Local Strategy and Directions

The following documents are available for purchase at Council's Customer Service Centres for a cost of $33.80.

• Adopted Draft Local Strategy
• Residential Direction
• Waterways Direction
• Environment and Leisure Direction  
• Centres Direction
• Employment Lands Direction
• Integrated Transport Direction
• Rural Lands Strategy

Adopted Draft Local Strategy

The Draft Local Strategy was adopted by Council on 10 June 2008. It is the principal document for communicating the future planning of the Shire and includes the objectives of longer term planning projects of the State Government as well as responding to, and planning for, local needs such as employment, housing and transport. The Draft Local Strategy focuses on seven key areas of direction, in line with the suite of strategy work being undertaken.

The Local Strategy will be reviewed and finalised once the suite of strategy work currently being undertaken by Council’s Forward Planning section is complete.

 Draft Local Strategy - 8,238 KB

 Local Strategy Structure Plan - 3,147 KB

Residential Direction 

The Residential Direction adopted by Council on 10 June 2008 aims to give Council, the community and developers a clear strategy for the future planning and management of residential development and growth to 2031. The Direction reviews progress in achieving additional dwellings and demonstrates the capacity to accomodate State Government dwelling targets into the future. It also addresses key housing issues such as special needs housing, affordability, sustainability, streetscape and residential character.

A range of strategies and actions have been prepared under the following four Key Directions:

• Accommodating population growth
• Respond to changing housing needs 
• Provide a sustainable living environment
• Facilitate quality housing outcomes

  Residential Direction - 3,763 KB

Waterways Direction 

Waterway environments can include natural creeks and rivers, rehabilitated channels, constructed wetlands, man-made stormwater systems and detention basins, as well as open water bodies and wetlands.  The Waterways Direction adopted by Council on 10 June 2008 has been prepared to reflect Council’s desired approach to guide the planning, protection, management and maintenance of the Shire’s waterways.

The Direction is structured around the following four Key Directions:

• Manage and plan for floodplain risk and floodplain use
• Effective stormwater system planning 
• Effectively manage the stormwater system
• Manage the Shire’s natural waterways

 Waterways Direction - 2,510 KB

Environment and Leisure Direction

The Environment and Leisure Direction adopted by Council on 12 August 2008 aims to give Council and the community a clear strategy for the future planning and management of land that has been identified as having leisure, scenic, recreation, environmental or heritage conservation value.

A range of strategies and actions have been prepared under the following six Key Directions:

• Protect and manage the Shire's environment and leisure spaces
• Provide high quality spaces for community recreation and enjoyment
• Improve the accessibility and connectivity of environment and leisure spaces

Provide for public domain spaces that encourage community interaction

Conserve the Shire's unique diversity of plants and animals

Protect Aboriginal cultural heritage

  Environment and Leisure Direction (11.29MB)

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Centres Direction

Centres are more than just places to shop or work. They are also the venue for civic functions, social interaction, and recreation, and are an ideal location for community facilities and public transport hubs.  The Centres Direction was adopted by Council on 23 June 2009 to achieve the creation of vibrant and accessible centres that meet community needs.

A range of strategies and actions have been prepared under the following four key directions:

• Create vibrant centres that meet the needs of the community
• Make centres more attractive places to visit
• Make centres accessible to the community
• Improve the functioning and viability of existing centres
• Plan for new centres in new areas

 Centres Direction (10.27MB) 

Employment Lands Direction

The provision of suitable employment lands is needed to balance the urban growth of the Shire and facilitate economic development. The Employment Lands Direction adopted by Council on 23 June 2009 seeks to contribute to the economic growth of the Shire, for local businesses to grow, meet local service needs and provide opportunities to work close to home.

A range of strategies and actions have been prepared under the following six Key Directions:

• Accommodate the growth of a modern local economy to meet community needs
• Enhance the attractiveness of the Shire for new business and visitors
• Promote growth in local business and employment opportunities
• Enhance the use and viability of existing employment lands
• Plan for new employment lands
• Encourage quality employment lands
  

 Employment Lands Direction (8.56MB) 

Integrated Transport Direction

Transport, in particular public transport, is considered to be one of the key issues facing The Hills Shire and the North West Region of Sydney. The development of a better transport network is needed to achieve balanced urban growth in the Shire and improve quality of life. The Integrated Transport Direction adopted by Council on 11 May 2010 provides a package of solutions to provide greater connectivity between key destinations and ensure that residents can get where they need to go with a range of integrated travel options.

A range of strategies and actions have been prepared under the following five Key Directions:

• Plan and manage the Shire's transport network to meet community needs.
• Facilitate delivery of a cohesive transport network.
• Promote and enhance sustainable travel choices.
• Plan for an integrated transport network for new areas.
• Encourage quality transport outcomes.
  

 Integrated Transport Direction May 2010 (4.44MB)