Shaping the future of Lithgow LGA

Council is preparing a long‑term Growth Management Strategy (GMS) to guide how our LGA grows and develops. The GMS is about creating a sustainable, resilient and liveable future — managing growth in a way that supports local jobs, protects our environment and rural lands, and keeps the character we value.

What is the Growth Management Strategy?

The GMS is Council’s long‑term planning framework that guides how the Lithgow LGA and our Seven Valleys will grow and change over the next 20 years. It coordinates housing, jobs, infrastructure and the environment so growth happens in the right places, at the right time.

The Strategy is a collaborative tool, informed by data, technical studies and community input. By concentrating growth where services can support it and protecting what’s special, the GMS helps Lithgow remain a great place to live, work and visit.

Why is this project important?

With the community’s help, the GMS will:

Plan for housing needs — support well‑located, diverse and more affordable homes.

Coordinate infrastructure — roads, water, sewer and community facilities where and when they’re needed.

Protect environment and rural lands — safeguard bushland, waterways, biodiversity and agricultural areas.

Support local jobs and investment — give certainty to businesses and reduce duplication and costs.

Strengthen disaster readiness — consider bushfire, flood and climate risks in planning and zoning.

Improve decision‑making — align planning with clear, community‑informed directions.

The GMS also aligns local planning with State and regional policy so Council can make evidence‑based choices about land use, investment and infrastructure priorities.

Our objectives

Council’s objectives for the GMS include:

(a) Establish a strategic framework to inform LEP/DCP updates and contributions planning.
(b) Align growth planning with the Community Strategic Plan and regional policy.
(c) Create clearer, faster development pathways that support small business and employment lands.
(d) Ensure new housing is well‑located, serviced and safer, with reduced exposure to environmental hazards.
(e) Identify and prioritise infrastructure needs and advocate for State investment.
(f) Engage the community early and often to shape a shared, future‑focused vision.
(g) Provide a consistent, transparent decision‑making framework for planning proposals.

Is this about rezoning land?

No. The GMS itself is not a rezoning. It identifies where rezoning might be considered in future. Any rezoning would be a separate, formal process with detailed assessment and public consultation.

Studies that will be delivered to support the Growth Management Strategy include:

Local Housing Strategy

Employment Lands Strategy

Rural Lands Strategy

Local Environmental Planning (LEP) Review Report

Infrastructure Capacity and Prioritisation Plan

How you can get involved

We’re inviting input from residents, landowners, businesses and community groups.

Ways to participate:

Complete a survey

Community members, landowners and organisations are invited to suggest land or places they think Council should consider as part of the Growth Management Strategy. Share your ideas to help shape a shared direction for Lithgow's economy, environment and community. Complete the Land Nomination Survey.

Contact

gms@lithgow.nsw.gov.au

(02) 6354 9999 or 1300 661 303