Defence Housing Australia is seeking approval to deliver a residential master planned estate of approximately 100 lots at the historic Fort Wallace site, with a second estate of 220 lots at Rifle Range.
Both estates will feature integrated bike paths, shared open spaces, picnic areas and scenic walkways through to nearby bushland and Stockton Beach.
DHA Acting Managing Director, Jan Mason, said it was anticipated DHA would construct new homes on half the sites to provide dwellings for Defence members and their families. The remaining lots will be sold on the public market.
Ms Mason said DHA was in the business of building communities and creating attractive places for Australian families to live, particularly our Defence families.
Two-storey houses and three-storey apartment dwellings are being considered in early concept designs for the site.
‘We recognise the historically important nature of both of these sites and the unique natural beauty of the Stockton area,’ Ms Mason said.
‘Wherever possible we want to retain heritage structures while creating appealing and sustainably efficient homes with great views of the ocean, dunes, river and bush.
‘Additionally we anticipate a significant economic boost for the Stockton area through these projects, both in terms of jobs during construction and the flow-on from having new residents living in the area.’
Ms Mason said DHA was liaising closely with Transport for NSW on likely road traffic impacts and current and future public transport needs.
‘At this stage, there are no changes being proposed for the surrounding street network,’ Ms Mason said.
‘Our community consultation process has already begun and will continue throughout the life of this project. Our goal is always to be open and transparent, to be aware of the local environment and create new communities that are welcomed by existing and adjoining residents.’
Ms Mason confirmed there was no commercial, retail or industrial development planned for either site.
‘Fort Wallace of course contains some wonderfully historic sites and it is our goal that these will be incorporated into the estate’s public areas,’ Ms Mason said.
‘At both estates we hope to improve public access to Stockton Beach via dedicated walkways.’
The next project community information session will be a drop-in session in front of the Stockton IGA, 53 Mitchell St, Stockton, on Thursday 11 August from 2.30pm to 6pm.
For media enquiries please contact:
Brendan Gullifer | Media Manager
Communication and Media | Defence Housing Australia
T. 02 6270 6025
M. 0421 040 098
media@dha.gov.au