Under the agreement, Huntlee will provide a financial contribution to council and comprehensive works in-kind in the form of public buildings, open spaces and a wide variety of facilities as part of the stage one development.

At council’s February 18 meeting, councillors voted to put the draft planning agreement on public exhibition for one month from February 25.

Facilities in Huntlee’s first residential village, Katherine’s Landing, which will be delivered to the community under the VPA include a childcare centre, extensive parks and playgrounds and sports fields.

Contributions will be made to Cessnock City Council to upgrade roads in North Rothbury, and more than $1 million is proposed to upgrade existing regional facilities, including Miller Park and the Branxton pool.

Another component of the stage one VPA is the dedication of more than 80 hectares of land in Katherine’s Landing for public use.

Huntlee project director Stephen Thompson said the $39 million commitment will deliver significant infrastructure that will benefit not only the residents of Huntlee but also those currently living in and around the surrounding townships.

“The items outlined within the stage one VPA will complement a range of additional facilities already planned for Huntlee,” Mr. Thompson said.

“These include the $10 million town park and lake and other public open spaces which will be a feature throughout Katherine’s Landing.”

Cessnock City Council acting general manager Gareth Curtis said the council is pleased to see such quality community spaces and infrastructure being created under the agreement.

“This is a great opportunity for the future communities of Huntlee and the Cessnock local government area,” Mr. Curtis said.

See the draft planning agreement here.