Employment Lands Strategy

The purpose of an Employment Lands Strategy (ELS) is to provide an evidence base and strategic framework to guide planning and decision making for employment lands over the long-term.  

The Lithgow ELS will summarise the unique strengths, opportunities and challenges of the Lithgow local government area. It will also identify strategic directions and actions to ensure we have the right type of land in the right places to support existing and new businesses, now and into the future.  

Employment lands are lands that support employment generating uses. They also ensure that the functionality and well-being of urban areas are maintained through providing space for: 

• Essential urban services such as waste and water management, repair trades and construction services 
• Warehousing, logistics and last mile distribution centres 
• Areas for businesses that design, manufacture and produce goods and services 
• Businesses to increase their economic output and efficiencies through the effects of clustering 
• Businesses to supply essential services to meet the needs of the worker and resident population 

Employment lands are vital to ensuring and promoting the economic growth and sustainability of Lithgow and the wider region. 

The ELS is being prepared as part of an overall Growth Management Strategy to guide future planning and decision making over the coming decades. The ELS is part of Council’s commitment to supporting the growth and diversity of the local economy, to ensure our community has great places to work, visit and do business, now and into the future.  Key priorities for the ELS are to: 

• Further develop the land use planning strategies and actions outlined in the Emerging Economy Transition Plan (LEEP), Lithgow Regional Economic Development Strategy Update. Lithgow Land Use Strategy 2020-2030 (Chapter 12) and Lithgow 2040 Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS). 
• Provide an understanding of the key issues (enablers and barriers) for employment land in Lithgow through consultation with key stakeholders and landowners. 
• Identify the critical land characteristics and infrastructure required for the emerging target sectors relevant to Lithgow including but not limited to renewable energy, circular economy processes and advanced manufacturing. 

• Provide an in-depth critical analysis of existing employment land stock and precincts in Lithgow LGA to assess suitability and capability in terms of, but not limited to serviceability, infrastructure re-use, co-location and supply chain value capture, environmental and community factors and constraints. 
• Outline demand forecasts for employment land in Lithgow LGA with projected land release, take-up scenarios and sequencing. 
• Identify the quantity and location of sufficient employment lands across the LGA to meet the demand forecasts. 
• Identify the land use needs and planning framework required to support the growth of the eco-tourism and nature-based adventure tourism sector. 
• Ensure land use capability and suitability are considered in land use planning decisions. 

No. The ELS is a preliminary process aimed at gathering data and insights to inform future planning efforts. There will be no land use changes at this stage. 

The ELS aims to support businesses by creating an environment conducive for growth and development. Council will explore ways to assist existing businesses and attract new ones as part of this transition. 

In November, Council endorsed the State Government’s Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan Report 2023 (LEEP Report) which identifies opportunities for Lithgow’s economic diversification and growth, and a set of short, medium and long-term actions and objectives to activate new opportunities for the local economy. The LEEP report recommended a precinct planning approach for emerging sectors and sites, focusing on priority areas for immediate economic impact. Additionally, it suggested reviewing existing employment land zonings and potential sites to ensure they meet demand, are serviceable, utilise infrastructure effectively, and consider environmental and community factors. 

The ELS also aligns with actions outlined in the Lithgow 2040 Local Strategic Planning 2020 (LSPS), including:  

• [9.3] Actively engage and partner with owners of zoned employment lands to facilitate the availability of shovel ready land to the market. 
• [9.4] Audit and review employment lands to unlock redevelopment or infill opportunities. 

The 2012 Land Use Strategy is now somewhat dated. A standalone Employment Land Strategy will reflect the community’s aspirations outlined in the Local Strategic Planning Statement, LEEP project document as well as in recent engagement activities for the Community Strategic Plan 2030 (CSP) and Community Participation Plan. This review will also ensure our employment strategy aligns with DPHI’s  a guideline for local employment land strategies.