Up to 230 new homes could be built on flood-safe land just west of Murwillumbah’s town centre, and locals have until Thursday, 10 December to have their say.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is backing a plan to rezone 143 North Arm Road, Murwillumbah, as part of the NSW Government’s Resilient Lands Program.
The site is within reach of existing schools, health care services, shops, and community facilities. It has been identified as an area that could support disaster recovery and community resilience in the flood-hit Tweed.
“Access to well-located homes is critical for a thriving Northern Rivers, not just for our part of the region’s long-term recovery, but so that our local economy can continue to grow,” said Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin.
“This proposal is about creating more options for people who want to remain connected to their communities while building a safer and more resilient future.”
The proposal aims to give people more housing choice and help more Northern Rivers residents stay close to their families, their workplaces, and the region they call home.
About $7 million has been committed by the NSW Government to support the rezoning process and contribute to essential enabling infrastructure. The money is funding technical investigations into flooding, biodiversity, transport, stormwater, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
“The proposed rezoning at North Arm Road is another step towards unlocking land that could support future housing opportunities for flood affected communities,” said NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett.
“Our focus is on ensuring that planning decisions are supported by technical evidence, consider infrastructure requirements and provide opportunities for meaningful community input.”
But even if the rezoning gets the green light, the bulldozers won’t be rolling in straight away.
“Importantly, rezoning is only the first stage. Any future development would require separate assessment and approval through Tweed Shire Council,” Kennett said.
Feedback from the community will feed into an independent assessment of the proposal. A rezoning decision is expected in early 2027.
“We are committed to progressing recovery in a way that is thoughtful, transparent and I welcome feedback on the proposal because the future of our region should be informed by the people who know the communities they live, work and play in best,” Saffin said.
Community members can comment on the proposed rezoning and the supporting technical documents through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say platform from Thursday, 12 November to Thursday, 10 December.
To find out more or make a submission, visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/north-arm-road-rezoning.
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