Lake Macquarie adopts revised development controls to broaden housing options

newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie City Council on Monday 23 February 2026 adopted a revised Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan (LMDCP) 2014 aimed at increasing housing diversity across the city.

The move is part of the council’s housing diversity program, which it says is intended to improve affordability and better match new housing to changing household sizes as pressure on supply continues nationally.

Councillors endorsed the updated controls at the first ordinary meeting of the year, held at the Hunter Sports Centre, kaiyu nungkiliko, after the draft plan was publicly exhibited and amended in response to feedback.

The revised LMDCP follows council’s February 2025 endorsement of a Housing Diversity Planning Proposal, which amended the Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan (LMLEP) 2014.

The planning proposal allowed a broader range of housing types in low and medium density residential zones and provided greater flexibility to subdivide smaller lots for a variety of land uses, while the latest development control plan also includes actions developed at the council-led Lake Macquarie Housing Forum.

Deputy Mayor Colin Grigg said council continued to show leadership during the nation’s housing crisis. “Lake Macquarie requires greater diversity in housing supply to improve affordability, support population growth and accommodate smaller households, and we’re introducing measures at a local government level to support this across our city,” he said.

“This plan supports the delivery of smaller, more affordable homes that meet the varied needs of our community, from providing downsizing options for older residents to creating achievable entry points for singles and couples,” Grigg said. “It also strengthens public transport viability and helps boost the supply of affordable dwellings.”

Council also resolved to advocate for housing outcomes at the 2026 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly of Local Government, approving six motions to be submitted at the June meeting as part of a package developed by the Hunter Joint Organisation and its 10 member councils.

Bringing forward National Housing Accord performance payments to prioritise construction of infrastructure to support new housing developments, and ensuring infrastructure delivery keeps pace with housing growth, are among the motions. A priority item is a proposed joint motion with Central Coast Council on the Newcastle to Sydney high speed rail route.

The council said the full agenda and reports from the meeting were available online through its meeting agendas and minutes portal.