Maitland is on track to exceed 100,000 people within the next two years, cementing its status as one of the fast growing local government areas in the state.
The State of our City report reveals the Maitland local government area (LGA) has eclipsed the state government's annual population projections by more than 1300 people, welcoming roughly six new residents every day.
Maitland City Council general manager Jeff Smith said the region was at the forefront of housing development in the Hunter, with urban releases at Thornton North, Aberglasslyn, Lochinvar, Farley, Anambah and Gillieston Heights.
"We're geared to contribute approximately 25 per cent of the region's required dwellings over the next two decades," Mr Smith said.
"In fact, we're exceeding current housing approvals targets set by the state government.
"Our healthy supply pipeline of residential land ensures Maitland is well equipped to meet these targets, with an average of more than 1000 lots approved each year."
Maitland council was "punching above its weight" when it came to processing development applications, processing more than 900 in 2023/24 with an average lodgement timeframe of only four days - the second shortest average timeframe in the state.
"And in the first four months of this financial year, we've cut this average down to two days across 250 applications lodged," Mr Smith said.
Why is Maitland growing?
Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the region owed much of its growth to its central location and ample supply of land for greenfield developments.
"Maitland is very well located within the region; we're 30 minutes from Newcastle, Port Stephens, the vineyards and 40 minutes from the mines," Cr Penfold said.
The city also has growing Indian and Nepalese communities, many of who work in the healthcare sector.
"It's eye opening to go to their events and see the size of their communities all in one place celebrating their cultural festivities," Cr Penfold said.
"They're very supportive of each other, very engaged in the community and a great addition to the city of Maitland."
Council can't bear infrastructure burden alone
Maitland City Council is on a trajectory to exceed its initial projected population of 144,500 people by 2041.
To support the growth, council has set aside $60 million - or almost one-third of its budget - for a comprehensive infrastructure program.
But Cr Penfold said although council was doing what it could to meet housing targets right now, considerable government support would be required to keep pace long-term.
"The existing ratepayers cannot afford to pay for the supporting infrastructure on their own, we need grant support," he said.
"We spend too much time and resources begging and applying for money, when it should be evident to state and federal governments that we need support to cater for their accommodation growth targets."
