“I am very pleased to say we now have in place all necessary approvals from both the state and Federal governments,” LWP Managing Director, Danny Murphy said.

“It has been a long and, at times, challenging journey but the additional time taken has allowed us to undertake even more rigorous planning to ensure we get everything just right with the Hunter’s newest and most exciting town.

“We have been working very hard behind the scenes to build the community which will be Huntlee with a focus on education, employment and recreation opportunities for future residents.

“At LWP, we pride ourselves on building communities, not subdivisions, and that is what we intend to do at Huntlee – create an outstanding town delivering the very best in 21st century living.”

Contracts on the first residential block of land in Huntlee were exchanged last month with Mike and Toni Stewart of Branxton taking out the honour of being Huntlee’s first land buyers.

In a remarkable coincidence, Mike and Toni and their children Ryley (10) and Kade (7) relocated to Branxton just under two years ago from their hometown in the north island of New Zealand – a lovely little town named Huntly.

“We couldn’t quite believe it when we heard this town was going to be called Huntlee,” Mr. Stewart said.

“Toni said ‘are we really going to move from Huntly to Huntlee?’

“I said, at least they are spelt differently.

“We’re all really excited about being the first to buy a block at Huntlee. We’re hoping to start building around September next year and we look forward to seeing the town taking shape around us.”

More than $30 million will be invested in Huntlee’s first village, Katherine’s Landing, to provide a range of facilities and services.

“In addition to quality parks and hike and bike trails, Huntlee will boast community centres, a child care centre and we will be making a $5millon contribution to a central library and youth centre,” Mr. Murphy said.

“The centrepiece will be a $10million Town Park, a lake and sports grounds adjacent to the upgraded Wine Country Drive.

“To assist the broader community, a $100,000 contribution is also being made available to upgrade Miller Park and the Branxton Aquatic Centre.

“A large number of small, medium and large-scale local and national display home builders have expressed a keen interest in being part of the first home display village in Huntlee which will be opened in late 2014.”

With a 20-year time frame, on completion Huntlee will comprise 7500 dwellings across four neighbourhood villages surrounding a 200-hectare town centre and retail precinct.

It represents a total investment of $1.5 billion and will generate 3000 permanent jobs and many more during the construction phase.