Decorative fairy lights bring a warm glow to the trees along Bay and Wharf streets.
The Tweed Heads CBD is officially shining brighter, with new decorative fairy lights at Bay and Wharf streets flickering to life and instantly transforming the precinct from border bleak to border beautiful.
The lighting installation marks a major milestone in the broader $1.9 million improvement program now rolling out across the NSW Gateway.
Jointly funded by $1.5 million from the NSW Government's Regional Development Trust and Tweed Shire Council ($400,000), the multi‑year project will continue through to 2028, delivering a safer, more vibrant and more welcoming CBD for residents, visitors and local businesses.
Deputy Mayor of Tweed Shire, Reece Byrnes, said the activation is the first visible step in returning colour, warmth and vibrancy back into the heart of Tweed.
"The lighting responds directly to requests from the community for a more attractive and inviting streetscape.
"By enhancing public spaces, we're improving safety, encouraging more people to explore the CBD and helping local businesses to thrive," he said.
The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, said the NSW Government is proud to support the enhancement.
"It's fantastic to see the Tweed Heads CBD coming to life, creating a warmer, more inviting atmosphere for locals, visitors and businesses alike.
"This is the kind of investment the NSW Government is proud to support through the Regional Development Trust, as it's about helping communities thrive by improving safety, supporting local business activity and enhancing the look and feel of the CBD."
NSW Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said this project fittingly enhanced the Tweed entryway to NSW and reflected the vibrant community spirit of the Tweed.
"Bay and Wharf streets are an increasingly popular destination within the Tweed, filled with popular cafes and businesses. This neighbourhood glow up enriches the precinct for visitors, residents and local businesses alike," he said.
Council will continue progressing the next stages of the project. This includes further lighting upgrades, new placemaking elements and additional improvements across the CBD.
These works will roll out progressively and feature streetscape enhancements such as footpath treatments, renewed street furniture and improved vegetation.
The program will also deliver upgraded wayfinding and signage, along with new placemaking initiatives including murals, banners and cultural storytelling.
In addition, Council will activate the former Visitor Information Centre through a commercial tenancy expression of interest. The currently vacant site will be repurposed and supported with fit‑out incentives.
This will help attract a commercial operator who can bring daytime, evening or nighttime activity to this key corner of Wharf and Bay streets.
