A huge cut of agricultural land could be re-zoned for residential use in what could dramatically change the landscape of parts of the Walgett shire and open it up for more housing. 

Council is currently exhibiting a Draft Planning Proposal with the objective of a Rural Residential Strategy to allow for certain areas to be rezoned to allow for subdivisions that would create 5 hectare and 10 hectare allotments. 

Council says it has not decided to allow rural subdivision, only to seek public comment regarding the four areas identified in the rural residential strategy.  

Council will be guided in its consideration by the relevant legislation and submissions from the public.  

The Rural Residential Strategy explains that “Rural residential areas are unique from other types of living environments in towns or villages as they allow residential development in a rural setting. These areas commonly involve larger sized lots that are not typically associated with agriculture”.  

“Some agriculture may take place on the land; however it is likely to be used primarily for ‘lifestyle’ reasons, and is unlikely to provide a significant source of household income”. 

Three of the areas considered for development. Image: Walgett Shire Council. 

The proposed areas are: 

Walgett Candidate Area A – Come by Chance Road (North) 694ha  

Lightning Ridge Candidate Area A – Shermans Way 69.2ha  

Lightning Ridge Candidate Area B – Lorne Road 148.5ha  

Lightning Ridge Candidate Area C – Bill O’Brien Way 44ha  

“The planning proposals do not reflect any decision or intent by Walgett Shire Council. Council will fully consider the proposals following public exhibition” the council said in a statement.  

While Walgett Rural Residential Bridging Report found that “Servicing is a key challenge to be addressed by any future rural residential development. The Water Master Planning study identified that even if the lots were connected to town water, it wouldn’t support a reduced minimum lot size due to the network’s limited capacity. Until significant upgrades occur to the network, it isn’t envisaged that the rural residential candidate areas can support denser forms of rural residential development”. 

Image: Walgett Shire Council. 

The planning proposal and supporting documentation are on public exhibition during business hours at the Walgett Council Offices at 77 Fox street Walgett, 35 Pandora St Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri Agency, 37-39 Wilson Street, Collarenebri or via the Council Website (www.walgett.nsw.gov.au) from Wednesday 13/12/2023 until 5pm Monday 31/1/2024. 

Submissions or enquiries should be in writing and can be posted to PO Box 31, Walgett NSW 2832 or emailed to [email protected] during the exhibition period.