A MAYORAL Minute noting actions taken by Port Macquarie Hastings Council regarding a proposed 18-storey development was carried unanimously by Councillors at last Thursday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The mixed-use proposal at 29 Park Street comprises 210 dwellings including 35 affordable dwellings, and an entertainment and commercial precinct.
The project has been declared a State Significant Development proposal by NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.
The declaration was made after consideration by the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) of an expression of interest for the location made by the proponent to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
The Mayoral Minute was put forward by Mayor Adam Roberts and carried nine votes to nil.
It notes a request for a meeting with Minister Scully to discuss the proposal, as well as the infrastructure needed to support it, how it aligns with other priority projects in our region, and what level of consultation will be conducted with the community.
“Council was formally advised on 19 December 2025 that Minister Scully had declared this proposal a State Significant Development for our region,” Mayor Roberts said.
“We were not consulted prior to that decision being made, nor have we or the community had the opportunity to learn much more about it in the two months since.
“In the interests of transparency, Council publicly announced the NSW Government proposal on 15 January 2026, resulting in significant media and public attention.
“The heightened public interest, and the little information we’ve been provided since, is what has ultimately led to my motion being put to the chamber today.”
The pathway approval for this State Significant Development, any future Development Application and associated rezoning request will be lodged directly with the DPHI, with the Minister acting as the consent authority.
The site is currently zoned E2 Commercial Centre with a maximum building height of 16–19 metres.
An 18-storey building, with an approximate height of 55–60 metres high, would require a concurrent rezoning to amend existing height controls under the Local Environmental Plan.
Community consultation is then expected to occur should a DA be lodged.
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