Walcha Council has engaged the services of Gyde Consulting to assist in the preparation of a Land Use Strategy and Cumulative Impact Assessment for the Walcha LGA. The purpose of these works is to assess the potential opportunities and threats to Walcha’s land supply, housing and tourism infrastructure from development in the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The Land Use Strategy will consider our existing zoned general residential, rural residential, commercial and industrial and assess, in the context of the REZ and related development, existing capacity and suitable land for future rezoning to accommodate anticipated demand.
The Cumulative Impact Assessment will focus on housing supply and demand and the potential impacts of a short-term, transient construction workforce. The outcomes of the Cumulative Impact Assessment are to identify what measures Council can take to minimise and mitigate the impacts and take advantage of the opportunities presented by development within the REZ.
Council is interested in hearing from residents and business owners in relation to the above. We will attend the Walcha Farmers Market on 17 May 2025 seeking community feedback in relation to these matters. These issues will be compiled into a final draft Land Use Strategy and Cumulative Impact Assessment that will be endorsed by Council and placed on public exhibition.
Any residents or business owners who are interested in engaging directly with Council and its consultants to contribute to the Land Use Strategy and Cumulative Impact Assessment are invited to submit Expressions of Interest to Council. Expressions of Interest are to be submitted in writing and outline the nature of your interest. For further information, contact Lachlan Sims, Council’s Manager Strategic Planning & Environment on 6774 2500 or by email at council@walcha.nsw.gov.au.
