Uralla Shire residents will have another opportunity to shape future development, with Council releasing a revised 20-year growth strategy for public feedback.
Uralla Shire Council has endorsed an amended draft Growth Management Strategy 2026–2046, placing the document on public exhibition for 28 days before considering its final adoption.
The revised strategy follows extensive community consultation in June and July, with Council making several changes in response to submissions and feedback outlined in its What We Heard report.
Mayor Robert Bell said the amendments demonstrated Council’s commitment to listening to residents.
“We heard clearly from our community during the first exhibition period, and Council committed to taking that feedback seriously. The amended draft reflects a range of changes made in response to what people told us, as well as State agency advice, and we now want residents to have the opportunity to review those changes.” said Bell.
The strategy outlines how and where residential and other development could occur across Uralla Shire over the next 20 years.
While it will guide future planning decisions, the document does not rezone land or approve individual developments.
Among the key changes is a reduction in proposed workforce accommodation sites from five to two, while plans for a 25-hectare minimum lot size at Invergowrie have been deferred pending further investigation.
The revised strategy also allows for consideration of additional rural residential land near Uralla through proposals that meet new planning principles.
Other amendments include clearer planning guidelines, improved maps and revised proposals affecting Kentucky, Bundarra and Rocky River.
Despite the changes, the strategy maintains a focus on accommodating future residential growth within areas already zoned for housing in Uralla township.
Bell said the additional consultation period would allow residents to assess the changes before Council makes a final decision.
“The strategy has changed materially since it was first exhibited. Before Council considers adopting a final version, it’s only fair that residents have the chance to see exactly what’s changed, and why, and provide any further feedback.
“This is about planning for growth while protecting the things our community values most, including our rural character, heritage, environment and quality of life.”
Residents can review the amended draft strategy, access a summary of changes and lodge submissions through Council’s Your Say Uralla! website.
Following the 28-day exhibition period, Council will review submissions before considering the strategy for final adoption by the end of 2026.
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