Aerial view of Fingal Head Lighthouse
The Tweed's draft 'Growth Management, Housing and Employment Strategy' (GMHES) is now on public exhibition, offering the community a final opportunity to provide feedback to Council on this important blueprint for the region's future.
The draft GMHES outlines how growth will be managed over the next 15 years. It explores where growth should occur, what types of development should be supported, and how planned and coordinated growth will align with current and future infrastructure capacity. Restrictions on infrastructure planning and development are viewed through the lens of future financial limitations and coordination with relevant State government agencies.
Troy Green, Tweed Shire Council General Manager, said that it's been a long and important process of forward thinking and consultation but that it's a strategy rather than a definite 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," Mr 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 strategy is a key deliverable of the Community Strategic Plan 2025–35 and brings together technical planning informed by a long-running consultation with community members 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?'," Mr Green said.
Since 2022, more than 1,200 residents have contributed to the consultation process through market pop-ups, information sessions and over 650 written submissions.
That input 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.
Another key aspect of the plan is structuring each DFA into 3 defined growth pathways, ensuring future development progresses in step with essential infrastructure.
Community feedback will directly shape the final draft GMHES before it returns to Council later this year.
Information sessions will be held across the Tweed throughout the exhibition period, with draft GMHES survey submissions closing on 4 pm, 31 August 2026.
To support the exhibition period, Council will host a series of community information sessions across the Tweed, giving residents the chance to learn more about the draft strategy and speak directly with staff.
Sessions will take place at:
- Tyalgum Hall, Thursday 30 July.
- Uki Public Hall, Monday 3 August
- Kingscliff Community Hall, Wednesday 5 August
- Canvas and Kettle Meeting Room, Monday 10 August
- South Sea Islander Room, Tuesday 11 August
- Canvas and Kettle Meeting, Wednesday 12 August
- South Sea Islander Room, Thursday 13 August
To have your say and see session times visit: yoursaytweed.com.au/growth
Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan:
