Sorell Council has confirmed long-term plans for a major new housing development, the Sorell East Growth Area, on a 160-hectare parcel of land located south of the Arthur Highway near the Sorell Bypass.
In a statement, Sorell’s Mayor said the development is a key part of council and state government strategies to increase the supply of accessible and affordable housing. The project is expected to deliver between 1,400 and 2,000 new homes, with development staged over time through to 2034.
The council has described the growth area as a well-planned initiative that has been in development for many years. A submission from Sorell Council to the Tasmanian Economic Regulator noted that the Sorell Local Government Area has had the highest rate of population growth in Tasmania between 2001 and 2023, with projections indicating this trend will continue. The new housing area is expected to support a population increase of between 3,200 and 4,500 people.
Beyond housing, the plan for Sorell East includes significant community infrastructure, according to the council. This includes provisions for new parks, open spaces, community facilities, and land set aside for local convenience retail. The council also noted that a new K-12 school and other services are being progressed for the area by the Catholic Archdiocese of Hobart.
The development is intended to create a more self-sustaining community by providing local services and employment opportunities, helping to reduce the need for residents to travel outside Sorell for work.
The council has emphasised that ensuring essential infrastructure is planned and funded upfront is a priority. This includes necessary upgrades to water and sewerage capacity to service the new homes, which requires significant investment from TasWater. The development is part of a broader strategy to manage growth in one of Tasmania’s fastest-expanding regions.