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A plan to address the Tweed’s growing population and associated housing and employment opportunities is progressing with an Options Paper to be finalised later this year.
The Options Paper - Growth Management and Housing Strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with Tweed residents in March and April this year, which heard from more than 1,200 people across four information sessions, nine drop-in opportunities and two online sessions across the Shire.
Director Planning and Regulation Denise Galle said the Tweed requires a diverse range of housing to meet the evolving needs of our growing and ageing population, with the Options Paper to guide development of the housing and employment land strategy in the next stage of the project, when the community will have further opportunities to provide input.
The community engagement – among the most extensive undertaken in the Tweed – included a range of conversations at local markets, shopping centres and key stakeholder presentations. Information was also shared through local media outlets, social media and targeted newsletters, while face-to-face presentations took place with local business groups, advisory committees, development industry stakeholders, ratepayer groups and community forums.
Online presentations were also hosted, while residents were invited to share their insights through an online survey, highlighting the community's active involvement in shaping this project.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to provide constructive feedback to our team on how they would like to see the Tweed develop into the future,” Ms Galle said.
“More than 635 submissions were received, highlighting the community's enthusiasm and interest in this area. The process has provided invaluable insights into the housing needs and preferences of our residents.
“We are committed to listening to this valuable feedback and look forward to transforming it into a Draft Strategy early next year.”
The Options Paper focuses on proposed changes for increasing housing diversity and density in areas already populated, as well as a range of growth opportunities for rural areas and greenfield sites.
Options provided for consideration included developments near public transit hubs, open space, retail and employment opportunities, plans to reduce car dependency and traffic congestion, combining residential, commercial and recreational spaces, rural villages and rural housing options, and locations for key worker accommodation.
Themes that dominated community response included flooding, preservation of amenity and character, exploring opportunities for rural village expansion and rural housing, as well as concern expressed about growth implications associated with traffic and parking.
Ms Galle said she was confident the Strategy, when developed, would meet the needs of the Tweed into the future.
“The aim of this Strategy will be to ensure sustainable growth and enhanced livability for all residents over the next 20 years, while creating employment opportunities close to home,” she said.
Once adopted by Council, the final Options Paper will form the basis for the Draft Strategy which will be exhibited for community feedback in 2025.
For more information and to follow the progress of this important project, register at yoursaytweed.com.au/futuretweed. Your voice matters!
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