About the Hallidays Point Place Strategy

• What is the Hallidays Point Place Strategy?

• The main aim of the Hallidays Point Place Strategy is to identify long term environmental outcomes and development opportunities for the area.

• What phase of engagement is the project up to?

• Since the phase one consultation activities were completed, the Department of Planning and Environment has announced it would establish Place Delivery Groups through their Place Delivery Group Program.

  On 16 May 2023, we were advised that a Place Delivery Group will be formed for the preparation of the Hallidays Point Place Strategy. The Group will have representation from Council and key NSW Government Agencies.

  The aim of the Group is to help align place strategies with the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 and realise on-the-ground outcomes.

• When will the strategy be finalised?

• We are awaiting further advice from the Department on the establishment of the Place Delivery Group. Once formally established, the Group will prepare a project plan including timeframes. The timeframe for completing a Place Strategy will depend on the scope of any additional work required, the complexity of the issues to be resolved, the adequacy of existing information, the community participation approach and the capacity of the Place Delivery Group to resource the development of the plan.

• Why prepare a Hallidays Point Place Strategy?

• The Hallidays Point Place Strategy is an important document. It will help us balance local community and ecological considerations, with the need to plan for adequate housing in an area that has become increasingly popular.

  Over time, Hallidays Point has transitioned from largely agricultural land to residential use. Development pressure has led to clearing of vegetation, as well as impacts from vehicles and domestic animals. These have had an impact on the local koala population, as well as the squirrel glider. These species are appropriate umbrella species for biodiversity conservation and management.

  The Hallidays Point area has recognised biodiversity values, and these will be considered in the context of the technical studies for the strategy.

• What is the study area?

• For the purposes of the strategy, Hallidays Point is made up of the four villages of Black Head, Diamond Beach, Red Head and Tallwoods and the surrounding lands. The Lakes Way is the western boundary, and the area includes Khappinghat Nature Reserve in the north and significant bushland including Darawank Swamp to the south. The map here shows the strategy area.

• How is the strategy being developed?

• The Hallidays Point Place Strategy is a new document that builds on findings from recent and current investigations and community engagement, including the MidCoast Housing Strategy, Greening Strategy, Climate Change Policy, Urban Release Areas Report and Biodiversity Framework.

  Background information has been collated to determine if and where further work is needed. Technical studies looking at the biodiversity of the Hallidays Point area, including the local koala and squirrel glider populations, will help us better understand what is required to maintain viable populations into the future.

  A Strategic Bush Fire Study is also being prepared, at the request of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

• What is the process for implementing the strategy?

• The Hallidays Point Place Strategy is being drafted by Council with input from the community. The first stage is to understand the priorities of the community and to understand how these may be further explored through the preparation of the Strategy. This is the initial consultation phase.

  Council will use the outcomes of the initial consultation phase to identify key issues and opportunities, further testing these with the community during the secondary consultation phase.

  The draft Strategy will then be prepared and put on public exhibition for the community to comment on.

  The final Strategy will be presented to the councillors for adoption, and then to endorsement.

About the consultation

• When can I have my say on the Hallidays Point Place Strategy?

• We want to hear from anyone interested in Hallidays Point, including residents and landholders, traditional owners and other Aboriginal people, young people, people living with disability, elderly people and retirees as well as community and environment groups.
  

  Your input via the online survey and interactive map, which closed on Sunday 17 July 2022, has helped us understand what you think should be considered in the draft Hallidays Point Place Strategy and what Hallidays Point should look like in the future.

  During the preparation of the Strategy, we will invite all stakeholders including the community and relevant NSW Government Agencies to engage in constructive and open discussions on the needs and aspirations of the current and future Hallidays Point community.

• How can I stay updated and get involved?

• By following this page (click the +Follow button at the top of the Hallidays Point Place Strategy project page) you’ll be added to our email distribution list to receive updates. We encourage members of the community to get involved. There are a number of points in the development of the strategy in which you can have your say, starting with an online survey and interactive map.
  

• Is there an opportunity to meet or talk to someone in person about the Strategy?
• Yes, you'll be able to talk with Council’s project team at our upcoming drop-in sessions or pop-ups. Dates and times will be published on the project page, so be sure to register for project updates.
• Do I have a say on what is included in the proposed Place Strategy?

• Yes. Input from landowners and others in the community is important, as it allows us to take into account issues and concerns that are important to our community.