The forum at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre included a feature presentation from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said land-use planning is an important part of building and preparing a community for future generations.

“We are often reminded that having a plan is important ahead of each bushfire season but what is not as well known, is that managing the risk of bushfires and other hazards is a fundamental part of the planning process,” he said.

“The NSW Rural Fire Service provided useful, practical and clear information about the different considerations and requirements relating to fire safety and risk mitigation from a planning perspective. 

The Department of Planning and Environment provided an overview of the recently-released Hunter Regional Plan and Cessnock City Council staff provided around 60 attendees with updates about current planning projects in the region.

This included an overview of the Cessnock Commercial Precinct project, which is looking at creating public areas that will meet the needs of our community now and into the future.

“This forum is a great opportunity to share feedback and information with stakeholders about our plans for the future,” Cr Pynsent said.

“It is also brilliant platform to share the latest news about local and regional planning matters and to focus on different aspects of the planning system that need clarification.”

If you are interested in attending a future forum, call council’s planning and environment team on 4993 4100.