Draft Plan for Growing Hunter City...still time to comment

On 24/2/16 an extension to lodge comments was granted by the Dept of Planing & Environment until the 24/3/16.

The Progress Associaiton has lodged a submission on one of the plans...

On behalf of the  Coal Point Progress Association I would like to make the following comments on the Draft Plan for Growing Hunter City

Action 1.1.1

I express support for the Glendale –(Lake Macquarie) Transport interchange and a bicycle network that links effectively to it particularly from the western suburbs of Lake Macquarie, especially from Toronto.

I support the strategic centres on the understanding that transport infrastructure to them needs to be efficient, especially around Glendale and Charlestown.

Action 1.2.1

In identifying new housing opportunities in-fill should not compromise habitat corridor linkages that underpin the character and nature of the community. Strategic retention is vital at this point if species movement is to be supported in the long term.

Action 1.2.2

An assessment criteria should also include the habitat connectivity that needs to be retained in new developments.

Action 1.3.1 
I applaud the approach that gives priority to public transport, walking and cycling connections to key destinations and open space; and connections between strategic centres and transport gateways.

Action 1.4.3 
I commend the commitment to Hunter City’s Green Grid. For residents in the Northern Lake Macquarie District the natural features are core lifestyle values. To retain this focus the Green Grid plan need to be prioritised so that in-fill proposals do not compromise them.

Action 1.5.1
The undeveloped resource potential in the Northern Lake Macquarie District and in the surrounding hinterlands at Southern Lake Macquarie, should be remain undeveloped and instead become an economic tourist asset or biodiversity offset area through the development of the Awaba Conservation Area. This area is within 5km of Toronto- Morisset townships. I object to mining operations within such close proximity to the Hunter City and in the Hunter City Hinterland

In reference to the Northern Lake Macquarie District

I commend the acknowledgement that “ new development will build on the district’s existing strengths and provide opportunities to restore environmental values so that communities can adapt to changing environmental factors.”

It is imperative to protect and enhance the natural assets now in order to retain their functionality into the future

Action 3.1.1

I support improved public transport efficiency by protecting the capacity of corridors linking northern Lake Macquarie existing urban centres to strategic centres across Hunter City including Lake Road between Toronto and Glendale

The installation of pedestrian infrastructure, footpath and/or shared pathways should be a basic requirement of all established suburbs to support local pedestrian movement.  It is unacceptable to have no plans for footpathing into the foreseeable future for smaller communities especially around Toronto.

Action 6.1.1

I support the approach to work with councils to identify preferred habitat corridors and priorities for investing in conservation to sustain habitat connectivity across this area;