FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY - NSW ...
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2006–31
FAR NORTH
COAST
REGIONAL
STRATEGY
This is the Far North Coast Regional Strategy. It applies to the
six local government areas of Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore,
Richmond Valley and Tweed, and is one of a number of regional
strategies that have been prepared by the NSW Department
of Planning. The Regional Strategy consolidates and builds on
previous planning work, including the Northern Rivers Regional
Strategy and local council settlement strategies. In developing
policies and actions to address the Region’s future growth, the
Strategy has also recognised the potential impacts on the Region
from the rapid growth of South East Queensland.
The purpose of the Regional Strategy is to manage the Region’s
expected high growth rate in a sustainable manner. The Regional
Strategy will protect the unique environmental assets, cultural
values and natural resources of the Region while ensuring CONTENTS
that future planning maintains the character of the Region
INTRODUCTION ................ INSIDE COVER
and provides for economic opportunities. In addition, future
growth will be managed by preventing the spread of coastal FOREWORD ...........................................1
development and encouraging the development of non-coastal THE FAR NORTH COAST
centres — ensuring adequate land is available and appropriately – A REGION OF VILLAGES.......................3
located to sustainably accommodate the projected housing,
employment and environmental needs of the Region’s population REGIONAL CHALLENGES ......................5
over the next 25 years. A VISION FOR THE FUTURE .................. . 9
The Regional Strategy, which incorporates the specific regional ENVIRONMENT AND
NATURAL RESOURCES .......................15
infrastructure requirements identified in the State Infrastructure
Strategy 2006–07 to 2015–16, will continue to inform future CULTURAL HERITAGE ...........................19
infrastructure investment priorities for the Far North Coast.
NATURAL HAZARDS .............................21
Infrastructure planning will take into account the broad planning
framework identified in the Regional Strategy, to ensure that SETTLEMENT
future population growth is supported by required services and AND HOUSING ......................................25
associated infrastructure. SETTLEMENT CHARACTER
AND DESIGN ........................................31
The key elements of the Strategy are represented on the
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
overall Regional Strategy map, supported by a series of more
AND EMPLOYMENT GROWTH...............35
detailed maps.
WATER AND ENERGY
The Regional Strategy represents the agreed NSW government RESOURCES..........................................39
position on the future of the Far North Coast. It will be the REGIONAL TRANSPORT ......................41
overriding strategic planning document for the Region, and has
IMPLEMENTATION ................................43
been prepared to complement and inform other relevant State
and local planning instruments. It is supported by a number of MONITORING AND REVIEW .................44
other documents including the Settlement Planning Guidelines,
APPENDICES
the North Coast Urban Design Guidelines and the Regional
Industry and Economic Plan. The Far North Coast Regional 1. Sustainability criteria ...........................45
Strategy applies to the period 2006–31 and will be reviewed 2. Extractive and mineral
every five years. resources ...........................................47
3. Major infrastructure projects ...............47
Far North Coast Regional Strategy
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Planning MAPS
December 2006
www.planning.nsw.gov.au
Far North Coast Regional Strategy.....12-13
Natural resources .................................14
ISBN 0-7347-5839-1
DoP 2006_033 Biodiversity ...........................................16
Photo credits: cover (tropical fruit), p. 2 (3rd from left), p. 44 courtesy Tweed & Coolangatta
Natural hazards ....................................22
Toursim Inc; p. 2 (2nd from left) and p. 31 courtesy Wil Rogers. Housing .................................................26
Disclaimer: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is Employment land ...................................34
correct at the time of printing, the State of New South Wales, its agents and employees,
disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of
Town and Village Growth Boundary
anything done or omitted to be done in reliance upon the whole or any part of this document. (sheets 1-6) .......................................... 48
THE LOWER
HUNTER IS THE
SIXTH LARGEST
URBAN AREA IN
F
AUSTRALIA.
Foreword
The Far North Coast of New The Strategy will now guide the In conjunction with a proposed
South Wales is one of the State’s Region’s land use over the next regional conservation plan, the
most attractive places to live and 25 years. In particular, it will Strategy provides for a balanced
holiday. It boasts a stunning ensure that future development approach to development and
coastline, more than 20 national caters for the housing and conservation. In short, it aims to
parks, vibrant town centres, employment needs of an extra 60 protect what is great about the
character-filled villages and a 400 people, while protecting the Far North Coast while allowing
hinterland area, which includes Region’s highly valuable natural for ongoing growth and prosperity.
both significant farmland and and cultural resources. The
valuable bushland. It is the most Strategy plans for 51 000 new
biologically diverse region in homes and 32 500 additional jobs.
the State.
The Strategy’s crucial role in
The Region is also facing major creating long-term planning
demographic changes, due to a certainty cannot be
high population growth rate and underestimated. It recognises the
a median age expected to rise need to protect the region’s
from 39 to 51 years by 2031. coastline from excessive
population pressure, provide
In March 2006, the draft Far affordable and appropriately-
North Coast Regional Strategy located housing, and diversify
was placed on public exhibition. and grow the Region’s
More than 110 submissions were economic base.
received, including responses
The Hon. Frank Sartor MP
from local councils and The final Strategy includes
environment, property and regional infrastructure projects Minister for Planning
community groups. The NSW outlined in the State Minister for Redfern Waterloo
Government has taken these Infrastructure Strategy (SIS), Minister for Science and
comments into account in which was released in May 2006. Medical Research
improving and finalising The Regional Strategy, and the Minister Assisting the Minister
this document. SIS, will be updated over time. for Health (Cancer)
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 1
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 2
THE LOWER
HUNTER IS THE
SIXTH LARGEST
URBAN AREA IN
1
AUSTRALIA.
The Region’s
diversity of lifestyle,
The Far North Coast
in combination ‘A region of villages’
with its wide range
of economic and The Far North Coast Region The Far North Coast is the most
covers an area of 10 293 square biologically diverse region in NSW
social opportunities, kilometres. The Region extends and the third most in Australia. The
is evident in from the Queensland border in Region’s 21 national parks (several
the north, south along the coast of which are World Heritage listed)
its variety of to Evans Head and west to help to protect this biodiversity as
Woodenbong and Tabulam. It is the well as to preserve its many scenic
local cultures traditional lands of the Bundjalung icons such as Mount Warning and
and individual Aboriginal Nation. its caldera, and Cape Byron. In
addition, the many public reserves
communities. These The current population is more than (over 1200) that comprise the
228 000 and since 2001 has been State’s crown reserve system add
communities, increasing by an average of 2500 to this network of public lands
people each year. The community
influenced by the lives in the three major regional
and contribute to the protection
of biodiversity and provision of
Region’s strong centres of Tweed Heads, Lismore open space.
and Ballina; the five towns
rural heritage and of Murwillumbah, Casino, The character of the Region has
Mullumbimby, Byron Bay and evolved in response to the
the richness of its Kyogle; 36 rural and coastal environmental and associated
natural environment, villages; 110 small villages and
numerous rural communities.
economic development influences
over the last 150 years. From the
provide the Around half of the Region’s
early timber industry and agricultural
beginnings to the more recent
foundation and population live in coastal or alternative lifestylers and sea-
non-coastal villages, smaller changers, the environment has
potential to further communities, hamlets and rural always been a major influence on
areas. It is a highly valued place
develop as a ‘region to live, a place for lifestyle change
the communities and economy of
the Region.
of villages’. and retirement.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 3
1 the far north coast
a region of villages
This is clearly seen in the • greater accessibility due to the THE FAR NORTH COAST
combination of environmental upgrading of the Pacific Highway. AT 2031
features and recreational
experiences that provides the The increased accessibility to The Far North Coast at 2031 is
Region with an opportunity to further South East Queensland due to expected to be characterised by a
develop as a widely recognised improved transport routes may series of contained centres, a
domestic and international tourism result in an increased number of coastal area protected from
destination. people moving to the Far North inappropriate development, and
Coast for a new lifestyle, more growing towns and villages across
Since the high population growth affordable housing and business or the Region. A connected network
of the 1980s, coastal areas of the employment opportunities. of towns and villages will provide a
Region have continued to grow at choice of well designed housing
a moderate rate, while growth in and associated lifestyles.
the hinterland areas has been low
A village in the Far North Lismore and Tweed Heads will
or static. The largest population
Coast means a place that: continue to be the major regional
increases have been in the coastal
centres, with Ballina also emerging
local government areas of Tweed,
• is a relatively small ‘stand as a major centre. Coastal towns
Byron and Ballina. Due to its
alone’ settlement (generally such as Byron Bay, known as a
proximity to the high growth area
walkable) or may comprise national and international tourist
of South East Queensland, the
the outlying suburbs of destination, will have retained their
urban coastal areas of the Tweed
larger centres village character while still providing
Shire have demonstrated the
a gateway to many regional assets
strongest growth in the Region • has developed its own and attractions. Other towns and
over the past decade. distinctive image because villages such as Casino, Kyogle,
of a historical and/or Uki and Bangalow will be
The Regional Strategy plans for
geographical location recognised as places offering an
an overall population of 289 000
by 2031. This represents an alternate lifestyle.
• has a strong relationship
additional 60 400 people or a with its surrounding More people will be living in and
26% increase for the period environment adjacent to centres, close to jobs,
2006–31. The Region’s shops, services and leisure and
population is also ageing, with • generally has a small vibrant
recreational facilities. It is planned
the proportion aged 65 years or mixed use commercial,
that the transport network will be
more expected to more than retail and residential
improved, particularly in urban
double by 2031, while the precinct at its centre
centres, and increased and varied
proportion of young people is surrounded by small-scale
employment opportunities will
projected to decline to 14%, residential development
be available.
leaving just 54% of the population
• has a strong sense of
in the working age group. Areas of high environmental and
community.
landscape value such as Mount
The key drivers of growth in the Far Warning and its caldera and the
North Coast Region include: Coastal Area (which covers land
east of the Pacific Highway and the
• in-migration from the Sydney
urban areas, coastal estuary and
Greater Metropolitan Region
lakes of Tweed Heads) as well as
and other areas of NSW
key natural resources will be
• population flow from protected for future generations.
South East Queensland
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 4
THE LOWER
HUNTER IS THE
SIXTH LARGEST
2
URBAN AREA IN
AUSTRALIA.
Regional challenges
For the Far North Coast to retain The Region is rich in natural and estuaries), biodiversity and
its creative and vibrant culture resources such as timber, landscape values
and rich natural assets, careful groundwater, extractive resources
management of its future growth and productive soils. These • improve understanding of
and relationship with South East resources are an important part of Aboriginal and European
Queensland is required. The the regional economy and require cultural heritage values and the
Region faces the following key careful management. Protection incorporation of this information
environmental, population and of productive farmland from within land use planning and
housing, and economic challenges. development pressures is one such natural resource management
natural resource imperative. It is processes
critical to keep farmland intact in
ENVIRONMENT • ensure sustainable
suitable locations to ensure a viable management of, and access
The Far North Coast is recognised agriculture industry for the future. to, natural resources, and
for its significant environmental
Some areas in the Region are protection of rural landscapes
values. This can be attributed
subject to natural hazards such from increased settlement
to its wide variation in climate,
altitude, landform and geology, as acid sulfate soils, flooding, and • ensure better understanding
which supports a diversity of flora coastal inundation and recession. and management of natural
and fauna. Future population The potential impacts associated hazards, including flooding,
growth, particularly in coastal with these hazards on regional coastal erosion and inundation
areas, will put further pressure development needs careful (including the impacts of
on these fragile environments. consideration. climate change on these), land
Proper consideration and improved instability, bushfire and acid
The environmental challenges of
management of these areas of high sulfate soils.
the Region are to:
biodiversity and scenic amenity is
vital if the Region’s highly valued • improve protection and
environmental assets and cultural enhancement of environmental
heritage are to be protected for assets (including wetlands,
future generations. littoral rainforest, koala habitat,
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 5
2 regional
challenges
POPULATION AND The make-up of the Region’s requirements of changing household
HOUSING population is also changing. Over structures, particularly an increase in
the next 25 years the median age one and two person households.
The Regional Strategy is based of the population is projected to
on a projected regional population increase from 39 years to 51 years By 2031, an additional 51 000
increase of 60 400 from 2006 to due to more than doubling of the dwellings will be required to
2031 as derived by the Department population aged 65+ years and a house this growing and changing
of Planning’s Transport and declining proportion of young people population.
Population Data Centre. (aged between 0 and 14 years). The population and housing
This will increase the demand for challenges are to:
A continuation of current trends
seniors living housing as well as for
would result in the greatest future
local services and amenities such • manage the expected population
population growth pressure
as public transport, health care and growth in a way that retains
occurring around the major regional
recreational facilities. village character, enhances a
centres of Tweed Heads and
sense of community, limits the
Ballina and within the other coastal Together with the general decrease spread of urban development,
settlements east of the Pacific in the size of households, this and minimises damage to
Highway. In order to support and change in the Region’s age structure environmental values and rural
maintain the development of non- and workforce will have implications production
coastal settlements it is therefore for the types of dwellings likely to
necessary to reduce the coastal be required in the future. There will • support the development of
population growth pressure. be a greater demand for diversity non-coastal centres
in housing form to match the
Historic and projected populations
Far North Coast 1976 to 2031 South East Queensland 1976 to 2031
1976
1981
1986
1989
1992
1995
1998
2001
2004
2007
2010
2013
2016
2019
2022
2025
2028
2030
2031
1976
1979
1982
1985
1988
1991
1994
1997
2000
2003
2006
2009
2012
2015
2018
2021
2024
2027
2030
2031
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 6
• provide a framework for the ECONOMY opportunities for the growth in
planning of new infrastructure employment there is a need to
and facilities for the growing Rapid population growth and strengthen economic activity
and ageing population a growing number of tourists and associated employment in
visiting the Region has resulted existing industry sectors as well
• provide choice in housing form in a change from an economy as encouraging diversification into
and affordability in appropriate dominated by agriculture to one new and emerging opportunities.
locations that responds to now dominated by service sector The Regional Industry and
changing demographics and industries (84%), and manufacturing Economic Plan (2005) prepared
the associated reduction in and construction (12%). by the Northern Rivers Regional
household occupancy rates Development Board has identified
Employment opportunities are
• ensure that new development greatest in the retail, hospitality and tourism, education, creative
reflects and enhances the tourism, education and health sectors industries, horticulture, health,
character of the settlement in with employment also in agriculture, aquaculture, residential development
which it is located and is based forestry and fishing. There is currently and construction, forestry, meat and
on best practice urban design an under-representation of jobs in dairy, and transport as key industry
principles. property and business services and sectors with growth opportunities.
finance and insurance. The Regional Industry and Economic
Plan compliments the Outcomes
It is estimated that at least 32 500 and Actions of the Regional Strategy.
new jobs will be required as a
result of the projected population Economic growth must be balanced
growth. In order to create sufficient with conserving the Region’s natural
Age structure for the Far North Coast, 2006-31
12000 12000
Males Females
2006 2031 2006 2031
10000 10000
8000 8000
6000 6000
4000 4000
2000 2000
0 0
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-59
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-59
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
85+
0-4
5-9
0-4
5-9
Age Age
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 7
2 regional challeges
environment and heritage assets existing and emerging natural resources on which
and preserving the character industries and businesses these industries depend
of the villages and the lifestyle
for residents. A commitment to • ensure that the planning system • support and strengthen the
sustainability, productivity, creativity facilitates the development of Region’s economic base by
and innovation is fundamental these lands implementing the specific
to the Region’s economic future, strategies and actions identified
• ensure future employment lands in the Regional Industry and
particularly in order to foster are located to take advantage
tourism opportunities. Economic Plan for the Northern
of the transport network offered Rivers (NRRDB 2005).
The economic challenges are to: by upgrades to the Pacific
Highway and other major roads
• ensure sufficient employment in the Region
lands are available in
appropriate locations to • utilise the Region’s reputation
accommodate growth in to build on the key industry
sectors while protecting the
SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND
The South East Queensland to this high growth area, the regional some immediate and short- to
Regional Plan 2005–2026 (2005) economy is closely linked to that of medium-term shortages of industrial
is the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland. land. This presents an economic
plan for sustainable growth for the opportunity for the Region as
Queensland region that stretches Current data indicates that a investors and businesses looking for
north from the NSW border to large number of Far North Coast affordable land with good access
Noosa and west to Toowoomba. Region residents (especially from to local, national and international
Tweed Shire) rely on South East markets may capitalise on the
By 2031, based on current trends, Queensland for employment and capacity of the Far North Coast to
the population of the NSW Far services. Conversely, the Region accommodate this potential growth.
North Coast Region will have grown is increasingly used by South
by 60 400 people. Over the same East Queensland residents for Rising land prices and increased
period, South East Queensland is recreational activities, daytrips and congestion in South East
projected to grow by 1.1 million short stays. This has a significant Queensland could also see people
people (about 22% of Australia’s and growing impact in terms of both moving from areas such as the Gold
population growth). Of this growth, the provision and use of State and Coast to the NSW Far North Coast
it is expected that about 300 000 local infrastructure, particularly in the for the lifestyle, and more affordable
more people will reside in the directly coastal areas of Tweed and Byron housing and business locations.
adjoining areas of the Gold Coast shires.
and Beaudesert in addition to the Although this additional business
530 000 people who currently The proposed further upgrades to (including tourism) may mean a
live there. the Pacific Highway will improve stronger regional economy, unless
cross-border accessibility, providing effectively managed it will also put
This projected growth for South East opportunities for the regional additional pressure on biodiversity
Queensland will have a significant economy. The Queensland values and adversely impact on the
influence on the Far North Coast. Government has recognised Region’s character.
Due to the proximity of the Region that South East Queensland has
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 83
A vision for the future
A healthy, prosperous and sustainable future for the diverse
communities of the Far North Coast Region
HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS: SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: DIVERSE COMMUNITIES:
People and the natural Recognising the links between The people of the Region are not a
environments are physically our economy, environment and homogenous group. Communities
healthy, and there is a high level quality-of-life—now and in the may be defined by physical
of mutual trust, cooperation and future. Ecologically sustainable boundaries (such as river valleys)
support within communities. development and economically and or by characteristics (such as
socially sustainable development lifestyle).
are synonymous. For a sustainable
future, this Strategy strives for
a balance between economic,
environmental and social goals.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 93 a vision for
the future
THE COASTAL AREA
The Regional Strategy identifies Area, leading to further pressure The Regional Strategy will
a ‘Coastal Area’ that generally on existing infrastructure services, result in the establishment of
comprises land east of the Pacific farmland and sensitive coastal ’green breaks’ between coastal
Highway alignment 2006 and the environments. settlements to effectively protect
urban areas of Tweed Heads (see important coastal biodiversity and
Far North Coast Regional Strategy The Regional Strategy will reduce to help strengthen the ‘region of
Map). This area, which includes the proportion of additional villages’ concept. One of these
areas of high biodiversity (e.g. dwellings in the Coastal Area to green breaks will be the strip of
significant vegetation, estuaries, 60% by limiting future development coastal vegetation and heathland
coastal wetlands and lakes) and to within the mapped Town and that stretches from Broken Head
important natural resources (e.g. Village Growth Boundaries. This to Lennox Head. Similarly, this
coastal aquifers and high value will ensure a more even spread of approach will also help protect the
farmland), has been subject to the population across the Region and Cudgen Plateau, which is identified
greatest growth pressures. Much assist in strengthening the growth as State significant farmland, the
of this area is also subject of non-coastal towns and centres. littoral rainforests at Bogangar and
to natural hazards including This action will also ease Wooyung, paperbark swamps
flooding, coastal inundation, development pressure on some around Brunswick Heads, and old
erosion and recession. of the State’s most prized growth forest near Billinudgel and
environmental assets, including the Round Mountain.
If current trends were to continue,
around 75% of the Region’s coastal estuaries and lakes within
future additional housing would the Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond
be located within this Coastal and Evans catchments.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 10THE STRATEGY AT A GLANCE
The Regional Strategy is an • Protect the coast from • Ensure the provision of
initiative of the NSW Government overdevelopment by adequate land for new
to guide sustainable growth identifying a Coastal Area business and industry that is
across the Far North Coast (generally east of the Pacific well linked to transport and
Region. The aims of the Strategy Highway and including services, takes advantage
are to: Tweed Heads urban areas of the opportunities arising
— as shown on the Strategy from the upgrading of the
• Identify and protect important Map) which limits the spread Pacific Highway and which
environmental assets, of urban development by will support the creation of the
landscape and cultural values reducing additional future projected additional 32 500
and natural resources. housing within this area from jobs needed in the Region.
• Limit development in places around 75% (based on current
trends) to around 60%. • Contain areas for potential
constrained by coastal future development to within
processes, flooding, wetlands, • Ensure the 51 000 new the Town and Village Growth
important farmland, and homes expected to be built Boundary. (See detailed map
landscapes of high scenic, by 2031 are provided in a Sheets 1–6.)
cultural and conservation variety of suitable locations,
value. and offer a choice in form and • Require that any development
affordability. proposals for greenfield sites
• Cater for the extra 60 400 west of the Coastal Area
people expected to be living • Provide appropriately located and outside of the Town and
in the Region over the next 25 rural residential opportunities Village Growth Boundary
years—a population increase around existing settlements be subject to satisfying the
of 26%. (excluding the Coastal Area Sustainability Criteria (see
• Allocate 35% of future housing unless part of an approved Appendix 1)
to the three major regional rural residential release
strategy). Where development or rezoning
centres—Tweed Heads, increases the need for State
Lismore and Ballina—and • Encourage growth of non infrastructure, the Minister
reinforce their role as coastal towns and villages by for Planning may require a
employment and service identifying potential lands for contribution towards the provision
centres. new housing and industry to of such infrastructure.
boost local economies without
compromising environmental
values or quality of life.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 11FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY MAP
NATURAL RESOURCES MAP FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 14
4
Environment and
natural resources
BACKGROUND such as the Mount Warning resources. Ensuring land use
caldera and Cape Byron provide a planning objectives address the
The combination of highly fertile backdrop to much of the Region. objectives of the Catchment Action
basaltic soils, a climate that varies Plan and those of other natural
from humid sub-tropical to warm The Region is also rich in natural resource management plans,
temperate and relatively high resources that have supported such as Water Sharing Plans and
rainfall forms the foundation for the the development of a variety of Estuary Management Plans, is
Region’s significant environmental rural industries over many years. important in achieving long term
values. These values are not only a The rural landscapes shaped by environmental sustainability.
defining feature of the Region, they these industries, which are also
are also important to its economy. highly valued by the community, Those parts of the Region with
contribute much to the ‘feel’ of the environmental, landscape and
The Brunswick, Richmond and Region. agricultural production values are
Tweed catchments of the Far North shown as ‘Environmental Assets
Coast Region provide the basis Protection of these areas of and Rural Land’ on the Regional
on which its environmental values high biodiversity value and Strategy Map. These areas are
are built. The wetlands, rivers, productive natural resources protected from urban development
floodplains and estuaries of the from development pressures is a other than appropriately planned
Region are important at both the major outcome of the Strategy. rural residential development. This
regional and international level. In building on this essential land classification comprises land
They are vital to a wide variety of outcome, the Northern Rivers with one or more of the following
species, including many threatened Catchment Management Authority attributes or values:
plants and animals as well as has developed a Catchment
migratory birds recognised by Action Plan that includes • existing national park, state
international agreements. regional investment priorities for forest or crown public reserve
funding of community projects
The scenic quality of the diverse and government programs • State or regional environmental
landscapes of the Region is also to rehabilitate and enhance and/or biodiversity conservation
highly valued. Iconic landforms environmental values and natural significance
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 15BIODIVERSITY MAP FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 16
• strategic or regionally significant it will be designed to minimise Rural subdivision will not be
interurban break or corridor impacts or provide offsets by permitted to fragment valuable
protecting and enhancing the long farmland and reduce its productive
• natural resource, including term viability of priority vegetation potential.
State or regionally significant and habitat corridors, as well as
farmland, regionally significant rehabilitating degraded priority Land with high environmental or
extractive resources, private areas. Infill redevelopment will natural resource values will be
forestry plantations, water be encouraged and controlled to protected enabling the effective
catchment, water storage and ensure additional pressure on the management of this land in
groundwater resource. environment is minimised. a manner consistent with the
Regional Strategy and the Northern
All land classified as Environmental The values and functions of riparian Rivers Catchment Management
Assets and Rural Land maintains (river) corridors, coastal wetlands, Authority’s Catchment Action Plan.
its existing land use rights. This will lakes, estuaries and fishery habitats
ensure the continuation of current will also be protected. Town water supply catchments
activities, including agricultural and significant aquifers will be
production, access to natural While future rural residential protected by ensuring that only
resources, water storage, tourism, development will be located in the compatible uses occur in these
outdoor recreation and nature Environmental Asset and Rural catchments. Adverse impacts on
conservation. Land area, it will be appropriately water quality will be reduced. The
planned and developed in values and functions of riparian
accordance with agreed council corridors and coastal wetlands will
OUTCOMES
strategies. This will ensure be protected.
The Strategy recognises the that the Region’s biodiversity
importance of the Region’s natural values and natural resources,
environment and natural resources
ACTIONS
including groundwater/surface
to its economy and character, as water resources, farmland and • Local environmental plans will
well as to its scenic and cultural extractive resources, will be protect and zone land with
values. The Strategy will ensure protected through the provision State or regional environmental,
local environmental plans protect of appropriate buffers when agricultural, vegetation, habitat,
these areas from future urban and development occurs near these waterway, wetland or coastline
rural residential development. resources. In addition, limits on values.
the growth, due to rural residential
The Strategy supports the • Local environmental plans
subdivision, of basic landholder
maintenance and enhancement will not zone land within the
rights to extract water for stock
of the Region’s biodiversity. Urban Environmental Assets and
and domestic purposes will further
development will be directed Rural Land area to permit
protect water resources and
away from areas considered urban purposes, other than
improve security for licensed water
important for conservation. Where rural residential development.
users.
development, including new land Existing and future rural
release, may impact on biodiversity, residential development will
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 174 environment and
natural resources
be located in this area, but not • Local environmental plans
where it conflicts or coincides will include provisions to
with the attributes or values encourage habitat and corridor
listed above. establishment in future zoning
of Environmental Assets and
• Local environmental plans Rural Land area.
will identify and zone land of
landscape value (including • Local environmental plans
scenic and cultural landscapes) will include provisions to limit
to protect those values. the creation of additional
water rights on land fronting
• Local environmental plans will watercourses.
protect land identified as having
extractive resources of regional • Local environmental plans will
significance (see Appendix 2). not rezone land within town
water supply catchments and
• New development adjoining or significant groundwater areas if
adjacent to farmland, extractive this has the potential to reduce
resources, waterways, the quality and quantity of these
wetlands, and areas of assets.
high biodiversity value will
incorporate buffers to avoid • Rezoning of land for future
land use conflict. development within the
catchments of coastal lakes
• The Department of Primary (as defined in Schedule 1 of
Industries and the Department State Environmental Planning
of Planning will assist Policy No. 71—Coastal
local government with the Protection) will consider the
development of appropriate recommendation of any Coastal
subdivision standards for rural Lake Sustainability Assessment
zones. which has been prepared.
• Local environmental plans will: • Subdivision and dwelling
> include minimum subdivision standard provisions in local
standards for rural and environmental plans will reflect
environment protection the objectives of the relevant
zones zone and the Regional Strategy.
> include provisions to limit • A Regional Conservation Plan
dwellings in the rural and prepared by the Department of
environmental zones Environment and Conservation
will guide local councils in
> not include provisions implementing conservation
to permit concessional outcomes.
allotments.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 185
Cultural heritage
BACKGROUND the Region were cedar-getters. cultural importance to Aboriginal
The subsequent establishment communities.
At the time of first European of grazing and cropping areas
contact, about thirteen clans was directly associated with the The identification, recording and
lived within the boundaries of the landscape, soil and vegetation protection of cultural heritage are
Bundjalung Nation. The Bundjalung attributes that existed at that time. important for current and future
Nation encompasses all of the generations.
Far North Coast Region and The evidence of early pastoral and
extends from the Clarence River agricultural uses is also gradually Much of the heritage significance
in the south to the Logan River being changed or lost to new of this Region is not acknowledged
in the north and to the foothills of activities such as specialised in existing planning instruments
the Great Dividing Range in the horticulture, alternative lifestyle and an objective of this Strategy
west. Many areas and landscape and development that caters for is to achieve a more complete
features of important cultural the needs of more recent settlers, protection for these places. This
significance that are now known by retirees and tourists. will allow their significance to be
European names had already been respected and conserved within
named by Aboriginal people long The heritage values of the Far the context of the Region’s
before European arrival, e.g. Mount North Coast Region reflect the ongoing development.
Warning was known as Wollumbin, geographic, historic and social
influences that have shaped its
which means ‘cloud catcher’. OUTCOMES
settlement and development. The
Significant evidence of the original resource rich areas of the Region, The importance of the historic
ownership and occupation of the such as its estuaries, river valleys cultural landscapes of the Region
land by the Bundjalung People has and coast, have had a significant and their contribution to the Far
survived, often with the physical influence on Aboriginal settlement. North Coast’s unique sense of
and landscape modifications due Coastal land, estuaries and marine place are recognised and protected
to later European occupation. resources were, and still are, of throughout the planning process.
The first Europeans to settle in major economic, spiritual and
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 195 cultural heritage
All places, precincts, landscapes ACTIONS
and buildings of historic, scientific,
cultural, social, archaeological, • Councils are to ensure
architectural and aesthetic that Aboriginal cultural
significance to the Region are and community values are
identified and protected in planning considered in the future
instruments. planning and management of
their local government area.
Future development proposals are
compatible with the underlying • Councils and the Department of
heritage values of the location. Planning will review the scope
and quality of the existing
The sympathetic conservation of statutory lists of heritage items
heritage assets is encouraged and ensure that all places of
through detailed design significance are included in
requirements in appropriate the heritage schedules of local
planning documents and environmental plans.
strategies.
• The cultural heritage values
of major regional centres and
major towns that are to be the
focus of urban renewal projects
will be reviewed, with the aim of
protecting cultural heritage.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 206
Natural hazards
BACKGROUND Existing and future development The Coastal Protection Act 1979
within the Region faces varying now requires that councils prepare
Parts of the Region are subject to degrees of risk from natural hazards. Coastal Zone Management Plans
natural hazards and processes that The potential for these risks to using the NSW Government’s
can pose risks to life and property, increase under climate change Coastal Zone Management
including: (including sea level rise) must be Manual. These management
• flooding considered in any assessment of plans should form the basis for
new developments within Town and the consideration of impacts
• coastal hazards involving beach Village Growth Boundaries. on proposed rezoning, new
erosion, shoreline recession, land releases, and on existing
coastal inundation, and slope In February 2006, the Council of development in areas subjected
and cliff instability Australian Governments announced to coastal hazards. The Regional
its Plan for Collaborative Action on Strategy requires that, in the
• bushfire hazard Climate Change. The Council of absence of a gazetted Coastal
Australian Governments’ Climate Zone Management Plan, councils
• disturbance of acid sulfate soils
Change Group is now currently consider the impact for any future
• landslip preparing the National Climate development in coastal locations of
Change Adaptation Framework. the relevant issues as identified in
• climate change impacts and
Adaptation is a way of preparing for the Manual.
the potential increased risks
associated with sea level rise, a changing climate to manage the The Floodplain Development
flooding and coastal hazards. risks and maximise opportunities. Manual (NSW Government 2005),
Long term climate change is likely which covers the management of
These susceptible areas are often to present new challenges that flood liable land (in accordance
also subject to some of the Region’s will demand careful analysis and with section 733 of the Local
greatest development pressures. innovative solutions. Government Act 1993) defines the
Government’s Flood Prone Land
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 21NATURAL HAZARDS MAP FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 22
6 natural hazards
Policy. The primary aim of the policy Development in areas subject • Local environmental plans will
is to reduce the impact of flooding to these natural hazards is to make provision for adequate
on landowners and property. be assessed according to the setbacks in areas at risk from
strict criteria specified in both the coastal erosion and/or ocean-
The Far North Coast Region Floodplain Development Manual based inundation in accordance
has experienced many severe and Coastal Zone Management with Coastal Zone Management
floods. The Regional Strategy Manual. Plans. Until these plans are
requires that councils incorporate made by the Minister for Natural
processes and planning provisions The Department of Planning will Resources, councils cannot
in their local environmental plans support the capacity of local zone land or approve new
consistent with the Government’s councils and the catchment development or redevelopment
Floodplain Development Manual. management authority to plan for in potential hazard areas,
climate change. unless assessed within a
Similarly, the management of acid
sulfate soils must be undertaken risk assessment framework
in accordance with Government ACTIONS adopted by the council.
policy. • In order to manage the risks • Local environmental plans will
associated with climate zone waterways to reflect their
OUTCOMES change, councils will undertake environmental, recreational or
investigations of lands with cultural values.
The Strategy seeks to ensure the potential to be affected by
future urban development is not sea level rise and inundation to • Local environmental plans will
located in areas of high risk from ensure that risks to public and zone areas subject to high
natural hazards including sea level private assets are minimised. hazard to reflect the capabilities
rise, coastal recession, rising water of the land.
tables and flooding.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 236 natural hazards
IMPLEMENTATION OF EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCE POLICIES,
PLANS AND GUIDELINES
Substantial work has been plans prepared in accordance
undertaken in the Far North Coast with the Floodplain
Region by agencies, councils Development Manual (NSW
and the community in developing Government 2005)
natural resource management
policies, plans and guidelines. • Management of flood liable
Councils should ensure that land under the Floodplain
their local growth management Development Manual and in
strategies, local environmental accordance with section 733 of
plans and development control the Local Government Act 1993
plans maximise achievement of • Coastal zone management
the principles and implementation plans
of the recommendations in these
policies and plans, in particular: • Existing coastline and estuary
management plans
• NSW Coastal Policy and State
Environmental Planning Policy • Soil landscape mapping
No. 71—Coastal Protection (Department of Natural
Resources)
• NSW Government’s Water
Quality River Flow Objectives • Planning for Bushfire Protection
(1999) (NSW Rural Fire Service and
PlanningNSW 2001)
• Northern Rivers Catchment
Action Plan • Planning Guidelines for Acid
Sulfate Soils (NSW Government
• Local stormwater management 1998)
plans
• Floodplain risk management
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 247
Settlement and housing
BACKGROUND Towns occupancy rates will increase
the need for more dwellings. It is
The Far North Coast Region The major towns of Murwillumbah estimated that approximately
is built on a network of towns and Casino, and towns of 51 000 new dwellings will be
and villages. Currently urban Mullumbimby, Byron Bay and needed to house an additional
centres contain around half of Kyogle support the major regional 60 400 people over the next 25
the Region’s population, and centres. These communities years. A 7% buffer is built into
provide key services and facilities. provide a focus for some future the proposed dwelling targets to
These centres are linked by the urban development within their address future estimated vacancy
Region’s transport corridors service catchments. rates and tourism needs.
and infrastructure networks.
The Region is characterised by Housing types vary throughout
Villages
mainly detached housing (71%) the Region, with most multi-unit
with less reliance on multi-unit Surrounding the larger centres dwellings found in coastal areas,
dwellings (22%) and other forms of are a number of villages such as particularly in the major regional
accommodation (7%). Uki, Pottsville, Brunswick Heads, centres of Tweed Heads and
Bangalow, Nimbin, Clunes, Ballina. Decreasing occupancy
Alstonville, Wardell, Bonalbo, rates and changing demand from
Regional centres Woodenbong, Coraki and Evans traditional single detached housing
Tweed Heads and Lismore are the Head, ranging in size and the types to multi-unit dwelling types means
two current major regional centres of facilities and services provided. that the provision of a variety
for the Region. Ballina will develop These provide highly valued diverse of housing forms is needed in
as the third major regional centre, lifestyles and a sense of community, appropriate locations.
recognising the importance of its reinforcing the Far North Coast as a
airport and its role as a river and ‘region of villages’. The Strategy reinforces and
coastal lifestyle centre. The major promotes increased housing
regional centres, which will contain choice by directing future urban
Dwelling projections growth to appropriate locations
35% of the Region’s additional
housing, will be reinforced as The Region is faced with smaller across the Region. Higher density
the major service and population households and an ageing living is to be encouraged around
centres. population. In combination with the town centres and areas of
population growth, decreasing major employment.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 25HOUSING MAP FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 26
OUTCOMES Land will not be zoned for future Planning Guidelines will guide
urban investigation as it may councils when undertaking this
create speculative land values and work. The Department of Planning
Settlement pattern
unreasonable long term aspirations will assist councils in determining
The Regional Strategy identifies for future higher uses that may the housing mix for each council
and promotes a settlement pattern not be appropriate due to physical area.
that protects environmental values constraints and/or infrastructure
and natural resources while capabilities.
utilising and developing the existing
Town and Village Growth
network of major urban centres, To accommodate the additional Boundaries
reinforcing village character, and 60 400 people anticipated to be
The Strategy plans to efficiently
requiring efficient use of existing living in the Region by 2031 the
use land allocated for urban
services and major transport Regional Strategy has set individual
development without sacrificing
routes. A defined hierarchy of dwelling targets for each local
the identity of the area. For some
centres achieving appropriate government area (see Table 1).
towns and villages this will result
densities will provide a range of in infill development, with greater
The Strategy aims to achieve a
housing giving choice in form and housing choice and affordability.
more appropriate mix for future
affordability. Sufficient land will be For other areas it may result in
housing that reflects the Region’s
made available for employment the creation of new villages or
changing housing needs (i.e. 60%
purposes and community facilities. extensions to existing ones.
single dwellings and 40% multi-unit
The regional settlement pattern will for the 51 000 proposed dwellings
The areas within the Town and
accommodate future growth while within the Town and Village Growth
Village Growth Boundaries (see
providing quality places to live. Boundaries by 2031).
map series at back of document)
Local councils will be assisted in identify the land required to meet
A Local Growth Management
achieving this outcome by detailed the Region’s urban housing and
Strategy will be prepared by
character and design standards employment needs until 2031 (not
each council to outline how it will
in the North Coast Urban Design including future rural residential
meet these targets through the
Guidelines to be released as part of development). These areas will
preparation of their future local
the Settlement Planning Guidelines. accommodate a range of urban
environmental plans. Settlement
TABLE 1: LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA DWELLING TARGETS (FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 400 PERSONS)
LGA Existing dwellings (2006) Additional new dwellings to 2031
Ballina 16 720 8 400
Byron 13 090 2 600
Kyogle 4 110 3 000
Lismore 17 640 8 000
Richmond Valley 8 710 9 900
Tweed 34 650 19 100
Totals 94 920 51 000
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 277 settlement
and housing
uses including housing, tourism, In determining the extent of to land identified within the Town
industry, business, infrastructure, any variation, consideration will and Village Growth Boundary. Any
community facilities and urban be given to the efficient use of future development proposals on
open spaces. infrastructure/services, avoidance greenfield sites in the non-coastal
of significant environmental area located outside of the Town
Not all land identified within the constraints and natural resources, and Village Growth Boundaries
Town and Village Growth Boundary and reinforcement of the regional are subject to satisfying the
can be developed for urban settlement hierarchy. Any minor Sustainability Criteria (Appendix 1).
uses. The rezoning of land or the variation will be determined
development of existing zoned land through a joint analysis undertaken
within the Town and Village Growth Rural residential
between the local council and the
Boundary for urban, commercial Department of Planning. development
or industrial uses will be subject
Rural residential development will
to more detailed investigations
continue as a housing choice for
to determine its capability and Coastal Area
people in the Region. In the future
future yield. Land that is subject to The Regional Strategy limits future such development will be located
significant natural hazards and/or land release for urban or rural close to existing centres, avoiding
environmental constraints will be residential development within the areas of significant environmental
excluded from development. Other Coastal Area to protect fragile and and landscape value, and significant
land may be required for open vulnerable areas and ecosystems. natural resources (including high
space, drainage, maintenance of By catering for additional housing quality agricultural land). An adequate
interurban breaks or environmental in other parts of the Region, level of services will be provided to
uses/buffers and will be protected this policy will help sustain and meet the community’s needs.
for these purposes. invigorate non coastal centres.
In order to limit urban growth along
Open space may be located In the Coastal Area, only land the coast and ensure efficiencies
outside the Town and Village within a Town and Village Growth in land utilisation and infrastructure
Growth Boundary where suitable Boundary may be released for provision, no further rezoning for
land is not available within the urban purposes. This will ensure rural residential development (other
mapped areas. In determining that the high coastal environmental than land in an approved land
where future open space may values that attract people to the release strategy) will be permitted
be located outside the Town and Region are protected while still in the Coastal Area.
Village Growth Boundary, areas providing housing opportunities.
of high environmental or natural Sixty per cent of the Region’s future For land in the non-coastal area,
resource value must be avoided. dwelling needs will be provided rural residential land release will
within this area. occur in accordance with existing
Where demonstrated by a local
local rural residential strategies or
environmental study that a minor
in a review negotiated between
adjustment to the Town and Village Non-coastal area councils and the Department
Growth Boundary is necessary so
To reinforce the function and role of of Planning, consistent with the
that new development is consistent
non-coastal settlements, future land Regional Strategy.
with it, some minor variations of
releases should first be directed
the boundary may be considered.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 28ACTIONS tourism areas of Tweed, • Councils will plan for a range
Ballina and Lismore local of housing types of appropriate
government areas. densities, location and suitability
Settlement and housing that are capable of adapting
• Local environmental plans, local • Local environmental plans and responding to the ageing of
growth management strategies will ensure that all new the population.
and other statutory planning development reinforces existing
urban and rural centres, towns • Local government will consider
controls will align with the
and villages. a range of affordable housing
Regional Strategy’s settlement
strategies, including forms
network (as shown on the
• New development must be of low cost housing, suitable
Housing Map) to contain the
located in a manner that zonings and development
spread of urban development, controls to improve housing
prevents ribbon or strip
efficiently utilise existing services choice, and specific schemes.
development along major
and infrastructure, and protect These strategies must be
roads and does not impact on
areas of high conservation consistent with relevant
the safety and efficiency
value. State policies.
of arterial roads.
• Tweed Heads, Lismore and • Existing land use rights will not
• A land release staging program
Ballina will be promoted and will be developed to ensure the be diminished by the Regional
supported as major regional orderly release of new housing. Strategy.
centres of population and
service provision for the Region. • Where development or a • Local environmental plans
rezoning increases the need for generally should locate major
• Councils will review the State infrastructure, the Minister health and educational facilities
building height limits within the for Planning may require a in urban areas.
central business areas, major contribution towards the
employment areas and major provision of such infrastructure.
SETTLEMENT PLANNING GUIDELINES
Implementation of the Regional • planning principles for The Settlement Planning Guidelines
Strategy will be supported by residential, rural residential, will also provide further detail
Settlement Planning Guidelines commercial, industrial and for councils, developers and the
prepared by the Department tourism lands community on the information
of Planning to assist councils needed and processes to be
in preparing a Local Growth • urban design principles for undertaken in planning for the
Management Strategy. These maintenance of local character Region’s growth.
guidelines will include: and consideration of the North
Coast climate .
• additional detail on
environmental criteria and its • a framework for a new Far
application North Coast Housing and
Land Monitor.
FAR NORTH COAST REGIONAL STRATEGY — PAGE 29You can also read
