The local strategy in its draft form is a snapshot of how the Manning Valley might look in 20 years and evolve for future generations.

It includes a focus on the changing population, sustaining and enhancing what people love about the region, opportunities for rural areas, and strategies to facilitate business growth.

With the approval of administrator John Turner, MidCoast Council will look to the local community to help create a vision that can become a long term "road-map".

"Rather than wait for a unified strategy, this local strategy will clearly show the planning vision for the Manning Valley and feed into future plans for the new Council? we need to plan now for the future, " said senior leader Planning and Environmental Services (Taree office) Richard Pamplin.

"The purpose of the local strategy is to give us clear priorities, and more specifically, by updating planning controls we're seeking greater flexibility in meeting the needs of our community as it grows and changes."

By 2036, it's anticipated well over one third of the Manning Valley population will be over the age of 60, and around two thirds of households will be couple-only or single-person households.

What this means is a need for different styles of housing, such as townhouses, units and retirement housing.

"Across NSW the target for this type of new housing is 40 per cent; we're currently sitting at around 16 per cent, so this market is very much under-represented," he said.

The local real estate market has also identified an immediate need for home units and apartment-style housing, with vacancy rates in the rental sector consistently under 1 per cent and waiting lists in place.

Along with plans that address future housing requirements, the draft Local Strategy explores a range of opportunities for farmlands and rural areas, where the "tree-changers" trend is already seeing a shift in landuse.

The long-term vision for the Manning Valley is one of growth and economic development, while protecting the natural environment.

Council's planning team has partnered with Manning Valley Business Chamber to consult with the local community and businesses while the draft plan is on exhibition.

"We'll also be visiting communities across the region to speak with people about this vision for the Manning Valley, and to discuss what needs to be included in our "road-map" to draw people and businesses to the area, and to provide a suitable range of housing and lifestyle choices.

"We want to ensure facilities and employment opportunities for young people are available to keep them in Manning Valley," Richard said.

The draft strategy will be open for review and feedback until Monday, June 27.

Visit www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au for more information.