Regional strategy tags Ballina as major centre
Ballina is set to become the Richmond-Tweed area’s third major regional centre behind Lismore and Tweed Heads under the State Labor Government’s draft long-term strategy.
The Government says the stunning coastline of the State’s Far North Coast region will be given extra protection from excessive development under the draft long-term strategy.
NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor says the planning strategy will guide the region’s growth for the next 25 years and support the creation of up to 32,500 new jobs and homes for an additional 60,400 residents.
The blueprint outlines the Government’s vision for a ‘region of villages’ on the Far North Coast, across the local government areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle.
The Government says the strategy will:
- Allocate about 35 per cent of future housing for Lismore, Tweed Heads and Ballina.
- Prevent development in places constrained by coastal processes, flooding, wetlands, important and landscape of high scenic and conservation value.
- Ensure the 51,000 new homes to be built by 2031 are provided in a variety of locations and offer a choice in form and affordability.
- Provide rural residential opportunities around existing settlements but not in the coastal area, unless part of an approved rural residential release strategy.
The draft strategy identifies an additional 232 hectares of land which councils should set aside for employment, to help generate up to 32,500 jobs over the next 25 years.
The Government says the strategy also encourages new commercial and retail development in existing town centres to strengthen their role and make the best use of infrastructure.
It says employment growth opportunities identified by the strategy include:
- Tourism
- Education
- Cultural and design industries
- Health
- Aquaculture
- Residential development and construction
- Forestry
- Meat and dairy
- Transport.
The Government says the strategy, when adopted, will inform infrastructure planning and priorities for the region and that it also supports protecting the Casino to Murwillumbah rail corridor, and continued planning and construction of the Pacific Highway upgrades.
“The strategy aims to encourage economic growth and prosperity while protecting this region’s unique character,” Mr Sartor said.
“It will help maintain the diversity and natural beauty that make this area such a desirable place to live — and help prevent unsightly high-rise development and sprawl.
“We encourage public feedback on this document, which will be on exhibition until May 10.” Mail to Department of Planning, Locked Bag 10, Grafton NSW 2460, or email mailto:northcoast@planning.nsw.gov.au
Mr Sartor says the strategy proposes to contain the pace of residential development along the coastline, to help preserve areas of scenic beauty and natural assets such as rainforests, wetlands, old growth forests and significant farmlands.
The plan also outlines new town and village growth boundaries to limit coastal sprawl and strengthen inland towns and centres.
Tweed MP Neville Newell said the proposal provided important green breaks between coastal developments.
“This policy will ensure some of the coastline’s most dramatic vistas and sensitive environmental areas remain for generations to come,” Mr Newell said.
Member for Ballina Don Page says the plan lacks strategy. Read his comments at:Far North Coast regional plan
March 14th, 2006 at 5:26 pm
[...] Ballina Information Blog « Regional strategy tags Ballina as major centre [...]
May 19th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
[...] A previous entry on Ballina Info reports that Ballina is set to become the Richmond-Tweed area’s third major regional centre behind Lismore and Tweed Heads under the State Labor Government’s draft long-term strategy. [...]