Category: Tweed Shire Council

URGENT Your Right to be Consulted under Threat

RED ALERT!!!

Very important – submissions needed please before 5pm 3rd June.

Proposed NSW Community Participation Plan.

NSW Labor and the Liberals have teamed up again this time to attack your right to community consultation on local development applications.

Thrilled by their latest success in December that will entirely strip your local Councillors of any powers to determine development applications, they are now trying to cut the community out too.

Under their new proposed Community Participation Plan a development application won’t be publicly advertised for comment if it apparently meets all the planning controls, whether it’s the house next door or a high rise.
The problem is that planning controls can be open to interpretation and arguable, eg bulk and scale, visual impact, privacy, environmental impact or even hazard risk impacts. That’s why we have consultation. read more

TVW: Planning Reform Fears

Tweed Valley Weekly interview with TSC Councilor Nola Firth about the planned NSW Planning Reforms Bill and its implications:

TSC October Monthly Meeting, agenda item: Roadside Plastic Litter Pick-Up Pre-Mowing: Admin Staff are Against [ !! ]

At the next Tweed Council Monthly public access meeting is a plastics issue, namely mowing it smaller vs picking it up first.

Plastic does not decompose, it may degrade into smaller pieces when exposed to sunlight or temperature change but it will always remain. We either pick it up or live with it as forever litter’. Should Council pick it up or leave it lying around forever?

If it’s on the roadside, is mowing it smaller and smaller the best solution? Council Administration Staff seem to think so. read more

TSC DCP Review, An Opportunity to Protect Non-Native Trees As Do Other Councils

The revised Development Control Plan(DCP), when it soon goes on exhibition for Public comment, will be an opportunity to support stronger protection of both native and non-native trees.

Greens Councillor Nola Firth comments:

“Tweed Shire Council compared to other NSW Councils has had scant protection for non-native urban trees.

“Non-natives here in the Tweed were only protected if they had a diameter of more than 80cm at breast height. To bring us into line with many other councils and to keep our precious trees intact, the diameter in the DCP is now 40 cm.’ read more

Have Your Say, TSC’s New Compensatory Planting Policy

“The many benefits of trees in urban areas are recognised through Council’s Cool Towns: Tweed Shire Urban Forest Program which aims to increase the average total canopy cover in urban areas from 26.8% to 35% by 2030 and then to 40% by 2040 [!].

“We’re [TSC] asking everyone to help restore our urban forest when trees are removed.

“We’ve drafted a new Compensatory Planting Policy to guide how important trees and vegetation are replaced when they’re approved for removal. read more

Tweed Shire Council August Monthly Meeting. “A Trio of Environmental Concerns”

The upcoming TSC monthly meeting is Thursday August 21st.

Note the following agenda items:

Notice of motion for native animal friendlier night lighting on Council property.
- Councillor Firth – NoM: Wildlife Friendly Lighting.
- .
Notice of motion to increase resources towards bushland and urban out of control weeds.
Councillor Brinsmead – NoM: Review of Council’s Weed Management Practices.
Note Also: Councillor Nola Firth reporting from her attendance at the NSW Weeds Conference. Cr Firth: Weeds NSW Conference Report.

World Environment Day Festival Success, with Expert Speakers, Live Music and Community Action, Well Done to all concerned!

The festival on 13 July celebrated biodiversity and climate solutions in the Northern Rivers.

The World Environment Day Festival returned to Murwillumbah on Sunday 13 July, bringing together the community for a day of environmental education, live music, and collective action from 10am to 3:30pm.

Hosted by Tweed Landcare and the Caldera Environment Centre, this year’s free festival shone a spotlight on the region’s unique biodiversity while promoting practical solutions to climate and conservation challenges facing the Northern Rivers. read more

TSC: 1000 trees community tree planting for National Tree Day, Byangum, Sunday 27 July, and, Grants of up to $4,000 for Tweed farmers for sustainable land management.

TSC Tweed Link:

1000 trees community tree planting for National Tree Day! Col Wiley Park, Byangum,Sunday 27 July, from 9 am to 12 noon to help improve water quality, protect wildlife and reduce river erosion.

Also, grants of up to $4,000 for Tweed farmers for sustainable land management for projects that improve soil health, water management, biodiversity and more.

The Draft Hastings Point Headland Management Plan

Council sought feedback on a draft management plan for Hastings Point headland. The plan aims to improve the quality of this public open space while protecting the headland’s natural environment and cultural heritage values, both now and in the future.

https://www.yoursaytweed.com.au/hastingspointheadland

The Mount Nullum Development Proposal and the Genesis of the Caldera Environment Centre (CEC) 1987-1990

This document discusses the development proposals in Tweed Shire during the late 1980s, focusing on the controversial Mt. Nullum project and the impact of the ICAC inquiry on local politics and environmental activism.

Development Proposals in Tweed Shire

During the late 1980s, Tweed Shire faced numerous development proposals, including the controversial Ocean Blue project and Doug Moran’s Mt Nullum resort. These proposals sparked significant community opposition due to concerns over environmental destruction and lifestyle changes. read more

Dear Tweed Shire Councillor, et al.

We reproduce below a recent CEC correspondence to the Tweed Shire Councillors regarding an upcoming agenda item to do with in our opinion not only issues of disposal, but also with our ingestion of micro and nano plastic molecules emitting from plastic in the environment.

Dear Councillor <name>.

Wednesday’s public access Council Meeting has an item on the agenda to do with plastic in the environment, namely the plastic lawn of a leisure facility and the Council’s Strategic Plan for Holiday Parks. read more

Tweed Shire Council > Strategic Plan for Holiday Parks > Concerns about Plastics In The Environment.

Note that the Tweed Council 15th May Monthly Meeting Agenda Items includes: “Synthetic Grass in Tweed Holiday Parks”, submitted to the meeting by the Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment.

The agenda item reads:

“At the Ordinary Meeting held 18 July 2024, Council resolved to endorse the Tweed Holiday Parks 2023 -2034 Strategic Plan. Within this resolution, Council required the General Manager to finalise and bring back a report on potential risks associated with the use of synthetic grass in Holiday Parks, alternatives to its use and a detailed asset management plan to best manage the use of synthetic grass in the Holiday Parks to mitigate the risk of microplastic and Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution and to ensure recycling at the end of life of the product. read more

Which Land Sites for Development? The Tweed Shire Council Draft Options Paper for the Growth Management and Housing Strategy: Councillors Request Clarity

The TSC ‘Final Options Paper‘, nominating 69 sites to be proposed for development or further development, was on the agenda of the December ’24 Tweed Shire Council Public Meeting.

It was noted by Councillors however that the ‘Final Options’ presented by Council staff has combined several previously separately identified sites, clouding clear identification of environmental and other site constraints of these sites.

Concerns raised regarded flooding, lack of infrastructure and, most important for our organisation, environmental loss which may be the result of the sites chosen, notably in the rural areas and greenfield areas of the Tweed. read more

Birdlife Northern Rivers: “Council’s Plan for area including 39 West End Street Murwillumbah”

“Mr Troy Green
General Manager
Tweed Shire Council
PO Box 816 Murwillumbah NSW 2484

Dear Mr Green

REF: Council’s Plan for area including 39 West End Street Murwillumbah

I am writing to enquire into Council’s plans following the purchase of the property at 39 West End St and completion of the pumping station adjacent to the Murwillumbah Sewage Treatment Works (STW).

Birdlife Northern Rivers (BLNR) is a community group comprising local people concerned with the protection of native birds and their habitats. As a local branch of Birdlife Australia, the nation’s leading conservation organisation for birds, we are part of an Australia-wide network of members, volunteers and supporters working towards a sustainable future for our native birds. read more

Tweed Shire Climate Action Cafés

TSC: “Tweed Shire Council’s Climate Action Cafés are workshops that will bring people together to explore, connect and deepen ideas to reduce the impacts of climate change. We already have a palette of possibilities – now it’s time to prioritise these projects and commit to action.

“Choose one of these events to attend:

Climate Action Café #1, Murwillumbah RSL
Wednesday 19 February 2025, 5 pm for 5:30 start
Climate Action Café #2, Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club
Saturday 22 February 2025, 12 noon for 12:30 pm start

“The Tweed Shire is one of the most climate vulnerable locations in Australia. Many of us know first-hand the impact of extreme weather events on our homes, businesses, natural environment and personal wellbeing. And many of us also know the generosity, ingenuity and can-do attitude that’s part of our local essence. It’s this essence and willingness to roll-up our sleeves and act, that Council is seeking to support at two climate action cafes. read more

Dear TSC: 18.1.Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance Upgrade Options Peer Review

Birdlife Northern Rivers: “Dear Councillors,

Regarding Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance Upgrade Options Peer Review.

Birdwatchers frequent Tweed Shire Wastewater Treatment Plants (Hastings, Banora, Chinderah and Murwillumbah).

Birdwatchers often enjoy visiting wastewater treatment plants because they provide a rich and readily available food source for birds due to the nutrient-rich water, attracting a diverse range of bird species, often including migratory birds, while offering a relatively undisturbed habitat with ample open water and often shoreline areas to forage and roost. read more

Tweed Shire Council to report on possible adoption of Single Use Plastics and Materials Policy

Motion to TS Council Meeting, Dec 24, by Councillor Nola Firth (Greens):

“That Council bring back a report on issues involved in adopting a Single Use Plastics and Materials Policy similar to the one that was recently implemented by Byron Shire Council.”

“The (neighbouring) Byron Shire has recently implemented a strong Single Use Plastics and Materials Policy that addresses single -use items on Council owned land or buildings. The policy includes single use items such as plates, food containers, cutlery, bottled water, drink ware (including coffee cups and lids), masks (excluding P2, P3), individually wrapped food items such as soy sauce, tea bags, coffee pods and chocolates. A ban on these single use products applies to all council-run activities and in 6 months time it will apply to all activities held on council land including leases and sponsored events. read more

TSC, Increased Roadside Weed Management, 3 Year Contract

Weeds, along with habitat loss and feral animals, are the top causes of the loss of biodiversity in NSW.

Cnclr Nola Firth: “We in the tweed are responsible for one of the most diverse places in Australia and one where we have the most threatened species.

“Despite this weeds are proliferating along our road side and the floods have spread seriously invasive weeds such as devils fig. Many in the community are concerned about the issue.

“In response to this urgent situation a it is proposed that council accept the quote from Rous County Council for a full weeds team and their equipment for three years. read more

Tweed Shire Council Monthly Public Meeting Agenda and Minutes (links)

The Monthly Public Meeting of Council

Council publishes the upcoming Monthly Public Meeting Agenda and subsequent meeting Minutes here: link.

eMail notifications for the agenda of forthcoming meetings as they become available can be subscribed to also via the above link.

Rodent Control, TSC to replace 2nd Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides

Cnclr Nola Firth: “Second-generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) don’t break down for months or possibly years and dead or dying rats eaten by any animal, bird or reptile will also die.

“The poison doesn’t work immediately and rats can roam far from the bait site, resulting in death of our wildlife, especially owls and other birds of prey.

“This is of serious concern in our internationally significant environment.

“Pet dogs and cats are also at risk and the possibility of the poison entering waterways is also under investigation. read more

TSC Funding Approved for Cool Towns / Emissions Reduction / Zero Waste Officer

Funding has been approved by TSC in support of previously adopted motions which were not being implemented because of lack of Staff.

Cnclr Nola Firth: “While excellent progress has been made within Council itself on our climate change action plan, an important next step to progress our climate change targets is to facilitate and support emissions reduction, waste reduction and urban greening in the general tweed community. It is therefore proposed that consideration be given to inclusion in the budget of a cool towns Emissions reduction zero waste officer.” read more