Local Housing Strategy Review adopted

Published on 26 August 2026

Murray River Council has adopted its updated Local Housing Strategy 2026, providing a clear framework to guide housing growth and development across the region.

The strategy considers future housing demand, land availability and infrastructure capacity, establishing a staged approach to housing growth across Murray River Council’s towns.

The strategy was adopted at this week’s council meeting with small amendments that clarify the staging of future development and zoning considerations for specific areas of Moama.

Mayor, Cr John Harvie said the revised Strategy responds to significant population growth across the local government area and provides a clearer plan for future housing needs.

“Growth brings opportunities for our communities, but it is important that we plan for that growth carefully and make sure housing development is appropriately aligned with infrastructure and services.”

“This revised Strategy gives council and the community a stronger, evidence-based framework to manage growth in a coordinated and sustainable way.”

The Draft LHS Revision has been prepared in response to feedback from Council, NSW Government agencies and industry stakeholders that the 2023 Strategy lacked clear growth outcomes and policy direction.

“The updated document sets out where growth should occur, how it should be staged, and the type of housing we need to support a diverse and changing population,” Cr Harvie said.

“It also provides clearer guidance for developers and landowners while ensuring decisions align with Council’s long-term strategic priorities.”

The strategy has been informed by demographic and housing data, community feedback and consultation with NSW Government agencies, neighbouring councils, developers and other stakeholders.

The strategy also establishes a framework for monitoring housing supply and demand and reviewing the strategy every five years, allowing Council to respond to changing population, housing and infrastructure needs.

Community engagement was undertaken during the development of the strategy, including a 28-day public exhibition of the revised draft between December 2025 and February 2026. Feedback received during the exhibition period and subsequent stakeholder consultation was considered in preparing the final strategy.

Council will now seek final endorsement of the Strategy from Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).