Director of Local and Regional Planning Malcolm McDonald said greater housing choice, a stronger voice for Aboriginal people, increased resilience, and promoting a borderless region are at the heart of the revamped vision.

“This region offers snow, surf and rural living, with easy connections to Sydney, Canberra and the Illawarra, and this blueprint will help unlock its enormous potential and guide planning and land-use decisions over the next 20 years,” Mr McDonald said.

“This plan responds to the Regional Housing Taskforce recommendations and the challenges we have faced over the last five years, like bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It also capitalises on investment and Government commitments, including the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct and Inland Rail.

Mr McDonald said the blueprint includes actions to plan for new homes and jobs, both within existing communities and new areas.

“This plan will make sure the right housing is in place to attract new residents, young families, and seasonal workers,” Mr McDonald said.

“It will also ensure land-use planning considers important environmental areas, builds resilience to natural disasters and provides greater access to services, particularly health, education and open space.”

“Another key feature is recognising the need to engage more effectively with the Aboriginal community and give them a stronger voice in all aspects of land-use planning.”

As part of the exhibition, the Department is also seeking community input on whether the Snowy Valleys LGA, that currently sits in the Riverina Murray region, should be moved to the South East and Tablelands region.

The community is invited to register for one of five in-person or online workshops:

• Online workshop: Tuesday 30 August, 5:00pm-7:00pm
• Bega workshops: Wednesday 31 August, 5:00pm-6:30pm, 6:30pm-7:00pm
• Cooma workshops: Thursday 1 September, 5:00pm-6:30pm, 6:30pm-7:00pm

To register for a workshop, or to make a submission by 23 September 2022, visit South East and Tablelands.