KEEPING pace with the demands that come with being Australia’s fastest-growing inland city is set to see a surge in residential growth in the Bathurst region in coming years.
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Bathurst Regional Council is preparing for the future and putting in place a plan to cater for a population of 50,000 residents by 2031.
It is now reviewing its comprehensive Local Environmental Plan (LEP) which will provide future land for residential development, and is in the process of preparing another retail strategy to guide business development for the next decade.
The first area identified for residential development is at Eglinton, followed by a major tract of land to the north-east of Trinity Heights and Kelso.
There are also plans for more residences to be located to the west of Windradyne while, in the longer term, the aim is to have homes wrapping around 11 Mile Drive, connecting Kelso with Eglinton.
Mayor Paul Toole said future development in Eglinton will double its population over the next decade.
“This will take the number of people who live there from 1500 to about 3000,” he said. “The lots will be 900 square metres, the same as what is already in that area.
“There is also an allowance for another school and new shops, as well as a ring of open space around the village and the inclusion of bike paths.”
The Mayor said council expects the zoning for this growth to be approved sometime towards the end of this year.
He said the next area to come on line should be in the Kelso and Trinity Heights precinct.
“There is enough land there to cater for another 10,000 people,” he said. “We are just starting our investigations on that area to include a major traffic study and water augmentation.
“However, it is anticipated there will be room for about 3000 homes that will come online over the next few years to cater for the demand in that area to the north-east of Holy Family School. It’s one of the main growth areas in the city.
“Looking further into the future, there is a long-term urban vision to have houses wrapping around Eleven Mile Drive to connect Kelso and Eglinton.
“In our master plan, there’s scope for housing about 8750 people in that area.”
Bathurst Regional Council’s director of environmental planning and building services David Shaw said there is also some land on the Windradyne side of town still to be developed.
“There’s around 1000 blocks,” he said. “However, there is still some existing land there as well as out at Kelso. Council estimates the Windradyne option will provide homes for around 9000 people.”
Mr Shaw said there is also more development planned for Perthville.
“That depends on sewer and water issues being addressed but, if it does come off, it will allow for another 1125 residents in the village,” he said.
Mr Shaw noted the new DCP also allows for medium density housing infill developments in the city proper with the aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the urban area.
“It’s about give more housing choice and density,” he said. “The overall aim of this initiative is to preserve the history and amenity of Bathurst, but enable continuing growth at the same time.”
A small part of the overall plan also includes a small development in Morrissett Street capable of providing homes for another 85 residents.
