The Stage 1 Project Application incorporates up to 2020 dwellings and up to 60 ha of employment lands.

According to Danny Murphy, Managing Director of LWP Property Group, who are managing the Huntlee project, “Subject to planning approval of this Project Application, works can commence by mid 2012. The first residents could be living in Huntlee by late 2013, easing the pressure of much-needed affordable housing in the Hunter. This timing would also coincide with the opening of the Hunter Expressway.”

Stage 1 of the $1.5 billion, 20-year Huntlee master planned development will involve upgrades to local road infrastructure including the re-alignment of a deadly black spot corner on Wine Country Drive just north of North Rothbury township.

A 2.5ha (8 acre) recreational lake and large community space will be created as part of the existing riparian corridor of Anvil Creek and will also serve a nutrient and stormwater function. Stage 1 also includes the development of extensive cycling and walking trails. “Huntlee will be the first development in the region to integrate cycling and walking into a town in such a comprehensive manner,” said Mr. Murphy.

The public will have until April 18 to comment on the Stage One Project Application, and we encourage them to do so,” said Mr. Murphy.

The Project Application will be on exhibition at Cessnock City and Singleton Shire Council offices and NSW Department of Planning (DoP) office in Newcastle, as well as on the DoP website.