Uralla’s Housing Vision: Diversified housing options for a growing community
Uralla Shire will offer a diverse range of housing options that support a growing, vibrant community, with renewable energy projects contributing to a lasting, positive housing legacy for the Shire.
The Uralla Local Housing Strategy sets out Council’s 20-year plan to ensure the Shire has the right mix of housing—affordable, diverse, well-located, and suited to the changing needs of our community. The Strategy responds to a range of emerging challenges, including rising housing costs, limited rental availability, a growing retiree population, the need for smaller low-maintenance homes, and the temporary housing pressures associated with the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The strategy has been endorsed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
How the strategy was developed
The Strategy is built on a detailed evidence base, including demographic analysis, land-supply assessment, infrastructure constraints, and economic data. Council also undertook engagement in 2024 with local residents, landholders, community organisations, neighbouring councils, renewable energy developers, and government agencies. Community feedback was central in shaping the Strategy’s priorities, particularly concerns around affordability, village character, short-term rental impacts, and managing REZ-related workforce demand.
Key Issues Identified
- Rising house prices and decreasing rental affordability
- A shortage of smaller, accessible, low-maintenance homes
- A rapidly ageing population
- Underutilised and fragmented residential land within existing township boundaries
- Pressure on rental markets associated with REZ construction workers
- Desire to preserve the scale, heritage, and walkability of existing settlements
Strategic directions (pillars)
The goals and objectives of the Strategy can be put into two broad categories: addressing underlying housing needs of residents; and, Managing the short-term spike in demand from the REZ projects.
The Uralla Shire Local Housing Strategy identifies four key housing challenges and opportunities, providing a framework to guide housing development that aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community.
These objectives will shape planning policies, guide future development, and support collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable and inclusive housing outcomes for Uralla Shire.
- Diverse housing for all residents – Supporting a mix of dwelling types, retirement and independent living options, and opportunities for social and affordable housing.
- Ensuring a positive legacy from REZ investments – Facilitating well-located construction worker accommodation that can transition to long-term community benefit.
- A proactive Council supporting great housing outcomes – Improving planning processes, development guidance, and infrastructure information.
- Maintaining the village character and footprint of settlements – Focusing development within existing township boundaries and strengthening local design quality.
Key actions
- Investigate retirement and independent living options in Uralla
- Support social and affordable housing providers
- Identify sites for construction worker accommodation and establish future-use agreements
- Update the DCP to improve infill design and low-density development standards
- Develop a Township Framework Plan for the Uralla township
- Review zoning at Rocky River
- Improve infrastructure mapping, engineering standards, and development guidance
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