Community feedback shapes Growth Management Strategy review
Published on 26 August 2026
Community feedback gathered as part of Council’s extensive consultation period for its draft Growth Management Strategy has been presented to Uralla Shire Council.
The What We Heard Report, which follows public exhibition of the Strategy in July, provides a detailed summary of the feedback received from residents, landowners, businesses and stakeholders across the Shire.
The report captures community views shared during the exhibition period and identifies preliminary matters officers will consider when preparing an amended Strategy, which will be placed on public exhibition again for further community feedback before being considered for adoption by Council.
During the public exhibition period, Council received 52 written submissions and 75 survey responses, with approximately 100 people attending five community drop-in sessions held across the Shire.
Mayor Robert Bell said the strong response reflected the community's interest in the future of Uralla Shire.
"I would like to thank everyone who took the time to make a submission, complete the survey or attend one of the drop-in sessions. The level of engagement demonstrates how much people care about the future of Uralla and our villages.
"This report is not a decision on the Growth Management Strategy. It is a record of what we heard from the community and stakeholders, and it ensures those views are properly considered as the Strategy is revised."
The report identifies a number of recurring themes raised by the community, including:
- Water security and infrastructure capacity
- Temporary workforce accommodation associated with Renewable Energy Zone projects
- Housing supply and land availability
- Protection of rural character and community identity
- Rural-residential development and settlement planning
- Employment, land and economic development opportunities; and
- Community consultation and notification processes.
Mayor Bell said one of the clearest messages from the exhibition was the community's desire for growth to be supported by adequate infrastructure and careful planning.
"The feedback shows residents want Council to plan responsibly for growth, while protecting the character, lifestyle and values that make Uralla such a special place to live.
"Water security, infrastructure, housing and workforce accommodation were all significant topics of discussion, and Council has listened carefully to the range of views expressed."
The report also outlines a number of preliminary directions officers will investigate further, including:
- Removing workforce accommodation Sites B, D and E from further analysis
- Retaining and refining assessment of Sites A and C
- Deferring consideration of a proposed 25-hectare minimum lot size in parts of Invergowrie pending further investigation
- Reviewing aspects of the proposed Kentucky rezoning
- Improving mapping and document clarity; and
- Undertaking further work on residential and rural-residential land supply.
Mayor Bell emphasised that Council has not made any decisions on these matters.
"These are preliminary officer directions only. They have not been adopted by Council and will be subject to further assessment before an amended Strategy is presented to Councillors.
"Importantly, the amended Strategy will be placed on public exhibition so the community can review the proposed changes and provide further feedback before Council considers adoption.
"This next stage will ensure the community can see how their input has influenced the Strategy and continue to have a say in planning for the future of Uralla Shire."
Residents are encouraged to read the What We Heard Report, along with the redacted submissions and survey responses, on Council's Your Say Uralla! consultation page: https://yoursay.uralla.nsw.gov.au/growth-management-strategy.