New map offers helicopter view of local development

A bird’s eye view of all development applications in Newcastle is now available online via an interactive aerial map on the City’s website.

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The map makes it easy for residents and interested parties to access information about current development applications (DAs), modifications, reviews and complying development certificates (CDCs), as well as all development determinations made in the 12 months prior.

Development locations are marked on a Google Earth-style map with a pin showing properties, street names, suburbs and local landmarks.

The coloured markers represent applications on exhibition (yellow), pending applications (blue) and those approved (green) or refused (red) in the past 12 months.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the map was a great way to see what development was underway in any part of the city.

“The map is a great convenience for residents and customers who previously had to search individual properties or streets on our website to obtain a list of proposed or approved developments,” the Lord Mayor said.

“For the first time, Novocastrians can, from the convenience of their phone or computer, scroll through an aerial map of developments across the city and see what’s happening and where.

“Users can also link to our development application tracker via the “more info” option when they scroll down in the pop-up box, which links to relevant documents, plans and application details.”

The map’s launch comes amid marginally increased development activity across Newcastle, despite the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City received six more development applications in the three months from March (332) than it did during the corresponding period last year (326).

“The number of development applications being lodged with the City of Newcastle this year is consistent with last year, including through the period since COVID-19 started to impact the economy,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Development applications for the three months were worth $141 million, which is estimated to sustain up to 830 local jobs.

“This indicates that there continues to be opportunities in the construction sector in Newcastle with a mix of development types - the majority on existing sites or home improvements.

“The HomeBuilder program, which is offering $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing one, may create further opportunities for the construction industry in Newcastle over the coming six to 12 months.”