When mention is made of Maitland’s rapidly growing population, it doesn’t take long for someone to caution that governments at all levels need to make sure this city is equipped to deal with the expansion.
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It appears the state government and Maitland City Council are taking that call seriously.
Now it’s time for us to have a say.
Maitland residents have a chance to lodge feedback about a new document that identifies infrastructure needs in the Lower Hunter for the next 20 years and pledges solutions to cater for the region’s growth.
The state government’s Hunter Regional Plan 2036 puts Maitland on centre stage.
And there’s little wonder, according to Maitland mayor Peter Blackmore (pictured), who says this city is key to the Hunter’s success over the next two decades.
The plan points out that the population of the Maitland local government area will jump by more than 26,000 to 104,850 by 2036, with 12,650 new homes and more than 6000 new jobs.
It lists priorities such as the development of a health precinct around the proposed new hospital at Metford and a land strategy for the increasingly important land around the Hunter Expressway.
Addressing flood risk and a focus on developing Central Maitland as a strategic hub in the Lower Hunter are also parts of the plan.
Cr Blackmore is understandably happy about the recognition given to Maitland in this important planning document.
And Maitland City Council is taking the worthwhile step of calling for public feedback to inform its own submission to the state government.
Given the strength of voice that council is likely to have throughout this process – being one arm of government talking to another – this is a valuable chance to contribute to Maitland’s future.
Through The Levee redevelopment, the revitalisation of the CBD and an ongoing focus on flood mitigation, Maitland Council has long had its eyes on many issues important to the city’s development.
But this document will be black-and-white recognition that the decision makers and those with their hands on the purse strings know what we need and when we need it.
So it’s also up to all of us to make sure we help build a Maitland for the future.
