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Published on 17 December 2025
Following community consultation and external assessment, Council’s Development Application for the Laffing Waters Master Plan has been approved.
On Tuesday 9 December, the Western Joint Regional Planning Panel assessed and approved the first Development Application for construction of the foundational infrastructure of the future Laffing Waters Master Plan development precinct.
Mayor Cr Robert Taylor commented on the value this development will bring to our growing region, with Council looking to commence the first phase of construction in the new year.
“What great news to receive to close out the year. Thank you to everyone in the community who provided feedback on the application back in August. These valuable submissions were all considered as part of the assessment process.
“Introducing close to 3,000 new homes to our city along with zoning for a new school and neighbourhood activity centre, the Laffing Waters development will greatly support the forecast population growth of Bathurst and attract young families to our region.”
“Council was fortunate to secure a $20 million grant for this project in late 2024 from the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (Restart NSW). Council has committed to also make a contribution to this project of approximately $6.6 million, to be funded from the Water and Sewer reserve, to assist with construction.
“In addition, the site previously received $100,000 under the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund for the Bathurst Regional Council Contribution Plan: Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct Project, which was completed in 2024.
“With the application approved, we are eager to get this project underway. Traffic models are currently being updated for the city, which will incorporate necessary road planning for the surrounding northeast pocket of town, and Council is set to call tenders for the Master Plan’s preliminary infrastructure works in the new year,” said Mayor Taylor.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said this is an important step forward for the Laffing Waters development which will provide thousands of new homes in this important regional centre.
“This Bathurst development will support the area’s continued growth, delivering new homes alongside essential roads, services and community facilities to create a great neighbourhood for families and young people.
“The Minns Labor Government has invested more than $20million to help Bathurst Regional Council accelerate the planning and supporting infrastructure for this project so more people can call Laffing Waters home sooner,” Mr Scully said.
For more information on the application and overall Master Plan, visit Council’s YourSay page, here: https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/laffing-waters
Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer
P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au