A lakeside community, greater choice in housing and thousands of jobs close to home underpin the final strategy for North Wilton, according to the NSW government.

Department of Planning and Environment’s acting deputy secretary, planning and design, Brett Whitworth, says the area has been rezoned to create a vibrant new bushland community, framed by green space and supported by a new school, local jobs and a local centre.

“The North Wilton Precinct will include up to 5,600 homes, made up of a mix of housing types to meet the needs of the community,”  says Whitworth.

“Older people, couples, singles, and families with children all have different needs and preferences when it comes to where they live, and we want to make sure they have greater choice,” he says.

Strategically located close to the Illawarra, North Wilton will also include 5,000 jobs for locals who live, work and play in the community.

The town of Wilton is located around 80km south west of Sydney CBD and has a population of 3080.

Whitworth says the precinct will be near the proposed new Town Centre that will create the opportunity for more jobs in a variety of industries including health, education, knowledge and professional services.

“The precinct will also include two schools, sporting fields and a local centre with a small supermarket, child care centre, open space and a community centre,” he says.

“A planned network of parks, rivers, bushland and tree-lined streets will make up more than 50 hectares of open space for the community to relax and play.

“As well as places for the community to enjoy, 360 hectares of environmentally- sensitive land is being protected through zoning to ensure the area’s unique environment and wildlife can be enjoyed for years to come,” he says.

 The plan has been guided by Wilton 2040, the Land Use and Infrastructure Implementation Plan for the entire Wilton Growth Area.