What is Gunyah?

Gunyah means “home” in the language of the Wiradjuri people. A name fitting for a place that has been designed in collaboration with the Traditional Owners of the land, and that aspires to expand housing accessibility and security in the Dubbo region.

A masterplan community

Gunyah is a masterplan community that will be developed in Dubbo’s North-West Urban Release Area. It will house up to 15,000 people on 580 acres of land, easing the accommodation pressures that the region’s projected population growth brings.

Masterplan development

North-West Precinct Community Pty Ltd engaged LatStudios, Marra+Yeh Architects, and a supporting design group to work in collaboration with Tubbah-Gah Traditional Owners and the Dubbo Regional Council to deliver the masterplan for the North-West Urban Release Area.

The development of the Masterplan was informed by a six-month design process, including:

  • A review of key policy and local planning documents to identify the relevant regional and local planning outcomes for the area

  • A site visit undertaken 17 - 18 October 2022 to assess the existing site conditions and identify opportunities and challenges presented by the site

  • A review of the current Urban Release Area plan, including how it achieves the strategic vision for Dubbo and identifying opportunities for how this vision may be achieved

  • Multiple rounds of stakeholder engagement

  • Regular design workshops.

people having a conversation

Community engagement

Community engagement sessions took place in early 2023. This was an opportunity to present the vision for the North-West Precinct and highlight our values and commitment to sustainability, cultural inclusivity and the community.

The engagement sessions facilitated open discussions and feedback from key stakeholders in the Dubbo community, including

  • Tubbah-Gah Traditional Owners and the Dubbo Local Aboriginal Lands Council

  • Environmental groups

  • Local creative and arts organisations

  • Landowners of Dubbo’s Urban Release Area

  • Renewable resources companies

  • Development and real estate companies

  • Social enterprises

  • Local sporting groups.

This valuable feedback was provided in line with the 4 core design values for the masterplan. This is how we listened:

  • people icon

    People

    We took a human-centred design approach, to understand the needs of a diverse community.
    Gunyah facilitates ageing in place.
    We work in close collaboration with the Traditional Owners and are committed to preserving Country.

  • nature icon

    Nature

    Gunyah is expertly planned around nature, harnessing the natural topography for sustainability, functionality and beauty.

    Native flora and fauna are celebrated through streetscape planting and preservation of the existing River Red Gums and waterway.

  • places icon

    Places

    We are crafting of a sense of place, identity and character through walkable, cyclable and accessible streets, a neighbourhood art strategy and a village centre at its heart.

    Gunyah will complement the existing amenities and heritage of the Dubbo we love.

  • community icon

    Community

    Gunyah offers residents mixed and affordable housing options near to work, schools and transport.

    Places to gather including, parks, a communal garden and community arts shed will strengthen the sense of belonging.