Northern Region

Far North Coast Regional Strategy

Source: photo courtesy NSW Department of Natural Resources

The Far North Coast is the most biologically diverse region in NSW, with stunning beaches, World Heritage areas, character-filled villages and productive rural hinterlands. It is no surprise that around 2500 people come to settle in the region each year to enjoy the lifestyle. 

The region's natural wealth is also the basis of resource industries, expanding exports and tourism, which contribute significantly to the State economy. 

In the next 25 years the region's population is expected to grow more than 26% to 289, 000. A well balanced long-term vision is needed to provide for this growth while ensuring the environment is protected. 

The NSW Government's 25-year land use strategy:

• Caters for 60,400 more people expected to be living in the region by 2031. Up to 51,000 additional homes will be needed.
• Protects precious coastal areas facing increasing pressure from development.
• Locates future settlement around existing centres and towns, fitting the local character, and provides for rural living.
• Promotes sustainable growth for inland areas.
• Supports 32,500 extra jobs through ensuring a sufficient supply of employment land. Industries will be attracted to well located sites with ready access by road, rail and air to capital cities and ports.

The strategy will guide local planning in the six local government areas of Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed, and inform decisions on service and infrastructure delivery. It will be reviewed every five years.

Far North Coast Regional Strategy - in full, including all maps [ 3.4 MB]

• Map: Far North Coast Regional Strategy
• Map: Natural resources
• Map: Biodiversity
• Map: Natural hazards
• Map: Housing
• Map: Employment land
• Map: Town and village growth boundaries:
  • Sheet 1 - Tweed
  • Sheet 2 - Byron
  • Sheet 3 - Ballina
  • Sheet 4 - Lismore
  • Sheet 5 - Kyogle
  • Sheet 6 - Richmond Valley
• Fact sheet: Far North Coast Regional Strategy - facts and figures

Supporting guidelines and reports

• Far North Coast Housing and Land Monitor 2010 (Department of Planning 2010) - provides an annual review of the progress on achieving the housing and employment land targets identified in the Far North Coast Regional Strategy. View report 
• Settlement planning guidelines: Mid and Far North Coast regional strategies (Department of Planning 2007) - assists councils in preparing a local growth management strategy to achieve the planning outcomes and actions in the Far North Coast Regional Strategy and the Mid North Coast Regional Strategy. View guideline
• North Coast urban design guidelines (Department of Planning 2009) - a resource document to assist in advancing quality urban design on the North Coast of NSW. View guideline 
• Far North Coast region residential submarket analysis - the Department of Planning commissioned MacroPlan Australia to undertake a review of housing submarkets in the six local government areas of Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed, which comprise the Far North Coast region. The purpose of the study was to review the region’s housing submarkets and to determine whether the correct emphasis is being placed on housing availability and affordability, and whether the dwelling targets outlined in the Far North Coast Regional Strategy can be achieved. The Department will use the findings of the report to ensure the timely release of strategy-consistent residential land releases in the region and in its five-yearly review of the Regional Strategy. View report: low resolution [1.1 MB ] or higher resolution [9.5 MB ]
• Northern Rivers Farmland Protection Project - final report [342 KB ] and map [8 MB ] (Department of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Planning & Department of Primary Industries 2005)

Enquiries

Phone the Northern Region office 02 6641 6600 or email northcoast@planning.nsw.gov.au