Hunter Business News

Future Growth Planned for Wyee
The Lower Hunter will increase its population by some 160,000 people by 2031, with Lake Macquarie LGA expected to grow by some 60,000-70,000 persons – much of this growth will be in the Cooranbong, Morisset, and Wyee areas.

While Wyee has long been recognised for its potential for growth, there are a number of factors that have held it back. However in early June, Lake Macquarie’s Councillors discussed a plan outlining the future development of Wyee with Council resolving to place the Draft Structure Plan and Background Report for the township on public exhibition and hold a community information session during the exhibition period.

The Plan anticipates an increase in Wyee’s population from 1,500 to 8,000 by 2031 and sees the village accommodating 2,200 to 3,500 additional dwellings subject to lot sizes. The plan provides residents and future developers with information on the type of new facilities that are required or desirable as the population grows. This includes the general location of new roads and residential areas and how the shopping centre may expand and change.

The Plan recognises the potential for some higher density development in the vicinity of the existing railway station, but stresses the importance of low intensity development, generally to ensure that Wyee continues to have the feel of a rural village. The Plan acknowledges that the lack of sewer infrastructure within the existing township is a major impediment to the expansion of Wyee. However, Council will use the Plan to lobby Hunter Water for this important infrastructure.

State Budget delivers record infrastructure budget
The Hunter Business Chamber has welcomed the NSW State Budget saying it delivers for the State’s businesses and will help insulate NSW from external economic pressures.

“With a deficit of $1.34 billion in 2008-09 and a forecast deficit of $990 million in 2009-10 the NSW Government is exposed to international market forces and has exercised responsible fiscal management to retain the State’s AAA credit rating – a decision already announced by Standard and Poor’s,” said Peter Shinnick, Chief Executive Officer of the Hunter Business Chamber.

“That is essential to provide confidence to the business community that the Government is a credible economic manager,” he said.
“A record $14.7 billion spend on education, $15.1 billion for health and $4.4 billion for NSW roads will maintain jobs and private sector opportunities to bid for substantial Government supply contracts.

Mr Shinnick said, “There are specific features in this budget that will stimulate the Hunter economy – in particular the Housing Construction Acceleration Plan, as well as:
• $64 million boost to people buying new homes by cutting their stamp duty by half;
• $200 million interest-free loans to local councils to help fund local infrastructure projects; and
• $35 million NSW Community Building Partnership to build community facilities."

Marina changes threaten project
Johnson Property Group has scaled back their plans for a $200 million marina at Trinity Point, Morisset Park. The company now plans to reduce the number of berths from 308 to 188, building in two stages and scrapping plans for a helipad, and cutting the total marine footprint by 37 per cent to 3.44 hectares.

The alterations were made in response to a Lake Macquarie Council assessment report, which found major faults with the original proposal. Johnson Property Group’s Senior Development Manager, Bryan Garland said he believed the revised plan addressed most of the concerns raised in the council report and as such should be approved.

“We would now hope that the proposal would be approved in its modified form, but then it’s up to council to do their assessment and the Department of Planning to do their assessment,” said Mr Garland. Council is assessing the project on behalf of the department, but final authority rests with Planning Minister Kristina Keneally.

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