The TOD program was announced in 2023, six months after coming to Government, the first of a suite of planning reforms focused on building more homes, close to existing transport, jobs and services.

Despite initial pushback, including legislation from the Liberals to overturn the policy and some disgruntled Councils, the program is delivering real results with close to 20,000 homes in the pipeline including more than 4,400 already approved.

The TOD program is expected to deliver more than 170,000 homes over fifteen years,this means more homes for families, downsizers and essential workers close to transport, jobs, shops and services.

The Cockle Creek TOD precinct has unlocked up to 1,200 new homes in Lake Macquarie.

Key features of the Cockle Creek precinct include:

• at least 2 per cent affordable housing for developments 2,000 square metres or more
• buildings up to 8 storeys high, with allowance for taller buildings that meet design excellence requirements and include street frontages
• at least 2,000 square metres of non-residential floor space for childcare, health services, shops, offices and community spaces.

Housing is the number one cost-of-living concern facing NSW families today and as a result, we have more people leaving our state than coming in. On coming to office, forecasts showed NSW would build just 36,000 homes a year over the next 5 years.

Since then, the Minns Labor Government has introduced the most comprehensive set of reforms to housing in a generation, including the biggest set of rezonings in Australia’s history, including the TOD program, the Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy and the Housing Delivery Authority.

Last year, the Government overhauled the state’s nearly 50 year old planning legislation with the Planning System Reforms Act 2025.

Housing approvals are up 13.5 per cent this year compared to the previous 12 months and planning approvals are now 30 per cent faster.

Combined with our record $6.6 billion investment in 8,400 new social housing and world-leading Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, NSW recently recorded its highest number of homes under construction in seven years, leading the nation with more than 79,300 homes currently being built.

The Minns Labor Government is building better communities, with more homes close to transport and infrastructure so people can live in the communities they choose.

We worked closely with Lake Macquarie City Council to amend the planning controls and deliver more homes in the heart of Boolaroo.

For more information about the Transport Oriented Development program, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Unlocking housing growth around new and existing transport hubs is common sense.

“The Transport Oriented Development program is delivering great outcomes for families, downsizers and essential workers with close to 20,000 homes already in the pipeline.

“With all TOD controls now locked in we can get on with delivering more homes close to transport, jobs and services in communities people want to live in.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“Our region is growing and we’re ensuring that housing supply keeps up.

“Not only are we building more homes, but we’re building them where people want to live – near the jobs, schools, transport and infrastructure families rely on.

“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when all levels of Government work together and deliver the best outcome for our community.”