UPDATE: The Mid-Western Regional Council has just announced a significant move to bolster housing supply in the Gulgong area. A proposal to rezone land for large lifestyle blocks is now on the agenda, promising to reshape the region’s housing landscape.
This urgent development could pave the way for more spacious rural-home lots along Henry Lawson Drive. Council staff have recommended changing the zoning on four parcels of land, allowing for the creation of sizable rural lots instead of agricultural use. The proposal aims to enhance the availability of housing in a region that has been in need of more options.
Councilors are considering two key adjustments: removing Lot 264 from the plan and increasing the minimum lot size to 12 hectares. Officials argue that excluding Lot 264, which is outside the identified development area, will not affect the total number of blocks created. Access to these new lots would be facilitated through existing roads, including Canadian Lead Road and Ridout Lane.
With initial backing from the council, this proposal will move forward to the NSW Department of Planning for further evaluation. If approved, it will proceed to public exhibition and agency consultation. However, biodiversity concerns have already been flagged, with staff recommending a thorough assessment of the land before it is exhibited due to identified biodiversity values.
This development comes as the council also unanimously supported a broader initiative to expedite land supply. They voted to explore ways to bring more land to market faster and will initiate an expression of interest process, enabling landowners to submit additional land for housing consideration. A comprehensive report on this initiative is expected by June 2026.
The implications of these decisions are profound, potentially transforming housing options for families and individuals in Gulgong. As the region grapples with housing shortages, these developments could offer much-needed solutions, making this a critical moment for local residents and prospective homebuyers.
Stay tuned as this story continues to develop and further details emerge. This is not just a planning decision; it reflects the urgent need for housing in the area and the council’s commitment to addressing it.
