Mudgee Town Centre Growth Strategy and Masterplan
Council is preparing the Mudgee Town Centre Growth Strategy and Master Plan to guide the growth and development of the town centre and surrounding areas over the next 20–30 years. It will establish a clear vision for how the town centre will grow, function and evolve while reinforcing its role as the region’s primary economic, social and cultural hub.
The project will identify the extent of the town centre and its transition areas and explore opportunities for increased building heights, mixed-use development and greater activation. It will also consider how a diverse mix of retail, tourism, professional services and housing can be supported while protecting Mudgee’s heritage character and sense of place.
The Strategy will be informed by analysis of existing land uses and planning controls, economic and demographic trends, infrastructure capacity and market demand. It will also consider walking and cycling connections within the town centre and links to surrounding areas, including the hospital precinct.
A master plan will identify preferred growth scenarios and an implementation framework, including potential changes to the Mid-Western Regional Local Environmental Plan 2012 and Development Control Plan, infrastructure priorities and staging.
In May 2026, Council received more than 800 responses through community and stakeholder engagement. Feedback provided valuable insights into growth and development, public spaces, access and movement, and town centre activation. However, views on appropriate building heights and the future scale of development varied.
Council is therefore seeking further feedback on the building heights and built forms people would or would not support in different parts of the town centre. This feedback will help refine the emerging ideas and ensure the Strategy and Master Plan balance the community’s aspirations with the town centre’s future growth needs.
Have your say
What is the Mudgee Town Centre Growth Strategy and Masterplan?
It is a long-term plan to guide how the Mudgee town centre grows and evolves over the next 20–30 years. It will set a clear vision for where new development, businesses and housing could be located.
Why is Council preparing this Strategy?
Mudgee is growing and changing. This Strategy will help ensure future growth is well planned, supports the local economy, and enhances the town’s character and liveability.
What area does the Strategy cover?
The Strategy focuses on the town centre and surrounding areas that support or transition into it, ensuring a coordinated approach to growth, movement and connectivity.
What changes could come from this Strategy?
The Strategy may identify opportunities for new businesses, more housing choice, mixed-use development, improvements to streets and public spaces, and potential changes to building heights in suitable locations.
Will this lead to high-rise buildings or impact Mudgee’s character?
The Strategy may identify opportunities for new businesses, more housing choice, mixed-use development, improvements to streets and public spaces, and potential changes to building heights in suitable locations.
Why is Council asking for community feedback and how will it be used?
Any changes will be carefully considered to respect Mudgee’s character, heritage and scale. Protecting what makes the town special is a key priority.
What happens next? Will planning rules change?
The Strategy itself doesn’t change planning rules but may lead to future updates to Council’s planning controls. Draft outcomes are expected in 2026, with further opportunities for community feedback before it is finalised.