The Draft North Coast Regional Plan is underpinned by a strong evidence base. Data and evidence was gathered and analysed about population growth and change, the regional economy, the housing and employment markets, the location of important environmental and resource areas and natural hazards.

Background research that has informed the draft Plan can be found under resources.

The Draft North Coast Regional Plan, was on exhibition from 2 March 2016 to 2 June 2016.

The draft plan outlines goals for the region including:

• To protect the environment, as well as Aboriginal and historic heritage, and productive farmland
• To provide great places to live in vibrant communities by offering housing choices in the three regional cities
• To provide housing to meet the changing demographic needs of the North Coast's communities
• To create a prosperous economy by focusing the provision of job opportunities in the growing sectors of health, education and tourism
• To improve transport connectivity and freight networks.

We wish to thank the North Coast community, local councils, community groups, and peak bodies for having their say on the Draft North Coast Regional Plan which closed on 2 June 2016.

We have endeavoured to remove any personal or sensitive information from your submissions, prior to publishing. If you have any concerns about the published submissions, please contact our North Coast office on (02) 6641 6600.

The Department has received submissions from North Coast residents and other community representatives including local councils, community groups, and peak bodies.

The feedback received throughout the consultation period will inform the finalisation of the plans. Department staff are currently considering the submissions, including recording and analysing the issues and examining the suggested changes to the draft plans.

Once all submissions are considered the final Plan will be released.