The Port Macquarie Regional City Action Plan (RCAP) has been developed by the NSW Government, in collaboration with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, to help Port Macquarie fulfill its potential as a thriving regional centre and build on the city’s growth, strong employment base, diversified economy and local character.
The RCAP addresses housing affordability with a coordinated approach to align infrastructure delivery with sustainable housing. This will ensure a steady supply and mixture of homes to cater for future population growth.
It will create more green spaces for koalas to thrive and help Council map out existing koala corridors as part of a Koala Recovery Strategy.
The RCAP will improve public spaces by developing an interconnected green grid of walkways, cycleways and parks to increase tree canopy and create a more vibrant waterfront.
The final plan also leverages the city’s position along the Pacific and Oxley Highways. This will attract investment, encourage tourism and create more jobs.
Development of the Port Macquarie RCAP is a priority action of the North Coast Regional Plan 2036, which was released in March 2017 by the NSW Minister for Planning.
The Community had its say on the draft Port Macquarie RCAP during the public exhibition period from 9 March 2021 to 30 April 2021. The exhibition period was extended due to the significant flooding event in March 2021.
The exhibition included targeted workshops and one-on-one interviews with stakeholders and members of the public.
The finalised RCAP incorporates feedback from the community and stakeholders.