Cessnock Rural Lands Study & Strategy
About the Project
Cessnock City Council is developing a Rural Lands Study & Strategy to guide the future use, management, and protection of rural lands within the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA). This study will ensure that planning policies reflect the needs of rural landowners, businesses, and the broader community while supporting sustainable agriculture, rural industries, and tourism.
The study will revisit and build upon the 2017 Rural Lands Study to better understand current land use, agricultural productivity, and the changing needs of rural industries. The outcomes of this project will help shape updates to the Cessnock Local Environmental Plan (CLEP 2011), the Cessnock Development Control Plan (CDCP 2010), and the Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).
Why is this important?
Over two-thirds of the Cessnock LGA is rural land, supporting industries like agriculture, viticulture, tourism, and rural living. However, changing economic conditions, new technologies, environmental challenges, and urban growth pressures mean that we need to rethink how these areas are managed.
This study will help answer key questions, including:
✅ What role does agriculture play in the local, regional, and national economy?
✅ What are the emerging trends affecting rural land use?
✅ How can we support sustainable agriculture, agritourism, and rural businesses?
✅ How can we protect important landscapes, culturally significant lands, and scenic views?
How can I get involved?
There are multiple ways to have your say and contribute to the Rural Lands Study & Strategy:
💬 Take our online survey by clicking here!
📍 Only have a few minutes? Click here to use our interactive map to highlight areas of interest
🗣️ Want to have a chat with the team? Book a meeting by clicking here
✉️ Ask us a question online → Q&A tool
Stay Updated!
🔹 Subscribe to the project on this page to get updates!
🔹 Follow Cessnock City Council on social media for news and events
Ask a question
A space where you can ask direct questions to the Planning team to get a response to your inbox.
Council is committed to safeguarding the privacy of individuals and handling of personal information in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Act 1998 (NSW) and Information Privacy Principles, the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) and Health Privacy Principles, and any subordinate legislation.
Purpose
The personal information (e.g. Name, address and contact details) provided in your submission is being collected in the processing of your submission relating to this amendment to the Rural Lands Strategy. The information collected will be used for the purpose outlined, related administrative functions, compliance and complaint handling, internal auditing, and in accordance with Council's Privacy Management Plan and Privacy Statement which can be found on Council's website.
Intended Recipients
Relevant Council officers and councillors.
Supply
Supplying personal information in your submission is required.
Consequence of non-provision
If you do not supply your personal information, Cessnock City Council cannot receive the submission or update you on the progress of the Structure Plan.
Disclosure
Your information may also be disclosed to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, and any other relevant public agency that has an interest in the Strategy
Storage and Security
Your personal information will be kept in Council's Information Management System in accordance with the relevant legislation. Council's address is62-78 Vincent Street CESSNOCK NSW 2325.
Access
You may access, correct or update your personal information by visiting Council’s website, contacting Council's Privacy Contact Officer on 4993 4100 or by sending an email tocouncil@cessnock.nsw.gov.au.
If you want to know more about Council's obligations regarding your personal information or what rights you have, contact the Information and Privacy Commission or visit their website ipc.nsw.gov.au.
Thank you for your contribution!
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