Nulkaba Urban Investigation Area

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Consultation period has concluded.

Aerial Photo looking at Sawyers Gully Urban Investigation Area landscape

The consultation period for the Social Impact Assessment closed on 20 December 2023. Thank you for your input!


Council staff have been preparing the Nulkaba Urban Investigation Area Structure Plan on behalf of, and funded by, a group of landowners within the Nulkaba community who intend to rezone their land for residential use. 

A Structure Plan is required by the Cessnock Urban Growth Management Plan (UGMP) for all future growth areas. The Nulkaba Structure Plan will guide the location of future zoning, infrastructure and community assets needed for additional housing within the Nulkaba Investigation Area. 

The draft Structure Plan will be presented to Council to seek endorsement for public exhibition. This will provide opportunity to read the draft Plan and provide feedback to Council before the Plan is finalised. 

The Structure Plan does not rezone private land within Nulkaba. The zoning and rating category of land will not change unless a planning proposal has been lodged by land owners, assessed and finalised to amend the Cessnock Local Environmental Plan. 

Infrastructure identified by the plan as necessary to support the future Nulkaba community will be included into our Contributions Plan to be paid by new development within Nulkaba. This is likely to include road upgrades, footpaths/tracks and additional parks. 

 Once completed, the Structure Plan will allow Council to accept Planning Proposals from land owners seeking to rezone their land for additional housing within the Nulkaba area. Once land is rezoned, DAs can be lodged to subdivide land, undertake civil works and construct dwellings.

Rezoning land is a complex and time-consuming process, requiring the input of specialist consultants. It is also recommended that land owners considering rezoning their land speak with a planning consultant for advice on the costs and timing of this process. Council’s Strategic Planning team can also provide advice on the rezoning process.




Frequently asked questions

You can see a list of questions asked around this project by clicking this link.

The consultation period for the Social Impact Assessment closed on 20 December 2023. Thank you for your input!


Council staff have been preparing the Nulkaba Urban Investigation Area Structure Plan on behalf of, and funded by, a group of landowners within the Nulkaba community who intend to rezone their land for residential use. 

A Structure Plan is required by the Cessnock Urban Growth Management Plan (UGMP) for all future growth areas. The Nulkaba Structure Plan will guide the location of future zoning, infrastructure and community assets needed for additional housing within the Nulkaba Investigation Area. 

The draft Structure Plan will be presented to Council to seek endorsement for public exhibition. This will provide opportunity to read the draft Plan and provide feedback to Council before the Plan is finalised. 

The Structure Plan does not rezone private land within Nulkaba. The zoning and rating category of land will not change unless a planning proposal has been lodged by land owners, assessed and finalised to amend the Cessnock Local Environmental Plan. 

Infrastructure identified by the plan as necessary to support the future Nulkaba community will be included into our Contributions Plan to be paid by new development within Nulkaba. This is likely to include road upgrades, footpaths/tracks and additional parks. 

 Once completed, the Structure Plan will allow Council to accept Planning Proposals from land owners seeking to rezone their land for additional housing within the Nulkaba area. Once land is rezoned, DAs can be lodged to subdivide land, undertake civil works and construct dwellings.

Rezoning land is a complex and time-consuming process, requiring the input of specialist consultants. It is also recommended that land owners considering rezoning their land speak with a planning consultant for advice on the costs and timing of this process. Council’s Strategic Planning team can also provide advice on the rezoning process.




Frequently asked questions

You can see a list of questions asked around this project by clicking this link.

  • CLOSED: The engagement period has finished for this stage. If you still have some questions regarding the Nulkaba Urban Investigation Area, Please contact Council at: council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au 02 4993 4100 62-78 Vincent Street Cessnock NSW 2325, Australia

    Leave your details to organise a time with AAP Consulting to talk about the Nulkaba Urban Investigation Area Social Impact Assessment.

    Nominate your preferred time for us to contact you, and the team will confirm or get in touch to work out an alternative.

    Consultation period has concluded.

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