North Coast

The North Coast of NSW is one of the State’s most desirable places to live, work and play.

With a biologically diverse environment, a subtropical climate and panoramic landscapes, the North Coast attracts more than 12 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.

The North Coast Regional Plan 2036 is the land-use planning blueprint to deliver the region’s exciting future.

The region will harness the opportunities provided by its spectacular environment, growing cities and vibrant communities. Connectivity and prosperity will be delivered by significant infrastructure investment, led by the Pacific Highway upgrade.

Draft North Coast Regional Plan 2041

The draft North Coast 2041 plan was on public exhibition from 11 July to 24 August 2022.

The plan is undergoing its first five-yearly review to reset its priorities and to extend the plan’s reach to 2041.

During exhibition the department conducted a number of online workshops with councils, the community, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and other stakeholders.

The department thanks everyone who took the time and effort to participate in a workshop, make a formal submission and give us your feedback in other ways.

The department will now closely consider how the submissions and feedback will be incorporated into the final plan that will be released later in 2022.

An engagement hub was created to help you understand more about the draft regional plan.

Engagement hub

Regional City Action Plans

A key objective of the North Coast Regional Plan 2036 was the development of Regional City Action Plans (RCAPs) for the North Coast regional cities of Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Lismore and Tweed.

Following public exhibitions all four RCAPs for Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Lismore and Tweed were finalised during 2021 and 2022.

To find out more and read the final RCAPs for Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Lismore and Tweed, visit our Regional City Action Plans page.