Category: Tweed Shire Council

URGENT: Submission No.1 – Variations and Changes to Complying Development

URGENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE 5pm 24th JUNE.

Summary 

The State is proposing to increase the uptake of ‘Complying Development’ applications to fast track housing.

Complying Development replaces Tweed’s building assessment codes with statewide, cookie cutter, ‘sea of roof’ style, building codes, that bypass consideration of virtually all other Tweed planning controls, bypass public exhibition, and bypass your right to legal appeal. 

The character of our Shire would be stripped away, forming one urban sprawl to the next under these State building codes. 

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Please feel free to use the following Caldera Environment Centre Submission as a template.

Submission Objecting to the Proposed NSW Variations and Changes to Complying Development.   read more

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URGENT: Submission No.2 – Low Rise Housing and Targeted Assessment Pathways – Discussion Paper

URGENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE ALSO 5pm 24th JUNE.

Summary:

The State is proposing another, whole new development pathway, called Targeted Assessments. This would be for virtually all other residential developments that still doesn’t fit the Complying Development criteria. 

The State’s cookie cutter building codes would again replace Tweeds building codes for these Targeted Assessments, and Tweed’s other planning and environmental controls would be weakened so much as to be virtually ineffective except in the most extreme cases.

Tweed has the highest number of threatened species in Australia, is a fragile, steep, wet, active, erosion caldera, and has an urban population within the midst of this stunning ‘National Iconic Landscape’.  We have an obligation to protect this region in Australia’s public interest.  read more

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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

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Thank You Council: Microplastics with your coffee

Council voted 3 to 4 against the proposed single use materials policy, which would have banned plastic lined cardboard coffee cups at public markets on Council land.

Councillor James Owen, voting against the policy, said “Any Councillor who votes for this policy is against small businesses.” No Councillor James Owen, that’s not true. The other Councillors are against waste, single use plastics, and we reckon that if the small business owners of the market coffee shop stalls knew they are ingesting millions of nanoparticles of plastic with every cup of coffee, they themselves wouldn’t drink from a plastic lined cardboard coffee cup.

When the plasticised-cardboard of the take-away coffee cup goes through the temperature change of being filled with the hot liquid, thousands of micro and millions of nano sized plastic molecules fracture and fragment away from the plasticised-cardboard, into your cup of coffee. [Source: (link).] read more

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TVW: Planning Reform Fears

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

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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.

Plastic is a forever molecule, the plastic today will still be here in 500 million years. Plastic does not decompose back to natural elements. It may degrade, if it is exposed to sunlight, temperature change, or abrasion, though that is it just getting smaller, it will NEVER go away, it will never decompose back to its natural elements. read more

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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.’

So please have ‘Your Say’ on this change. It’s also an important opportunity to establish housing and landscaping controls that reduce emissions and urban heat, and protect biodiversity.” read more

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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.

“Please read the New Compensatory Planting Policy draft before submitting your feedback so your input can be properly considered in the final recommendations. 

“Share your feedback by 4pm Wednesday 22 October 2025.” read more

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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:

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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.

The event was MC’d by Community Advocate and Organiser Chels Hood Withey, with an impressive lineup of expert speakers addressing critical environmental issues.
read more

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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.

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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. ​

An estimated $2000 million in development proposals were planned for Tweed Shire. ​

The Ocean Blue proposal for Fingal led to an ICAC inquiry in 1989, exposing corruption among local officials. ​ read more

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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.

We would like to draw your attention to our webpage about the agenda item, and to some of the other posts to do with plastic in the environment.

As well as the more obvious issue of disposal, We Are All Ingesting Plastic.  read more

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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

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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.

The Councillors, by unanimous decision, have instructed Council staff to provide a report which is to include an analysis of environmental loss (and flood and lack of infrastructure issues) on all of the original 83 options. read more

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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

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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:

“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

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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.

Key reasons why wastewater treatment plants are good for birds and bird watching:

Abundant food supply:
The treated wastewater contains nutrients that support a large population of insects and small aquatic organisms, which serve as a readily accessible food source for birds. read more

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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

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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.

“Such an investment will make a major difference to the protection of the integrity of our highly important and greatly loved natural environment.” read more

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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.

“SGARS are either banned or heavily regulated in the North America and Europe and are now under re-investigation in Australia by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). read more

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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.”

The above motion was approved.

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