In 2018, the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2018 identified East Maitland as a key ‘catalyst area’ for development in the Hunter region. The East Maitland Catalyst Area (EMCA) was identified due to the development of the new Maitland Hospital and the expansion of the Green Hills regional shopping centre.

The EMCA extends from Victoria Street Station in the north; south to Metford Station; and south-west to Ashtonfield and Green Hils. Furthermore, growth in nearby suburbs like Chisholm and Thornton has meant planning is essential to ensure current and future facilities and infrastructure can cater for the population.

With the EMCA expected to grow and change substantially over the next 20 years, a structure plan and supporting infrastructure needs analysis are required to manage this growth, coordinate infrastructure planning and delivery, and guide public and private investment.

Maitland City Council was awarded a grant from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) to prepare the structure plan and supporting infrastructure needs analysis. This funding allowed us to appoint a consultant, consult with major agencies and stakeholders, and prepare the key documents.

A structure plan is a high-level plan that guides how an area will grow and change. It is supported by an infrastructure needs analysis, which identifies the infrastructure required to accommodate this growth. A structure plan sets out a vision, guiding principles, and actions to support areas undergoing significant change. It shows where and how growth can occur and outlines the infrastructure needed to deliver new homes and jobs cost-effectively. It also identifies opportunities for improvement or enhancement, such as biodiversity corridors, open space, footpaths, cycleways, and public transport.

Other benefits include:

• Clearly identifying areas for development and growth that support private investment in locations consistent with the structure plan vision.
• Providing a clear understanding of infrastructure needs and priorities to inform government infrastructure planning and ensure funding is provided at the right time.
• Enabling the potential for faster planning proposals to rezone land where changes match up with the structure plan.

The draft structure plan could allow for around 3,000 new homes, providing space for about 6,500 people by 2045. These numbers are estimates and may change over time. This will require:

• New or upgraded utility infrastructure (e.g. transport, power, water, sewer) and social infrastructure (e.g. community facilities, schools, parks, medical services).
• Land use changes to residential areas, which may include rezoned residential zones and building heights within approximately 800m of services. This will enable greater housing diversity to meet the varying needs of the existing and future community (such as one- to two-bedroom homes).
• Land use changes to employment lands, which may include rezoning to an employment zone that better supports the area’s future transition or current uses, and allows for expansion.
• Land use changes to environmental lands, which may include identifying biodiversity corridors.

Density refers to the number of people, buildings, and activities within a defined area of a town. It is often measured by population density (e.g. the number of people per dwelling within an area) or building density (e.g. the floor space ratio, or the number of dwellings within a street or block).

In the EMCA, density will be planned to suit the specific place and the broader Maitland character. What works in areas such as Newcastle or Charlestown may not be appropriate for the EMCA’s existing and future context and character. Building heights will complement the area’s character.

In addition to the draft structure plan, Maitland City Council has prepared a draft infrastructure needs analysis to determine the future utilities and social infrastructure required for future population growth. This is an important part of the work we’re doing when planning for development in the EMCA; it helps identify when upgraded or new infrastructure will be needed as the population grows.

By completing this analysis, Maitland City Council and state government agencies are better positioned to advocate, plan, prioritise, allocate funding for and deliver infrastructure into the future.

The draft structure plan is a high-level document that sets the agenda for future growth and land use, for both the government and the market to encourage investment. It spans the next 20 years, to 2045.

Implementing the draft structure plan will take place over multiple phases, with progress reviewed every five years. The first land use changes will involve rezoning land, applying building height limits, and preparing sub-precinct Development Control Plans. This stage may take a minimum of three to five years to complete. During this period, affected property owners will have another opportunity to provide submissions on the more detailed planning work.

Following this stage, government and the private sector may take several more years to plan, finance, and deliver the outcomes of the structure plan. As a result, the envisaged change in the urban environment may not be seen until the medium term (five to 10 years).

There are a number of ways to make a formal submission on the draft structure plan and supporting infrastructure needs analysis.

1. Via the 'Make a submission' button on this page

2. By emailing info@maitland.nsw.gov.au with the title ‘Draft EMCA Structure Plan Formal Submission’

3. Writing a letter to the General Manager at Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland NSW 2320.

Should you require any additional information before making a formal submission, please contact our Customer Experience team on ask@maitland.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 4934 9700.