CBD & Surrounds Transformation Project

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 are 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

A survey has been conducted that was designed to get a snapshot on what the community of Goulburn consider important in relation to the four themes. These findings will now inform the focus and scope of the proposed changes going forward.

Further opportunity for the community to have their say will be provided at the Public Exhibition Stage of the Planning Proposal. Comments can also be submitted throughout the course of 2025 via email.

Respondents are encouraged to email comments to : Council@goulburn.nsw.gov.au