Tweed community invited to provide final feedback on 15-year draft growth strategy

THE Tweed community has been invited to provide feedback on a draft strategy that will guide growth, housing and employment planning across the region over the next 15 years.

Tweed Shire Council’s draft Growth Management, Housing and Employment Strategy (GMHES) is now on public exhibition, giving residents a final opportunity to comment on the blueprint before it returns to council later this year.

The strategy outlines where future growth should occur, what types of development should be supported and how growth can be coordinated with current and future infrastructure capacity.

Council’s general manager Troy Green said the strategy represents an important step in planning for the region’s future, but is a guide rather than a fixed set of rules.

“The draft Growth Management, Housing and Employment Strategy provides a clear direction for the years ahead where growth is planned with care, liveability is enhanced, communities remain connected and distinctive, and our internationally significant natural environment continues to support long-term sustainability,” Green said.

“We acknowledge that there are conditions and circumstances that will change but it’s important for us to have a document which guides decisions and priorities for the community.”

The draft strategy is a key deliverable of the Community Strategic Plan 2025–35 and incorporates technical planning informed by consultation with residents and stakeholders.

“After years of listening to the community, we’re now asking the most important question of all: ‘Have we got the balance right?’,” Green said.

Since 2022, more than 1,200 residents have contributed to the consultation process through market pop-ups, information sessions and more than 650 written submissions.

Feedback helped narrow 83 possible growth options to 19 Development Focus Areas (DFA) across Tweed Heads and surrounds, the Tweed Coast, Murwillumbah and the Tweed Rural Hinterland.

The strategy also groups each DFA into three defined growth pathways, with future development intended to progress alongside essential infrastructure.

Community feedback received during the exhibition period will help shape the final draft GMHES before it returns to council later this year.

Residents can submit feedback on the draft strategy until 31 August at 4pm.

Council will also host community information sessions throughout the Tweed during the exhibition period, allowing residents to learn more about the draft strategy and speak with staff.

To make a submission and see community information session times, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/growth