Plans to unlock 1,200 new homes as part of the Cockle Creek Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program are now in full swing.

Labor’s landmark initiative was announced in 2023, six months after returning to government, in a bid to focus on building more dwellings close to existing transportation, jobs and services.

And, despite initial pushback, including legislation from the Liberals to overturn the policy and some disgruntled councils, it’s delivering real results throughout NSW with close to 20,000 homes in the pipeline including more than 4,400 already approved.

Now, the focus is on Lake Macquarie.

Key features of the Cockle Creek precinct include:

• At least 2% affordable housing for developments 2,000 square metres or more
• Buildings up to eight storeys high, with allowance for taller buildings that meet design excellence requirements and include street frontages
• At least 2,000 square metres of non-residential floor space for childcare, health services, shops, offices and community spaces

“Unlocking housing growth around new and existing transport hubs is common sense,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.

“We worked closely with Lake Macquarie City Council to amend the planning controls and deliver more homes in the heart of Boolaroo.

“With all TOD controls now locked in, we can get on with delivering them close to transport, jobs and services in communities people want to live in.”

Since taking ownership of the Cockle Creek precinct in 2019, the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) has settled four major parcels of land comprising in excess of 60 hectares.

It includes six hectares for Costco Wholesale, as well as a 55-hectare residential development for more than 500 new homes.

More recently, HCCDC established two additional light-industrial zoned land parcels.

“Our region is growing and we’re ensuring that housing supply keeps up,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

“Not only are we building more homes, but we’re building them where people want to live – near the jobs, schools, transport and infrastructure families rely on.

“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together and deliver the best outcome for our community.”

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