Port Macquarie Hastings Council will seek a meeting with NSW Planning Minister, Paul Scully, over the NSW Government’s declaration of a proposed 18-storey mixed-use precinct in the LGA as a State Significant Development.
The 29 Park Street proposal, which includes 210 dwellings and 35 affordable dwellings, 18-storeys with entertainment and commercial precinct, hotel and residential, was declared State Significant 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).
A unanimously carried Mayoral Minute put forward this week by Mayor, Adam Roberts, noted a request for a meeting with Minister Scully to discuss the proposal, the infrastructure needed to support it, how it aligns with other priority projects in the 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.
“As I have stated, Council has consistently advocated to the NSW Government for financial support to help deliver a host of major projects such as the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme and the Thrumster Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“We’ve also advocated for fast-tracked short, medium and long-term traffic mitigation measures for the Wrights Road to Lake Road traffic bottleneck, which is a well-known problematic State road corridor.
“This most recent proposal designated as State Significant Development by the NSW Government only further highlights the need for this critical infrastructure for our community.
“It should also be noted that Councillors adopted the City Heart Master Plan at today’s meeting, adding an extra layer of complexity around the proposal which has inconsistencies with Council’s endorsed long-term vision for the precinct.”
The pathway approval for the 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, Council outlined in a statement.
It says a meeting between the applicant, Council staff, DPHI and other government agencies will help to inform government stakeholder responses on the SEARs.
Mayor Roberts said he will continue to keep the community informed as the approval pathway process progresses.
“While this is ultimately an NSW Government process, my responsibility is to maintain the highest level of transparency in the best interests of the community, so I will continue to advocate strongly and ensure residents are kept informed as further relevant information comes to light,” he said.
