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Central Coast Council has finalised and formally endorsed the strategic land use planning documents developed through its Our Homes – Our Future project.
Undertaken between July 2024 and June 2025, the project aims to increase the amount and variety of housing available in Central Coast, to help keep the municipality prosperous and vibrant without losing its unique character. The strategy was informed by extensive community consultation, with residents contributing ideas and feedback throughout the process.
The work was fully funded by a $1.66 million grant through the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program. Key outcomes include a Strategic Housing Master Plan, which provides an expert and community informed, evidence-based case for change, and Structure Plans for the key settlements of Sulphur Creek & Preservation Bay, Ulverstone & West Ulverstone, Penguin and Forth. The Structure Plans propose changes to building heights, setbacks and energy-efficient design standards, aiming to deliver not only additional housing, but better and more diverse housing.
Extensive community feedback was central to shaping these outcomes. Council heard calls for affordable, energy-efficient homes; concerns about building heights and neighbourhood character; and the need to protect public spaces. In response, housing proposals on foreshore sites were removed, height restrictions refined, and new design guidelines developed to encourage gentle density—like duplexes and terraces—while preserving the unique identity of our towns.
A Retail and Activity Centre Study was also undertaken, which will guide Council’s decision-making in relation to the municipality’s main shopping areas. Key Council policies were revised, such as the Public Open Space Contributions Policy, which now makes small-scale infill development more affordable.
Central Coast Acting Mayor, Cr John Beswick, said completing the project was a significant milestone.
“Many councils don’t have the resources for strategic land use planning of this scale. This project has been a major effort for our team and community, with many in the community having their say. It gives us a strong foundation to pursue planning scheme amendments that will deliver more and better housing, while supporting infrastructure planning and advocacy,” said Cr Beswick.
Federal Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart, welcomed the project’s completion and Council’s leadership on housing, saying:
“Central Coast Council is taking a leading role among Tasmanian councils by formally endorsing the Strategic Housing Master Plan. The Labor Government is committed to increasing affordable and secure housing in Braddon. Housing insecurity robs people of the opportunity to prosper, and that is why our government is focused on ensuring people can put a roof over their heads in locations where they want to live, work and thrive.”
Council will soon commence drafting planning scheme amendments aimed at giving statutory effect to the strategic documents. Any changes to the planning scheme will require approval from the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
The strategic land use planning documents developed through Our Homes – Our Future are available to view at: https://ourhomesourfuture.centralcoast.tas.gov.au/