The Darkinjung Development Delivery Plan (DDP) sets out a pathway for how land owned by Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) could be used in the future.
The plan is part of a broader Aboriginal Land Planning Framework, which aligns Aboriginal land rights with the NSW planning system. It gives Darkinjung LALC a clear pathway to plan for land use that supports community needs, protects culture and delivers long‑term benefits.
The DDP was approved in December 2022 and is the first step in planning for new homes, jobs and opportunities on the Central Coast.
Where the plan applies
The plan covers 31 sites, (94 lots) across the Central Coast.
These sites were selected a full land audit. Most of Darkinjung’s land on the Central Coast is culturally or environmentally significant and will never be developed. The DDP focuses only on the sites that may have development potential, while still protecting important conservation areas.
It provides an overview of what each site might be suitable for, and the constraints that need to be considered.
What the plan doesn’t do
The DDP does not approve development or change zoning. It provides high-level guidance only.
Any future proposals or development applications will go through the usual assessment and community consultation process.
Why this plan is important
Darkinjung LALC is the largest non‑government landholder on the Central Coast. The plan supports their long‑term goals and reflects the intent of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, which helps Aboriginal communities build an economic base and address the impacts of past dispossession.
The plan helps Darkinjung LALC:
Plan for development that benefits their community.
Protect Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Create opportunities for new homes and jobs for the broader region.
The plan also supports Aboriginal self‑determination by helping Darkinjung LALC use its land in ways that benefit the local community. Any proceeds from development are reinvested into community programs, cultural heritage protection, affordable housing and other services.
How the plan fits into the planning system
The DDP must be considered when councils or the NSW Government assess planning proposals or development applications.
It also means:
- some proposals will be decided by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, not the local council
- Darkinjung LALC can request an independent review of planning proposals through the Strategic Planning Panel.
These pathways give Darkinjung LALC clearer, more consistent planning process and support transparent decision making.
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What's included in the plan?
The DDP includes:
- the LALC’s objectives for each site
- an overview of possible future uses
- environmental, cultural, economic and social considerations
- a program showing which sites may be looked at in the short, medium and long term
- individual site information sheets.
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What happens next?
The DDP is the starting point for future planning.
Next steps include:
- preparing detailed planning proposals
- ongoing work with Darkinjung LALC and Central Coast Council
- further community consultation.
The Department will continue to work closely with Darkinjung LALC and Central Coast Council to ensure cultural heritage, conservation and community outcomes remain central to future decisions.
More information
Information Centre
- Phone 1300 305 695
Central Coast Regional Office
- Phone: 02 4348 5000
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Level 3, 107 Mann Street, Gosford NSW 2250
- Mailing address: PO Box 1148, Gosford NSW 2250