Below is the link to the survey and also the Caldera Environment Centre’s priority issues as a guide to help with your survey responses. Closing date is 12th Sept.
CEC points – from the perspective of preserving Tweeds internationally significant biodiversity and maintaining the character of local ‘village’ communities as well as preserving productive farmlands.
Suggested responses to survey questions:
Q on places and types of residential development for future population growth it is important that urban in-fill is prioritised. Increased density in areas that already have infrastructure will help protect natural bushland and agricultural land from clearing. It is VITAL that Environmental Offsets are not used in the process of urban development. The priority must be Avoid and Minimise – Offset only as last resort and ONLY within the development footprint. Priority sites to be funded under the proposed State Government Affordable Housing Fund should NOT be located on environmentally sensitive Crown Land, particularly on the Tweed Coast.
Q on what benefits and opportunities could come from the Tweeds population growth? It is an opportunity for sustainable development. Building materials can be of natural and recycled products, architecture can be climate smart, resilient & energy efficient. It is a chance to provide affordable and social housing of a size and type to suit growing demographic of single/couple households. New “caravan park” estates could be created for genuine affordable housing. Minimising “greenfield” development will help preserve natural areas and scenic value. Agricultural lands can be protected by clear and detailed mapping with buffers from urban areas. Water management of groundwater, stormwater and natural rivers and streams can be managed with a well-informed“all of catchment approach” rather than an ad-hoc case-by-casebasis. Urban tree cover must be made mandatory at a minimum of 40%.
Q on questions of employment & employment-land. It is vital that centres of employment for the increased population have adequate & convenient reliable transport and other infrastructure. It is a great opportunity to create sustainable transport corridors utilising EV public transport & bike tracks.
Q on “further comments”
Land banking is a continuing problem in the Tweed. It has negatives impacts on housing affordability and on effective urban planning. This need to be seriously addressed with incentives for meeting acceptable deadlines and penalties for creating blockages in the supply of housing.
Flooding and climate change risks for future housing must take top priority in future planning. The findings of the NSW Flood Enquiry must be heeded – especially relating to development on floodplains. It also details effective recovery measures around house buy-backs, house-raising and land-swaps. Any future urban planning will need to take this into consideration.
The negative impact of a growing tourism industry on housing affordability due to short-term letting needs a solution in any future housing plans.
—————
The link to the survey: https://www.yoursaytweed.com.au/growth-management-and-housing-strategy
You are encouraged to participate in this process and fwd onto your networks.
Many thanks.
