PHOTOS: More jobs, residential options, natural spaces coming to North Tuncurry

A new town centre and redeveloped golf course are just two of the elements of the new community that will provide thousands of jobs and affordable housing. See the plans.

Thousands of homes have been earmarked for a beachside community on the state’s Mid North Coast, as the NSW Government forecasts affordable housing and more than 2000 jobs.

The North Tuncurry Urban Release Area proposal looks to rezone 615ha of Crown Land over the next two decades.

Plans for the site, which sits on the eastern side of The Lakes Way, directly north of the Tuncurry town centre, went on exhibition today.

The Department of Planning and Environment’s Malcolm McDonald said the NSW Government is seeking feedback on a proposal to change local planning rules to pave the way for the new township.

“Over the next 20 years, this development is expected to create around 2,000 construction jobs which would support a further 2,000 jobs in the community during this time,” the executive director of local and regional planning said.

“Once completed, it would also provide 4,500 future residents with a place to call home and 126 new ongoing jobs when the town centre is finished.

“Projects like these ensure our regions can bounce back better than ever by providing homes at reasonable prices, employment, infrastructure and investment.”

The proposal includes plans for more than 2,100 dwellings, with a mix of low-density and low-rise medium-density homes.

A new town centre is also on the cards, with connections between local services and the beach, as well as a new golf clubhouse and reconfigured golf course, community centre, cultural centre, mobile surf club and public gathering places.

Approximately 13.24ha of the land will be used for industrial employment and business development, generating both contract and ongoing job opportunities.

“Crown Lands has an agreement with the Lakkari Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation regarding Native Title and is partnering with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council, to ensure land rights are appropriately recognised and the project delivers economic and social benefits to the indigenous community,” Mr McDonald said.

“The vibrant new town centre, featuring shops, cafes and restaurants, will breathe new life into the tourist hotspot and boost the economy.

“Public space is ample with nine new parks, shared pathways improving access to Nine Mile Beach, The Lakes Way and Tuncurry.”

These pathways will include both walking and cycling tracks, accommodating active transport users.

A new street and footpath layout is also outlined in the proposal, with hopes of encouraging pedestrian activity.

Road users have been considered in the proposal too, with plans to make all collector roads capable of accommodating standard buses.

Under the proposal, 60 per cent of the site – 327ha – will be protected for environmental conservation.

Mid North Coast and Mid Coast residents are being encouraged to share their thoughts – formal submissions can be made here.

Interested locals can find out more at the drop-in information session on Sunday, June 5, at Club Forster (19 Strand St) from 10am to 2pm – no RSVP needed, just show up on the day.

The public have until 5pm, June 17, to share their opinions.