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Goulburn's population is growing with an additional 7000 people expected by 2036. Council is responding to this growth through the release of land on the edge of the city to provide family homes and through increased residential density in and around Goulburn Central Business District (CBD) to provide for medium density housing options.
Increasing density in and around the CBD provides the opportunity to diversify our current housing stock and provide more 1 and 2 bedroom units in close proximity to the concentration of retail, services and facilities. This approach reduces the need for additional infrastructure and provides opportunities for greater levels of activity and footfall on the streets of the CBD, thereby improving the viability of local businesses and the vibrancy of the heart of the City.
The Goulburn City Heritage Conservation Area covers the CBD and its surrounds and the historic significance of this area and the heritage buildings within must be carefully balanced with increased density.
Increasing density in and around the CBD requires changes to the Local Environmental Plan which sets out zoning, heights, floor space requirements, lot sizes etc. It also requires changes to the Development Control Plan which provides detailed design guidance to be applied to new development applications.
Council is currently developing these changes with the aim of achieving:
A Diversity of Housing Types- Expanding the range and type of housing available by encouraging a greater number of smaller properties
Density in the City- Increasing the height and density of development in and around Goulburn CBD to make better use of our infrastructure and provide opportunities for residential flat buildings
Achieving Greater Affordability- Providing a flexible policy environment which incentivises the delivery of smaller and more affordable properties
Maintaining an Balance- Carefully balancing the needs of a growing population and the pressures of greater density with maintaining and enhancing Goulburn's historic character
The project is subject to an initial public exhibition period from 28th July 2025 until 22nd August 2025, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and provide feedback on proposed changes to planning controls that will guide the growth and evolution of the Goulburn CBD and surrounds.
The exhibition will be available to view at:
Council's Civic Centre, 184 Bourke Street, Goulburn between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulburn during showtimes on 1st, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th and 21st August 2025. Further information on the performance schedule and showtimes is available at: https://www.goulburnpac.com.au/Home
Further opportunity for the community to have their say will be provided at the formal Public Exhibition Stage of the Planning Proposal.
Goulburn's population is growing with an additional 7000 people expected by 2036. Council is responding to this growth through the release of land on the edge of the city to provide family homes and through increased residential density in and around Goulburn Central Business District (CBD) to provide for medium density housing options.
Increasing density in and around the CBD provides the opportunity to diversify our current housing stock and provide more 1 and 2 bedroom units in close proximity to the concentration of retail, services and facilities. This approach reduces the need for additional infrastructure and provides opportunities for greater levels of activity and footfall on the streets of the CBD, thereby improving the viability of local businesses and the vibrancy of the heart of the City.
The Goulburn City Heritage Conservation Area covers the CBD and its surrounds and the historic significance of this area and the heritage buildings within must be carefully balanced with increased density.
Increasing density in and around the CBD requires changes to the Local Environmental Plan which sets out zoning, heights, floor space requirements, lot sizes etc. It also requires changes to the Development Control Plan which provides detailed design guidance to be applied to new development applications.
Council is currently developing these changes with the aim of achieving:
A Diversity of Housing Types- Expanding the range and type of housing available by encouraging a greater number of smaller properties
Density in the City- Increasing the height and density of development in and around Goulburn CBD to make better use of our infrastructure and provide opportunities for residential flat buildings
Achieving Greater Affordability- Providing a flexible policy environment which incentivises the delivery of smaller and more affordable properties
Maintaining an Balance- Carefully balancing the needs of a growing population and the pressures of greater density with maintaining and enhancing Goulburn's historic character
The project is subject to an initial public exhibition period from 28th July 2025 until 22nd August 2025, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and provide feedback on proposed changes to planning controls that will guide the growth and evolution of the Goulburn CBD and surrounds.
The exhibition will be available to view at:
Council's Civic Centre, 184 Bourke Street, Goulburn between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulburn during showtimes on 1st, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th and 21st August 2025. Further information on the performance schedule and showtimes is available at: https://www.goulburnpac.com.au/Home
CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition has finished this stage
Gathering a range of information to establish the areas historic character, existing density, lot dimensions, various constraints such as flooding, proximity to services and potential developments sites.
Work has also been undertaken to determine parking capacity in the CBD and to understand occupancy levels and the overall health of the CBD.
Initial Community Survey
CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition has finished this stage
This survey seeks high level input from the community on the CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project with a focus on the 4 primary themes of Density, Diversity, Affordability and Balance.
Initial Report to Council
CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition has finished this stage
Council officers will present an initial report to Councillors with an outline of the proposed changes and request authorisation to proceed to prepare a planning proposal.
Initial Public Exhibition
CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition is currently at this stage
An opportunity for the community to visit the exhibition at the Civic Centre or Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, examine the proposed changes in detail, provide comment, complete a survey and/or speak to a planning officer.
Additional Report to Council
this is an upcoming stage for CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition
Council officers will present an additional report to council outlining community consultation, outcomes from stakeholder engagement and proposed amendments. Officers will seek confirmation to proceed to Gateway submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Prepare Planning Proposal
this is an upcoming stage for CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition
Once 'in-principle' support has been determined at a Council Meeting, the planning proposal report will be prepared for Gateway determination by the NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
Submit Planning Proposal for Gateway Determination
this is an upcoming stage for CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition
Upon completion of the planning proposal report this will be be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for its review against relevant State policy.
Gateway Determination
this is an upcoming stage for CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition
If the Gateway process determines the planning proposal meets state policy requirements a positive Gateway determination will be provided to Council to continue with the process.
Public Exhibition
this is an upcoming stage for CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition
Following a positive Gateway determination Council will consult widely with the community, stakeholders and State agencies to understand concerns and seek to address them through revisions to the proposal.
Final Report to Council
this is an upcoming stage for CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition
Submissions received from the public exhibition are summarised and presented to Councillors and any proposed changes to the planning proposal report highlighted.
If Councillors resolve to proceed with finialisation, the planning proposal will be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for the changes to the Local Environmental Plan to be implemented.
Gazettal of Changes
this is an upcoming stage for CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project- Exhibition
The Gazettal stage sees the implementation of the proposed changes to the Local Environmental Plan.