12Principal objectives of the plan

12 Principal objectives of the plan

12 Principal objectives of the plan

The principal objectives of this plan are—

(a) To maintain the unique identity and values of the City as the “City within a World Heritage National Park”.

(b) To meet the needs of residents, visitors and the business community through the provision of an appropriate balance of land uses and built forms that respond to the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

(c) To conserve and enhance, for current and future generations, the ecological integrity, environmental heritage and environmental significance of the Blue Mountains.

(d) To identify and conserve the distinct Aboriginal and European cultural heritage of the built forms and landscapes of the Blue Mountains.

(e) To preserve and enhance watercourses, riparian habitats, wetlands and water quality within the Blue Mountains, the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchment and Sydney’s drinking water catchments.

(f) To prescribe limits to urban development having regard to the potential impacts of development on the natural environment and the provision, capacity and management of infrastructure.

(g) To limit exposure to bush fire hazards and to ensure that development of bush fire prone land incorporates effective measures that protect human life, property and highly valued environmental and other assets from bush fire, without unacceptable environmental impacts.

(h) To identify and retain the diverse built and landscape elements that contribute to the character and image of the Blue Mountains.

(i) To promote the provision of accessible, diverse and affordable housing options to cater for the changing housing needs of the community.

(j) To ensure that the social needs of existing and future residents are met through the provision of appropriate community facilities, open space and services.

(k) To provide sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen the local economic base by encouraging a range of enterprises, including tourism, which respond to lifestyle choices, emerging markets and changes in technology, while protecting local amenity, character and environmental values.

(l) To ensure that the siting and design of new buildings, facilities and structures intended primarily for public use make reasonable provision for safe and comfortable access to those buildings for all people, including older people, people with a disability and those with limited mobility.