newy.com.au – The NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development program is now operating across all 37 nominated precincts, with planning controls finalised at Cockle Creek to allow up to 1,200 new homes in Lake Macquarie.
The Cockle Creek precinct is the final location to be locked in under the program, which was announced in 2023 as part of a broader push to build more housing near existing transport, jobs, shops and services.
The government says the program has close to 20,000 homes in the pipeline, including more than 4,400 already approved, and is expected to deliver more than 170,000 homes over 15 years.
Planning controls for Cockle Creek include a requirement for at least 2 per cent affordable housing in developments of 2,000 square metres or more. Buildings of up to eight storeys will be permitted, with allowance for taller buildings that meet design excellence requirements and include street frontages.
The precinct must also include at least 2,000 square metres of non-residential floor space, which could be used for childcare, health services, shops, offices and community spaces.
The government said it had worked with Lake Macquarie City Council to amend the planning controls and support more housing in the heart of Boolaroo.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said building homes around transport hubs was a practical way to respond to housing demand.
“Unlocking housing growth around new and existing transport hubs is common sense,” Mr Scully said.
“The Transport Oriented Development program is delivering great outcomes for families, downsizers and essential workers with close to 20,000 homes already in the pipeline.
“With all TOD controls now locked in we can get on with delivering more homes close to transport, jobs and services in communities people want to live in.”
The program faced early opposition, including legislation from the Liberals to overturn the policy and criticism from some councils. The government has framed the policy as part of its response to housing affordability and supply, saying forecasts when it came to office showed NSW would build just 36,000 homes a year over the following five years.
Other housing measures introduced by the government include the Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, the Housing Delivery Authority and changes under the Planning System Reforms Act 2025. It says housing approvals are up 13.5 per cent compared with the previous 12 months, while planning approvals are now 30 per cent faster.
The government has also pointed to its $6.6 billion investment in 8,400 new social housing properties and its Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, saying NSW now has more than 79,300 homes under construction, the highest number in seven years.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Cockle Creek precinct showed how governments could work together to plan for growth.
“Our region is growing and we’re ensuring that housing supply keeps up.
“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.”
