And as Bathurst Regional Council develops the Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy, it is calling on the community to have a say in what the Bathurst of the future should look like.

Council will host two information sessions on Monday, giving local residents the chance to learn about actions that have been developed so far.

The sessions will be in the council chambers at noon and 5pm, with all welcome to attend.

Mayor Graeme Hanger said Bathurst’s average annual growth rate of 1.4 per cent was proof the region was a wonderful place to live.

“We have so many things to offer people and families who move to Bathurst in terms of lifestyle, education, location, community infrastructure and so much more,” he said.

“Council needs to plan for the continued growth into the future so we are asking for the community to provide input into the development of the Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy Action Plan.”

The action plan will help council plan for and encourage a range of housing types that meets the existing and future housing needs of Bathurst.

It seeks to identify actions that council could implement to utilise the existing residential zoned land to cater for the expected population increase.

The action plan also recognises there are a number of methods that could be used to increase the living density of the city with the aim of reducing unrestrained urban sprawl. 

Council says the action plan, on public exhibition until December 8, draws together actions and strategies to manage an increase in living densities within the city while addressing “opportunities and constraints and the community’s desire to maintain the character of the existing neighbourhoods and the rural feel of the city”.

To get involved in the conversation or to download the strategy, visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/housing.

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