Tweed Shire Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Development Control Plan (DCP) 2025 which has had its biggest update since it was first developed in 2008.
The updated DCP sets out the rules and guidelines for development across Tweed Shire and is now on public exhibition. The plan helps ensure that development is sustainable, appropriate to each area, and aligned with community values. The updated draft simplifies the document, introduces clearer controls, and includes new features to better reflect the needs of the community and environment.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said the new draft DCP is a major step forward in shaping the future of development in the region and input from the community was crucial.
"Draft plans like these need input from the community to ensure they provide the guidance that makes sense for everyone," Cr Cherry said.
"We've worked hard to make the DCP easier to use and more responsive to the challenges we face, like climate change and housing diversity but there's still scope for amendments and improvements.
"There's lots of good work that has been done so far. For example, I love that this update reflects the character of our towns and villages while also protecting the environment and planning for safer development in flood-prone areas."
The draft DCP includes grouped content for easier navigation. It will gradually replace 'Locality Plans' with character statements and introduces clearer controls for residential development, including site analysis, landscaping, small-lot housing, detached studios, and rural outbuildings. It also features a new chapter on social impact assessments and updated coastal hazard controls. Section A6 Child Care Centres, has been removed as development of child care centres is now assessed under the State Environmental Planning Policy and the NSW Child Care Planning Guideline.
Significant changes have been made to Section A3 – Development of Flood Liable Land, supported by a new Interim Flood Planning Levels Policy. This policy uses recent flood data and improved mapping to set new minimum building heights, helping ensure new developments are better protected from flooding and climate change impacts. These planning levers will become a permanent part of the DCP once adopted.
The draft DCP is open for feedback until 4pm, Wednesday 3 December 2025. To access it online, go to Development Control Plan draft improvements | Your Say Tweed