FAQs

A structure plan is a high-level strategy that helps us plan for the future of the area. The structure plan will consider a range of issues like biodiversity, infrastructure, transport and traffic and flooding. It will identify areas for environmental protection, residential uses, new recreation areas and potentially a new local centre. Once the structure plan is finished, we will begin rezoning land in stages.

At this stage, the structure plan is expected to be finished mid-to-late 2024. Once that is approved, land will be rezoned in stages. The stages will (mainly) be determined by infrastructure such as roads, sewer and water.

Each property falls into one of four general categories for rating purposes, depending on the actual land use of the property, being farmland, residential, mining or business. Most properties in Sawyers Gully are residential for rating purposes. 

Rates are calculated on a base amount (a flat charge common to all properties) plus an amount calculated on the current land value of your property. The Valuer General is responsible for overseeing land valuations in New South Wales, including property valuations, on behalf of the State Government.

It is likely that if your land is zoned to a residential zone that the value of your land will increase and therefore your rates will increase.

More information can be found at https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Property/Rates/About-your-rates

Sawyers Gully  has been identified as an investigation area for future urban development by Council’s Urban Growth Management Plan [LINK]. Council starts to plan to rezone land for new residential or employment uses when supply of existing zoned land dips below certain levels. Council does this to make sure there is enough zoned and serviced land to cater for future population growth.

Most of the Sawyers Gully area is currently zoned RU2 Rural Landscape. So, the zoning is likely to change in the future. 

There will be areas that are not suitable for development and these areas might be zoned to an environmental zone such as C2 Environmental Conservation , C3 Environmental Management or C4 Environmental Living. There will be some areas where larger residential lots are preferred and these may be zoned R5 Large Lot Residential. In other cases, land might be rezoned to provide more urban forms of housing, like we see in our existing suburbs or new release areas, recreation, commercial or employment. 

It is unlikely that any areas will remain as RU2 Rural Landscape.

Yes. If you have an approved use on the site, you have existing use rights.

No. Any decision to develop your property will be determined by the landowner.