Working together to plan for a new era in the Tweed

The Tweed is one of the largest and fastest growing local government areas in regional NSW. With the NSW Government expecting a population of up to 112,244 people in the Tweed by 2041(External link), this could mean an increase of approximately 13,290 people on our current population of 97,151 (according to the 2021 Census). So, to help guide the future of housing and employment land for the next 20 years, Council has begun preparing a Growth Management and Housing Strategy.

Read more about population projections.

What is the Growth Management and Housing Strategy?

The Growth Management and Housing Strategy (GMHS) will establish a framework for sustainable development so that the Tweed is ready for the future. It aims to guide growth in a way that maintains our desirable lifestyle, strong community, unique character and environment and continues to offer opportunities for our residents to thrive.

The Strategy will provide a clear understanding of how housing supply and related employment generating opportunities will change over the next 20 years in the Tweed and will set out planning principles and policy goals that protect, maintain and respect our natural environment, community expectations, lifestyle and heritage values.

As we age, our housing needs change, the GMHS will look at where our increased and changing population will live and the types of housing that will be required to accommodate these different needs.

Many of us prefer working close to home, leaving more time to be at home with family and friends, it is good for our wellbeing and it is good for the environment. Given the ever-changing nature of our employment needs (especially since the COVID-19 pandemic) the GHMS will look at where potential employment land should be located to meet the changing needs of the community.

The GMHS will seek to make sure that growth and development does not adversely impact on the amenity, character and unique natural environmental values that the Tweed is renowned for. It will also consider constraints such as flooding and other natural hazards.

Have your say about how we manage growth in the Tweed

• Early stage consultation - completed
  We asked for your thoughts on what is important to you when it comes to housing and employment opportunities in the Tweed. This helped us understand what you most value about the Tweed today and what you hope it will be like 20 years from now.
  
  
• Public Exhibition - Draft Issues Paper - Tuesday 25 October to Monday 21 November 2022.
  The draft Issues Paper presents the key findings from the early stage consultation, a background review of the current planning and policy context and demographic and employment data. It is an important evidence base document that establishes the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing the Tweed Shire over the next 20 years, in the context of population and employment growth, and set the direction for the next phases of preparing the Growth Management and Housing Strategy.

Read the draft Issues Paper
Read the Supporting Material - Economic Assessment

• Industry Forum - May 2023 - Representatives from housing and employment industries were invited to provide feedback.
  
  
• Discussion Paper - Shaping the future of the Tweed. Open for public comment 15 November - 14 December 2023.
  
  Read the Discussion Paper
  
  (External link)
• Public Exhibition Draft Options Paper - February 2024. There will be a range of opportunities for the community to have a say throughout the exhibition period. Follow this project page to stay up to date.