Maitland’s Population is Growing By 6 People A Day, Outpacing Projections

newy.com.au – Maitland is experiencing a population boom that’s exceeding expectations, with new figures showing six new residents arrive in the city daily. According to the latest State of Our City report presented to Maitland councillors on 13 November 2024, the population surge means Maitland is on track to surpass 100,000 residents within the next two years, eclipsing previous growth projections. The report reveals that the city’s population grew by 1,300 more people than anticipated in 2023, positioning Maitland well ahead of its 2041 forecast of 144,500.

Jeff Smith, General Manager of Maitland City Council, highlighted the role of new housing initiatives and urban release areas, including Thornton North, Aberglasslyn, Lochinvar, and Gillieston Heights, in accommodating this rapid growth. “These developments will help provide needed housing for the Greater Newcastle area,” Smith noted, highlighting Maitland’s pivotal role in supporting the Hunter region’s housing demands. Over the past year, the council has consistently exceeded state housing approval targets, with over 1,000 new housing lots approved annually.

Council’s fast-tracked development processes also stand out, with an average lodgement timeframe of only four days for development applications in 2023/24, reduced to two days this financial year. This is a marked improvement over the state’s 14-day target, which is set to tighten to seven days by 2025. Maitland’s efficient processes have contributed to a total development value of $129.2 million across 234 applications this year alone, reinforcing the city’s leadership in sustainable greenfield growth.

To keep pace with its growing population, Maitland City Council has allocated $60 million of its 2024/25 budget towards community infrastructure, including new sports facilities, road upgrades, and skate parks in Gillieston Heights and Thornton. However, Smith said that federal and state support is essential for sustained progress. “Ongoing assistance from higher government levels is crucial for delivering essential infrastructure for our expanding population,” he said, pointing out that ratepayer funds alone are insufficient for the city’s long-term infrastructure needs.

Further details in the State of Our City 2022-2024 report