Tweed LinkPOSTAGE PAID

A TWEED SHIRE COUNCIL PUBLICATION | (02) 6670 2400 or 1300 292 872 | ISSUE 681 | 28 SEPTEMBER 2010 | ISSN 1327–8630

Shaping the vision for the Tweed

DRAFTCommunity Strategic Plan 2011/2021

www.ourtweedvision.com.au

Tweed Shire Council is working with the community to create a 10-year vision for the shire, to protect the qualities that make the Tweed a great place to live and to create communities which are strong and connected.

The 2011/2021 Community Strategic Plan is Council’s most important corporate planning tool over the next 10 years. It sets Council’s direction and objectives as a shire.

You can help shape this vision for the shire by participating in the creation of the Community Strategic Plan. Council says the community’s input will be an important influence in guiding the final document, to build upon the vision previously defined by the community in Tweed Futures 04/24 (see panel lower right).

What is the Community Strategic Plan?

All councils are required to develop an Integrated Planning and

Reporting Framework, to encourage councils and the public to work together for more vibrant and robust communities.

The Community Strategic Plan will be the visionary document within that framework, providing broader strategic direction for

In 2004 Council commissioned a strategy to assess the community’s long-term vision.The results centred on maintaining quality of life, expanding employment and protecting the environmental values and natural beauty of the Tweed.You thought the main advantages of living on the Tweed were:• Proximity to the coast• Safe and peaceful

surroundings• A friendly community• Good shopping and amenitiesYou were concerned about:• Traffic and a lack of public

transport• Limited activities for young

people• A shortage of employment

opportunities• Urban growth• Overdevelopment• Loss of character of towns

and villagesWhat do you think now? Make sure you have your say.

Special edition Tweed LinkThis special eight-page, full-colour edition of the Tweed Link is devoted to bringing every household in the Tweed a summary of the draft Community Strategic Plan 2011/2021 which will shape the way we live for the next 10 years.

The Community Strategic Plan is built around four themes• Civic Leadership: to set the overall direction and

long-term goals for the Tweed in accordance with community aspirations. See next page.

• Supporting Community Life: to create a place where people are healthy, safe, connected and in harmony with the natural environment to retain and improve the quality of community life. See page 3.

• Strengthening the Economy: to strengthen and diversify the region’s economic base in a way that

complements the environmental and social values of the Tweed. See page 4.

• Caring for the Environment: for Council and the community to value, respect and actively participate in the care and management of our natural environment for current and future generations. See page 5.

The draft Community Strategic Plan outlines the aims, challenges, objectives and strategies to achieve each of these themes.

Building on the Tweed Futures 04/24 document

How can I have my say?Many of the Tweed’s residents and ratepayers lead busy lives, so Council has set up a variety of ways you can have your say:

• Go online to comment, read the comments of others or join a conversation

• Visit an information session and fill out a survey

• Ring up and record your comments

• Write Council a letter detailing your thoughts

For all the information about the plan and how you can have your say, go to the websitewww.ourtweedvision.com.au

Council to shape the community in years to come.

A four-year Delivery Program and annual Operational Plan will be developed to deliver the required actions.

Council isn’t starting with a blank slate however, because the Tweed went through a similar process in 2004 to produce Tweed Futures 04/24.

The challenge for the Tweed community is to review and build upon the Tweed Futures vision, to ensure it has the right blueprint to build a bright future.

The visions contained in the Community Strategic Plan will be the aspirations and priorities of the community, so Council believes it is important to give all groups and individuals an opportunity to participate and have their say.

Council will conduct a comprehensive community engagement process, providing a wide variety of ways for people to learn about the Strategic Plan and provide their input.

A new approach – Planning for a Sustainable FutureA new integrated planning and reporting framework has been introduced to ensure NSW local government operations and strategic planning are meeting the needs of the community.

These reforms replace the former Management Plan and Social Plan reporting mechanisms and require councils to prepare:• A 10-year ‘Community Strategic Plan’

developed in consultation with the

community, State Government agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

• A four-year ‘Delivery Program’ that details all activities Council will be committing to over the next four years to work towards achieving its long-term objectives.

• An annual ‘Operational Plan’ that specifies individual activities Council will be undertaking during the year, together with details of income and expenditure estimates for the year.

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Guiding principles of the Community Strategic PlanThe 2011/2021 Tweed Community Strategic Plan is based upon the three guiding principles of Social Justice, Economic Resilience and Sustainability.

Social JusticeSocial justice recognises the need for equity and fairness in the allocation of resources and access to infrastructure and services. It provides the opportunity for individuals to participate in decisions that can affect their quality of life.

These opportunities extend to all people regardless of background, level of education, socio economic status or access to facilities and technology.

All individuals have the opportunity to participate in community life.

Economic ResilienceEconomic resilience is based upon the recognition that we live

in a world of finite resources and that economic growth must not threaten long-term social and ecological sustainability for the sake of short-term economic gain.

Economic resilience seeks to deliver a strong economy through ingenuity, resourcefulness and

diversification so business can adapt and respond to pressures appropriately.

Diversification of the key industries in the Tweed is critical in developing a vibrant and mature economy.

This needs to be achieved in a way that complements the lifestyle and

environment of the Tweed, which are significant selling points in attracting business investment.

SustainabilitySustainability has emerged over the past 20 years due to worldwide recognition that our environmental problems and solutions are linked with the health of our community and the state of the economy.

Sustainability has three core components: 1. Balanced decision making based

on environmental, social and economic goals.

2. A focus on equity and fairness and a recognition that we cannot ignore the effects of our actions on others in an interdependent world.

3. Recognition that while a strong economy is necessary to meet the needs of today, it must not be at the expense of future generations to meet their needs.

Key Objectives and Strategies: Civic LeadershipEnsure actions taken and decisions reached are based on the principles of sustainability.Establish sustainability as a basis of shire planning.Create a sustainable, socially and environmentally aware community through education.Implement climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.Improve decision making by engaging stakeholders and seeking community involvement.Council will be underpinned by good governance in every decision and action taken.Decisions will be made relating to the allocation of priorities that are necessary for the long-term interests of the community.Financial requirements and the community’s capacity to pay will be taken into account when meeting the community’s desired levels of service.Involve communities including youth in decision making that affects their area and the wider Tweed community.Deliver the objectives of this planCouncil’s organisation will be resourced to provide the essential services and support functions to deliver the objectives of this Plan.Council will seek the best value in delivering services.Existing and future community assets will be properly managed and maintained based on principles of equity and sustainability.Strengthen coordination among Commonwealth and State governments and their agencies and other service providers to avoid duplication, synchronise service delivery and seek economies of scale.Council will perform its functions as required by law and form effective partnerships with State and Commonwealth governments and their agencies to advance the welfare of the Tweed community.Manage and plan for a balance between population growth, urban development and environmental protection.Council supports strategic decisions of previous councils and the NSW Government for the Tweed Shire population increase in accordance with the Far North Coast Regional Strategy.Land use plans and development controls will be applied rigorously and consistently and respond to the requirements of development proponents, the natural environment and those in the community affected by the proposed development.Sustainable provision of additional amenities, infrastructure and services is in step with population growth.The Tweed Local Environmental Plan will be reviewed and updated as required to ensure it provides an effective statutory framework to meet the needs of the Tweed community.

Council has a key responsibility to set the overall direction and long-term goals for Tweed Shire, in line with community aspirations and expectations, according to the Strategic Plan’s civic leadership aims.

It says a key focus of Civic Leadership – one of the plan’s four themes – was responsible decision making in accordance with the NSW Local Government Act and Council’s charter, mission statement and corporate

values.“The overarching aim for planning the Tweed is

sustainability,” the plan says.“To address community concerns, a balance has to

be struck between economic and urban development on the one hand, and retaining the shire’s natural beauty and diversity on the other, so people can enjoy a wide range of lifestyles and a high quality of individual and community life.”

To achieve the community’s goals, the elected councillors will undertake to deliver quality services within Council’s available resources, the plan says.

Council needs to lead a move away from greenfield land releases to focus on mixed use development and urban consolidation to accommodate the predicted population increases.

“Community feedback on this key challenge is vitally important,” the plan says.

The Community Strategic Plan’s first theme is Civic Leadership

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The plan’s second theme - Supporting Community LifeLife in the Tweed is enhanced by creating a place where people are healthy, safe, connected and in harmony with the natural environment, according to the draft Strategic Plan’s ‘Supporting Community Life’ theme.

“People in harmonious communities feel safe, welcome, share common goals, trust and respect each other and work cooperatively,” it says.

“People need affordable housing choices in safe and prosperous communities.”

The draft plan says this is nurtured by fostering employment opportunities and good education, as well as accessible community and leisure services.

It is also supported by strong networks including families, community and business groups,

churches, service and sporting clubs and a tradition of voluntary work.

The plan says the Tweed’s increasing population, expected to reach 100,000 people by 2021, will create a number of challenges and pressure on the shire’s services and infrastructure.Essential infrastructure includes:

• High-standard water supply.• Wastewater and solid waste

management.• Adequately surfaced streets.• Linked footpaths and cycleways.• Conveniently located and well

equipped parks and sports fields.

• Accessible community and

Key Objectives and Strategies: Supporting Community LifePEOPLEFoster strong, cohesive, cooperative, healthy and safe communities.Support and engage community organisations to promote effective communication between Council and these groups.

Work closely with government and community organisations to improve services to children and families, youth, elderly, indigenous people, disadvantaged and minority groups.Conserve Indigenous and Non Indigenous cultural places and values.Provide opportunities for residents to enjoy access to the arts, festivals, sporting activities, recreation, community and cultural facilities.Provide education and advocacy to promote road safety and support efforts of community groups and the police to improve safety of neighbourhoods, particularly programs to engage youth.Ensure new residents and families are welcomed and integrated into the community life of the Tweed.

Improve opportunities for housing choice.

Promote provision of a wide range of housing types in new and existing urban areas.Promote the supply of affordable housing.

PLACEProvide well serviced neighbourhoods.Provision of a secure, high quality and reliable drinking water supply service which meets health and environmental requirements and projected demand.Provision of high quality and reliable wastewater service which meets health and environmental requirements and projected demand.Provision of high quality, best practice, solid waste disposal with energy recovery, and improving resource recovery practices and infrastructure which meets health and environmental requirements and projected demand.Ensure adequate stormwater drainage, flood management and evacuation systems are in place to protect people and property from flooding.Ensure local streets, footpaths and cycleways are provided, interconnected and maintained.Provide conveniently placed and well equipped parks, sporting, recreational, cultural and community facilities.Provide a safe and efficient network of arterial roads connecting neighbourhoods to town centres, employment, shopping, health, commercial and education facilities.Promote the provision of cost effective public transport for all person access.Conserve and enhance the character, amenity and heritage of existing towns and villages.

cultural venues.“People want to live in well-

serviced neighbourhoods that support and take advantage of the Tweed’s outstanding environmental values and scenic beauty,” it says.

“Residents of existing towns and villages want the character, amenity and heritage of these localities preserved and enhanced.”

Specific challenges will arise from the Tweed’s ageing population, with the number of people aged over 65 expected to reach 41,000 during the next decade.

“A growing and ageing population also present economic and social opportunities,” the plan says.

“Intelligent planning will allow our community to take advantage of these developments.”

Provide vibrant and accessible town, community and business centres. Encourage establishment of well located centres to provide a wide range of retail, commercial and community services, supported by high amenity public spaces, quality urban design and good access by public transport or bicycle.Advocate for the provision of affordable and accessible health care, aged care, mental health, youth and family services and other community services. Facilitate the development of a network of neighbourhood centres to meet the needs of local residents.

Improve urban design.Design new urban areas to be sustainable, complement existing environmental values and take advantage of the Tweed’s scenic beauty.Ensure the highest design standards for sustainability are used for buildings, streetscapes and public spaces.

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The Tweed needs a strong and diverse economic base that complements the shire’s environmental and social values, according to the draft Community Strategic Plan’s ‘Strengthening The Economy’ objectives.

“The economy of the Tweed needs to develop and diversify at a pace which matches population growth,” it says.

The plan says Council’s core functions include economic development and fostering tourism, which is playing an increasing role in the Tweed’s growing economy.

“Council’s primary roles in economic development are the provision of infrastructure, planning land use which generates employment, and promoting business and investment.

“Council needs to work with key government agencies and the private sector to set priorities and share resources within both a local and regional framework.”

Community aspirations outlined in the Community Strategic Plan will lead to a medium-term reassignment of resources for economic development and tourism promotion.

The plans says Council will work with economic development and tourism agencies to develop

strategies to boost the Tweed economy, which is dominated by the service sector, light manufacturing and residential building construction.

“Education, hospitality, retail, health services and trades are the largest areas of employment,” it says.

The plan also highlights issues confronting the Tweed’s agricultural

industry, which is dominated by smaller producers – who are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with larger operations – and faces increasing pressure from urban and rural-residential development.

“It is important to ensure, as far as possible, that rural industries maintain the critical mass required to

sustain viable support services and infrastructure,” the plan says.

“High land prices can make it difficult for farmers to expand their properties into more efficient units.

“The farming community has aged markedly as the younger generation decides to make its future elsewhere.”

The plan’s third theme - Strengthening the Economy

Expand employment, tourism and education opportunities.

Attract educational facilities to the Tweed.

Attract major events to the Tweed.

Support innovative employment generating projects.

Market the Tweed as a destination for business and tourism.

Support creative practitioners and entrepreneurs to access professional and business development opportunities, to enhance their contribution to the creative economy.

Provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy access to the Arts through cultural facilities, festivals and programs.

Establish planning controls that support businesses and promote the growth of home-based industries.

Promote improved telecommunications and broadband access.

Develop coordinated cross border relationships.

Key Objectives and Strategies: Strengthening the Economy

Retain prime agricultural land, farm viability, manage rural subdivision and associated landscape impacts.

Foster a viable farming community.

Maintain and enhance the Tweed lifestyle and environmental qualities as an attraction to business and tourism.

Establish planning controls that balance the need for urban growth, agriculture and protection of the environment.

Facilitate government-funded infrastructure.

Provide land and infrastructure to underpin economic development and employment.

Ensure an adequate supply of industrial and commercial lands to promote employment opportunities.

Ensure infrastructure (utilities, services and transport) is available to support economic development.

Manage Tweed Coast Holiday Parks, airfields and other business enterprises to provide economic stimulus and maximise returns to the community.

Support the creation of a vibrant self sufficient retail network that fully services the local community.

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It is vital to conserve and restore Tweed Shire’s environmental assets because they ultimately support society and the economy, according to the draft Community Strategic Plan’s section on ‘Caring For The Environment’.

“Without a healthy environment, local food and water supply is jeopardised, our highly regarded quality of life declines, tourism and associated business suffer and the shire becomes a less attractive place to live, work and visit,” the plan says.

“The Tweed also has one of the highest population growth rates in NSW. This places a wide range of pressures on the natural environment and puts Council in an important position in terms of managing the shire’s natural resources and population growth in an ecologically sustainable way.

“Our health and well-being are inextricably linked to the quality of our air, water, soils and biological resources.”

It says the Tweed’s culture is inseparable from the landscapes, seascapes and wildlife in the shire, which has the third highest

biodiversity of flora and fauna in Australia.

A 20-year strategy produced by Council in 2004 - after extensive input from the community - said it was important to improve water quality and river flows, protect rural landscapes as agricultural activities decline, preserve heritage items and retain the distinctive character of towns and villages.

Urban expansion and agricultural

activities were cited as potential causes of further degradation of water supplies, which had to be enhanced to safeguard aquaculture, fishing and lifestyle.

“Pressures on the coastal environment is likely to continue, given planned expansion of urban areas along the coastal zone,” the draft Strategic Plan says.

“A long-term environmental management framework has

been developed to protect the qualities of beaches, dune systems, wetlands, wildlife habitats and the management of extensive environmental protection areas.

“Improved coordination between Council and other agencies, plus effective planning controls over privately owned land within important landscapes, will provide improved amenity for all stakeholders.”

Key Objectives and Strategies: Caring for the EnvironmentProtect the environment and natural beauty of the Tweed.

Retain open space and greenbelts for conservation and for all people to enjoy.

Maintain a coastline that is enjoyed and managed for current and future generations.

Protect and manage coastal and inland waterways for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

Enhance and protect biodiversity for current and future generations.

Protect and manage bushland and scenic landscapes for current and future generations.

Conserve native flora and fauna and their habitats

Promote the protection of native vegetation and wildlife habitat of high conservation value, social or cultural significance in Tweed Shire.

Encourage and promote rehabilitation and management of native vegetation and wildlife habitat in Tweed Shire.

Recognise the social and economic impacts of managing vegetation.

Promote and encourage partnerships between the community and governments through consultation and participation.

Establish and promote a framework for the implementation, continued development and monitoring of vegetation management and planning measures.

Maintain and enhance Tweed’s waterways and its catchments

Manage water resources sustainably and minimise impact on the environment by achieving more integration of water supply, wastewater and stormwater services.

Improve urban stormwater discharge through Water Sensitive Urban Design.

Improve rural stormwater discharge quality and ecosystem health through best practice land management.

Manage the Tweed Coastline to ensure a balance between utilisation and conservation

Recognise and accommodate natural processes and climate change.

Protect and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the coastal zone.

Provide for appropriate public access and use.

Improve the environmental capacity of Tweed agricultural lands

Promote and encourage sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.

Promote and encourage partnerships between farming communities, governments and research institutions through consultation and participation.

Provide information and support on sustainable land use practices to the agricultural community.

The plan’s final theme - Caring for the Environment

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2006–31

FAR NORTH COAST

REGIONAL STRATEGY

NSW STATE PLAN

InvestIng In a Better Future

How will Council measure plan’s success?The objectives and strategies for each theme provide a transparent approach to reporting, and establish a baseline from which Council can track its progress.

An Annual Report accompanying the Strategic Plan will provide a snapshot of Council’s progress towards an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable shire, by outlining Council’s progress in meeting performance indicators.

Council’s performance in managing its budgets and delivering programs and services is also outlined in the Annual Report.

Each outgoing elected Council must prepare a report to the community detailing achievements over their four-year term, to assess the implementation and effectiveness of Council’s actions in achieving its long-term goals.

The Tweed Community Strategic Plan will be formally reviewed every four years by each newly-elected council.

That will give the community an opportunity to revisit the priorities and objectives set by the incoming Council to ensure they reflect the community’s current needs and aspirations.

Monitoring and review process

Related plans – New South Wales GovernmentTo be truly effective, the 2011/2021 Tweed Community Strategic Plan is informed by the NSW State Plan and the Far North Coast Regional Strategy.

NSW State Plan ‘Investing in a Better Future’www.stateplan.nsw.gov.auThe NSW Government’s long-term strategic plan to deliver better services to thepeople of NSW.

Far North Coast Regional Strategywww.planning.nsw.gov.au/plansforaction/pdf/fncrs_strategy_fin.pdfA 25-year plan to promote prosperity, protect the environment, guide jobs and housing growth along the Far North Coast of New South Wales. The draft strategy recognises the impact of rapid population growth in the Far North Coast Region.

Community Strategic Plan

Delivery Program

Operational Plan

Actions

Every six months the General Manager will report to Council on its progress in meeting targets and objectives stated in the annual

Operational Plan.

Objectives

Strategies

Council will provide an Annual Report to the community detailing achievements and progress

in meeting stated targets and objectives in the Delivery Program. In addition Council will

publish its audited financial reports.

Resourcing Strategy

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NSW State Plan ‘Investing in a Better Future’ and Far North Coast Regional Strategy

DIAGRAM: The complex yet essential relationships for the NSW Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, highlighting how the ‘objectives’ identified in the Tweed Community Strategic Plan

translate into ‘strategies’ which feed into the Delivery Program. From the Delivery Program, ‘actions’ are identified, funded and delivered through the annual Operational Plan.

A new approach – Planning for a Sustainable Future

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NOTIFICATION OF APPROVAL OF SECTION 94 PLAN NO 15 - DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES

(VERSION 6) In accordance with Clause 31 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, notice is hereby given that Council has approved draft Section 94 Plan No 15 - Developer Contributions for Community Facilities (Version 6) in the form it was exhibited. Version 6 incorporates the SGS Facilities Plan 2007 report findings; extends the area covered to whole of Shire (excluding Cobaki Lakes, Kings Forest and Casuarina) and revises works program, which results in a contribution of $544 per person or $1,305.60 per ET.Version 6 comes into effect on Wednesday, 29 September 2010 and repeals and replaces the existing version. The plan is available on Council’s website: www.tweed.nsw.gov.au.Mike Rayner, General ManagerTweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484

ADOPT A POUND PETAge: Three yearsBreed: Domestic Short HairGender: Male and FemaleTemperament: Tom the ginger and his girlfriend Alice are a couple matched in heaven. While Alice loves the limelight and will seek out your affection, Tom prefers to stay the strong, silent type in the background. They adore each other so we would like to find them a good home together. If you would like to adopt a pet call the Tweed Shire Council Pound on (02) 6676 6060 10am - 4pm seven days a week or visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au All pets are desexed and vaccinated.

There will be many ways to find out about the Tweed Community Strategic Plan and provide your input, while the draft strategic plan is on public exhibition from 27 September to 8 November 2010.

Visit www.ourtweedvision.com.auJoin our online forum to share your opinions and see what other people are saying. See a simple explanation of the Community Strategic Plan or read the full draft. See the Tweed Futures 2004 – 2024 Strategic Plan. Watch vodcasts to see what the community is saying. Stay up to date with the process

Take part in community information sessionsGet informed about the plan and provide immediate feedbackInformation sessions will be held throughout the shire at:Uki Hall 6 October 11am-7pmKingscliff Markets 9 October 8am-noonChillingham Markets 10 October 8am-noonTweed City 16 October 10am-3pmPottsville Markets 17 October 8am-noonSunnyside Shopping Centre 18 October 10am –7pmMurwillumbahTweed Centro 23 October 10am-3pm

Leave a phone messageDial 1300 139 255 to use a special phone service allowing people to have their say on the Community Strategic Plan 24 hours a day. Messages can be up to 30 seconds long but you can contact the phone service as often as you like, for the cost of a local call each time.

Drop into Council’s Customer Service CentresThe Customer Service Centres at Council’s offices in Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads have all the facts and forms to learn about the Community Strategic Plan and have your say. Internet access is also available to visit www.ourtweedvision.com.au.

Visit your local libraryInternet access to visit www.ourtweedvision.com.au will also be available at the libraries at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah. Each library has a Community Strategic Plan information section and workshops are being provided to show residents how to access the Strategic Plan website. Phone (02) 6670 2751 to find out more about the workshops.

Write a submissionSubmissions can be emailed to tsc@tweed.com.auAlternatively, they can be faxed to (02) 6670 2429 or posted to PO Box 816, Murwillumbah 2484.

Read the Tweed LinkStories about key themes in the plan and updates on the community engagement process will appear each week in the Tweed Link.

Want to know more?If you want to know more about how you can get involved, phone Council’s Community Engagement Officer on (02) 6670 2751.

How you can help shape the vision A-Z of Major Informing Strategies All of Council’s current major strategies were considered to sufficiently inform the 2011/2021 Tweed Community Strategic Plan.

Aquatic Facilities StrategyAsset Management PlansCemeteries Business PlanCoastal Estuaries Management PlanCoastal Zone Management Plans (generic name for a number of plans)Coastline Management PlanCommunity Road Safety Strategic PlanCultural Plan – Stretching DimensionsDeveloper Contribution Plans (Section 94 and Section 64)Domestic Solid Waste Management StrategyEconomic Development StrategyFestivals StrategyFive year Works ProgramsFloodplain Risk Management PlansIntegrated Water Cycle Management StrategyInterim Water Quality Management PlanLibraries StrategyMuseum StrategyRegional Sports and Facilities PlanSeven Year Infrastructure and Services PlanSocial PlanState of the Environment ReportSurf Life Saving StrategyTelecommunications Action PlanTweed Coolangatta Community Safety PlanTweed Development Control Plan 2008 Tweed Development ProgramTweed Futures 2004-2024Tweed Heads Master PlanTweed Local Environmental PlanTweed River Art Gallery Business PlanTweed Urban and Employment Land Release Strategy 2009Tweed Urban Stormwater Quality Management PlanTweed Youth Needs AnalysisVegetation Management StrategyWastewater Activity Management PlanWater Activity Management PlanWater Supply Demand Management StrategyWater Supply Drought Management StrategyWhole of Shire Cultural and Community Facilities PlanYouth Alcohol and Other Drugs Study*Far North Coast Regional Strategy*NSW State Plan* External Plans

The Tweed Link is printed on 100 per cent recycled paper using soy-based inks. It is published weekly by Tweed Shire Council and available online in full colour. It is delivered free to residents and is available on audio tape. Editor Tiffany Stodart, PO Box 816 Murwillumbah 2484, tweedlink@tweed.nsw.gov.au, phone (02) 6670 2400 or 1300 292 872, fax (02) 6670 2429. Council’s main email address is tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Council’s agendas and minutes are available at Kingscliff, Murwillumbah or Tweed Heads libraries, Council offices or at www.tweed.nsw.gov.au After-hours emergencies for all Council services contact 1800 818 326. Council offices at the Civic and Cultural Centres at Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads are open Mondays 8am to 4.45pm and Tuesdays to Fridays 8am to 4.30pm (Public Holidays excepted).

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION DETERMINATIONS

TENDERS COMMUNITY NOTICES

Notification of Development Application Determinations for the purposes of Section 101 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (as amended).

The above development applications are available for public inspection free of charge at the Planning and Regulation Division, Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre, during ordinary office hours.

Fingal Head Community Association meets Saturday 1 October at 4pm at the Multi-purpose Unit at Fingal Heads Public School.Kingscliff Ratepayers and Progress Association meets Monday 4 October at 7pm at the Kingscliff Public School Library. Website: http://krpa2487.wordpress.comFernvale Community Association meets Monday 4 October at 7.30pm at Fernvale Hall.Uki Village and District Residents Association meets Tuesday 5 October at 7pm at the Uki Hall.Chinderah District Residents Association meets Tuesday 5 October at 7pm at the Cudgen Leagues Club.Hastings Point Progress Association meets Tuesday 5 October at 6.30pm at the Big 4 Caravan Park meeting room.Tumbulgum Community Association meets Tuesday 5 October at 7pm in the Tumbulgum Community Hall.Tyalgum Literary Institute meets Tuesday 5 October at 7.30pm at the Tyalgum Hall.Banora Point and District Residents Association meets Monday 11 October at 7pm at the Banora Point Community Centre.

DA10/0533 - Shed Lot 2 DP 618642, No. 25 Carool Road, BILAMBIL

DA10/0523 - New carport, extension of a new living room and covered outdoor deck to the existing dwelling Lot 22 DP 1002619, No. 140 Nolans Road, Stokers Siding

DA10/0384 - Use of garage as a habitable room Lot 626 DP 216389, No. 29 Tamarind Avenue, Bogangar

DA10/0561 - Fibre glass swimming pool Lot 223 DP 1139108, No. 65 Coral Fern Circuit, Murwillumbah

DA10/0334 - Proposed carport and bedroom extension to existing dwelling Lot 3 Section 11DP 758571, No. 6 Pacific Street, Kingscliff

DA10/0514 - Erection of a dwelling house with attached double garage, 1.7m high fence and gatehouse within 6m primary setback and inground swimming pool Lot 20 DP 29193, No. 37 Sunset Boulevarde, Tweed Heads West

DA10/0435 - Dwelling Lot 3 DP 1117675, No. 136A Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah

DA10/0597 - Enclose part of existing deck for dining area new shed and covered deck Lot 15 DP 871487, No. 7 Spring Valley Road, Cudgera Creek

DA10/0487 - Dwelling Lot 122 DP 1142485, No. 59 Old Lismore Road, Murwillumbah

DA10/0509 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling Lot 3 DP 531566, No. 33 Oyster Point Road, Banora Point

DA10/0522 - Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including a garage Lot 12 DP 875563, Waratah Court, Mount Burrell

DA10/0546 - Erection of a dwelling Lot 411 DP 1097757, No. 4 Fairy Bower Street, Kingscliff

POTTSVILLE BEACH MARKETS

APPLICATION DETAILS

APPROVED

DA10/0341 - Two (2) lot subdivision and earthworks to partially fill the site Lot 9 DP 14141, No. 21 Tweed Coast Road, Hastings Point

DA10/0378 - Detached dual occupancy Lot 1441 DP 1129353, No. 7 Terrigal Street, Pottsville

DA10/0358 - Additions and alterations to existing duplex comprising front masonry/timber batten fence, dividing fence, roofed area and awning to rear minor renovations and swimming pool Lot 1 SP 13323, Unit 1/No. 6 Solander Street, Tweed Heads

DA10/0112 - Temporary display office Lot 8 Section 2DP 2379, Lot 2 DP 205411, No. 151 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

DA10/0307 - Town house development comprising three (3) single storey detached dwellings Lot 112 DP 1139107, No. 3 Coral Fern Circuit, Murwillumbah

DA10/0483 - Bathroom fitout Lot 2 DP 626425, No. 48 Bawden Street, Tumbulgum

DA10/0560 - Dwelling additions Lot 39 DP 244220, No. 20 Compass Way, Tweed Heads

DA08/0587 - Use of an existing shed Lot 13 DP 22924, No. 217 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West

DA10/0502 - Single dwelling with attached garage Lot 6 DP 864151, No. 273 Kunghur Creek Road, Kunghur Creek

DA10/0519 - Dwelling and retaining walls Lot 258 DP 1145129, No. 2 Neville Close, Murwillumbah

EC2010-147 Design and Construction of an Industrial Building (Records Storage Facility) at Lot 212 DP1122768 No 24 Honeyeater Circuit Murwillumbah. Hard copy documentation cost: $55. Tenders close: Wednesday 4pm (DST) 13 October 2010.

Tenders must be lodged as specified in the tender documentation. Tender documentation is available at no charge from Council’s website at www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/tenders All tenders will be opened at closing time and will be considered by Council in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005. The lowest or any tender is not necessarily accepted and canvassing of Councillors or staff will disqualify.For further information please contact Paul Morgan (02) 6670 2485.

Always 1st and 3rd Sunday of month. Next market 3 October.

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IN BRIEF

New Mayor and deputyThe Tweed Shire has a new Mayor. Councillor Kevin Skinner is the Mayor of Tweed, with Councillor Barry Longland the Deputy Mayor. The next elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be held at a Council meeting in September 2011, with Councillors voting for the positions. For contact details for the Mayor and Councillors, go to Council’s website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Ride to Work DayA Ride to Work Day event will be held in Murwillumbah on Wednesday, 13 October 2010. Residents are invited to take up the challenge with their workmates by riding to work and enjoying a free breakfast and giveaways in the park outside the Civic Centre from 6.30am to 8.30am. The event has been organised by the Wollumbin Bicycle User Group with assistance from Tweed Shire Council and Murwillumbah Central Rotary.

Floodgate vandalism may have serious resultsFloodgates do an important job in our rivers and foreshores but unfortunately, there have been recent instances of vandalism or even removal of the gates.

Floodgates work hand in hand with our flood levee systems to protect houses, property, crops and even life where river levels rise.

There hasn’t been a major flood in the Tweed Valley since 1989 but when we do experience another big flood in the future, these gates will play an important part in shielding our evacuation routes and our properties.

Council has embarked on a shire-wide program of repairing and upgrading floodgates for safety and to prevent property damage. However, it seems that some of the work has been undone by the interference of people who may not realise what the consequences might be.

Council’s Maintenance Inspector for Flood Mitigation, Steve Sharp, said that some floodgates have been damaged and removed, while others have been propped open with sticks

and rocks for unknown reasons.“If anyone would like to open

or remove a floodgate I would encourage them to talk to me first on 0409 086 604 so we can work out the best solution for all,” Mr Sharp said.

Floodgates are Council-owned assets and, apart from being an

offence to tamper with the gates, residents should be aware that any flood damage to property, crops or stock resulting from such interference may expose the culprit to civil action in the courts by anyone affected.

For further information, please call Mr Sharp on 0409 086 604.

Second synthetic hockey field proposedCouncil is working with the Tweed Border Hockey Association (TBHA) to establish a second synthetic ‘hybrid’ hockey field at the Barrie Smith Fields in Murwillumbah.

Council has lodged a development application on behalf of the TBHA for a new synthetic ‘hybrid’ hockey pitch, which would replace the existing turf field adjacent to Nullum Street and opposite Murwillumbah High School. As the proposed synthetic pitch replaces an existing grass hockey field, the new pitch would not increase the scale of the hockey venue.

The pitch upgrade was identified in Council’s Regional Recreation Facilities Plan (2006), which outlines the requirements for sporting facilities to meet the community’s needs at a regional level for the next 20 years.

At this stage the project is partially funded with contributions from both TBHA and Council, however Council and TBHA are continuing to seek additional funding to meet project budget requirements.

Pending planning approvals and confirmed budget, construction is scheduled to start in late 2011 and finish in

time for the 2012 winter Hockey season.Council’s Manager Recreation Services Stewart

Brawley said the TBHA already hosts a number of top level tournaments however the addition of a second synthetic pitch would bring a range of benefits to the association, and the local community.

“The new pitch will enable the association to host a range of additional higher level tournaments which would be similar in scale and duration to tournaments already hosted by the club,” Mr Brawley said.

“Other benefits include improved player training and competition facilities and potential for Murwillumbah hockey grounds to be training facilities for international teams.”

The new playing field would occupy the site of the complex’s western turf pitch, which the association shares with the neighbouring Murwillumbah Cricket Club. Council has been liaising with the cricket club to coordinate a relocation of the cricket pitch and playing field, so it still has four ovals.

In the interim, Council is upgrading the boundary fencing to the existing synthetic hockey pitch field.

One of the many types of floodgates in operation in the Tweed. Council warns that interfering with floodgates can have serious consequences.

Want to know more about the Community Strategic Plan outlined in last week’s special edition of the Tweed Link?

Senior Council staff will be on hand at answer your questions at information sessions to be held across the Tweed over the next few weeks. Information sessions will be held at: 6 October - Uki - Uki Hall (11am-7pm); 9 October - Kingscliff - Kingscliff markets (8am-noon); 10 October - Chillingham - Chillingham Markets (8am-noon); 16 October - Tweed Heads South - Tweed City Shopping Centre (10am-3pm); 17 October - Pottsville - Pottsville Markets (8am-noon); 18 October - Murwillumbah - Sunnyside shopping centre (10am-7pm); 23 October - Tweed Heads - Tweed Centro shopping centre (10am-3pm).

Another way to find out more and have your say is to go to www.ourtweedvision.com.au

Information sessions

Tweed LinkPOSTAGE PAID

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Tweed residents getting vocal about future

Community roundtables about the Community Strategic Plan at both the Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads Civic and Cultural Centres drew a considerable number of interested parties.

Tweed citizens are seizing the opportunity to have their say about the future of the shire, as community information sessions and online discussions get underway for the Tweed Community Strategic Plan 2011/2021.

More than 40 Uki district residents joined the discussion on 6 October, when their village hosted the first of a series of community information sessions being held throughout the shire by Tweed Shire Council.

Youth services, sustainable development, disability access and planning for climate change were among the issues raised by Uki residents as priorities for the Strategic Plan, which will become Council’s most important strategic document in guiding the shire for the next 10 years.

To maximise community input, Council has created a website www.ourtweedvision.com.au which offers convenient methods for individuals and organisations to contribute to the discussion when it suits them.

Conversations about the draft Community Strategic Plan’s four themes – Civic Leadership, Supporting Community Life, Strengthening the Economy and Caring for the Environment – have begun on an online forum at www.ourtweedvision.com.au.

The forums will continue until the end of the Community Strategic Plan’s exhibition period, which

continues until 8 November 2010. They are central to community

consultation for the plan, enabling people to get on line at any time during this period and participate in the debate.

Some of the comments received so far included the following:

“Council, before it says yes to future population growth, must first identify what would be a sustainable population without destroying the natural environment in the process,” Juleroo said.

“I believe we really must preserve the rich agricultural land in this area. It must become better known for its fresh and healthy products,” one of the registered forum participants, Suzie Bourke, wrote in the forum for

Strengthening the Economy.“Before any more NEW

development, let’s fix our roads,” Elvis said.

Residents without internet access at home can participate in the forums by using computers at Community Strategic Plan displays at Council’s Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads Civic and Cultural Centres, and the libraries at Kingscliff, Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads.

Submissions can also be lodged by phoning 1300 139255 (for the cost of a local call), by email to communicationstsc@tweed.com.au, faxed to (02) 6670 2429 or in writing to General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816 Murwillumbah 2484.

Kingscliff fibro erosion concerns being monitored dailyTweed Council has taken steps to address concerns about fibro asbestos sheeting exposed at an eroded section of coastline at Kingscliff.

Council staff will continue daily monitoring of the erosion scarp at Kingscliff Beach, north of Cudgen Creek, to see if further fibro asbestos sheeting is exposed, after four small pieces were discovered by a Council ranger on 4 October.

Natural Resources Management Unit Coordinator Jane Lofthouse said any fibro sheeting found by this monitoring would be removed.

“It is not possible to totally isolate the site because of the safety issue of fencing material placed on the beach,” Ms

Lofthouse said.It is thought the small pieces of fibro containing asbestos

found last week were from sheeting used to form kerb and guttering on a road which passes through Faulk Park and has been partially washed away by the erosion.

A Council policy on asbestos management, adopted earlier this year, says asbestos fibres must be inhaled to pose a health risk.

People wanting more information about asbestos and its potential health risks can read the Asbestos Management policy on Council’s website at www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/councilmeetings/Policy/ViewPolicies.aspx

Every resident and their dog can play a part in shaping the Tweed Community Strategic Plan 2011/2021.

One Uki resident found a novel way to return her completed Community Strategic Plan survey, when she enlisted her dog Millie to deliver the form. Trained to take owner Maggie Wilkins-Russell’s mail to the public letterbox, Millie brought the survey form back to the Uki town hall, where Council staff were conducting a Strategic Plan information session.

The survey offers residents a quick and convenient way to provide input about the Tweed Community Strategic Plan.

It can be completed online at www.ourtweedvision.com.au and copies will be available at the community information sessions. See the story above for dates, times and locations.

Dogged determination

Session timesA total of seven information sessions, to inform people about the Strategic Plan and how they can contribute to its vision for the coming decade, included marquees at the Kingscliff Markets last Saturday (9 October) and Chillingham Markets (10 October).

They will be followed by information sessions at Tweed City Shopping Centre on Saturday, 16 October from 10am to 3pm, Pottsville Markets on Sunday, 17 October (8am-noon), Sunnyside Shopping Centre in Murwillumbah on Monday, 18 October (10am-7pm) and Centro Tweed Shopping Centre on Saturday, 23 October (10am-3pm).

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Baby Bounce at libraries

Tweed River Festival focuses on local biodiversityThe Tweed River Festival began this week, with a wide range of events, workshops and fun family activities planned across the Tweed.

The focus of this year’s festival is biodiversity, in line with the International Year of Biodiversity 2010. Council hosts the festival each year to promote the importance of our catchment and waterways to our Tweed lifestyle.

Art lovers will enjoy a special exhibition from the Caldera Art 2010 Prize from Sunday 17 October to Sunday 31 October at the World Heritage Rainforest Centre in Murwillumbah’s Budd Park.

Artists will be in residence most days, creating new artworks which depict aspects of the region’s natural environment, particularly related to the Tweed’s catchment and waterways.

The Caldera Art 2010 Tweed River Festival Exhibition will be open daily from 9.30am to 4pm.

The next event on the program is a riparian (riverbank) tree planting in Carraboi Terrace at Tyalgum Reserve on Saturday 23 October from 9am to noon. To register please call (02) 6670 2783.

Local students at participating schools will be busy throughout next week creating lanterns to carry in the lantern parade which will held in Budd Park on Saturday 30 October.

Nature lovers should enjoy two guided walks planned for Terranora and Tweed Heads South.

Local bird and wetland habitat experts will lead a free information walk along the Terranora Broadwater foreshore from 9am on Monday 25 October, concluding at 11am. Meet at

Birds Bay Drive. Philp Parade, Tweed Heads South

is the venue for a wetland and bird information walk on Wednesday 27 October from 9am to 10am. Please register on (02) 6670 2783 for both walks.

The village of Tumbulgum goes

plastic bag free on Tuesday 26 October at an event from10am to 10.30am at the Ferryside General Store. Come along to celebrate this good news with retailers and residents.

Those concerned about the health of the river may be interested in the range of speakers and topics at this year’s Catchment Catchup at the Sustainable Living Centre in Altona Road, Cudgen on Thursday 28 October from 9am to 3pm.

Topics include water quality in the Tweed River, the Tweed’s koalas, improving fish habitat and controlling mosquitoes, erosion, local birds and the Bush Futures project.

There will also be a special presentation and display on the Tweed Kenya Mentoring Program.

The event is free and includes lunch. To register call (02) 6670 2783 by Friday 22 October.

The main day of the Tweed River Festival is the family fun day on Saturday 30 October which will be held in Budd Park in Murwillumbah this year while the usual venue, Jack Evans Boat Harbour, is being revamped.

All the popular attractions will return, including the lantern parade and fireworks. Come along from 3.30pm to join in the fun.

The full Tweed River Festival program is available on Council’s website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Alex Dowling and Morgan O’Connor are looking forward to making some lanterns to be used in the Tweed River Festival lantern parade which will be held at Budd Park in Murwillumbah on Saturday 30 October.

New information session for ChillinghamResidents in the Tweed’s west will have further opportunity to contribute to the 10-year vision for the Tweed, with Council rescheduling an information session in Chillingham.

The information session for the draft Community Strategic Plan will be held at the Chillingham hall on Monday 25 October from 1.30pm-6.30pm.

It was originally scheduled to be held at the Chillingham Markets on 10 October, however was cancelled due to weather conditions.

While residents have the opportunity to attend information sessions across the Tweed many residents are having their say through a 24/7 online forum at www.ourtweedvision.com.au.

One forum participant, Billycan, says the plan should include measures to “support and promote affordable housing models that are less invasive and more environmentally efficient”.

In another comment, Billycan says: “The arts and cultural activity at a community level is a fantastic way to create a sense of community and strengthen community identity”.

Councillors and senior staff will be on hand at the Chillingham hall to explain and discuss the draft Community Strategic Plan.

Residents can drop in at any time during the session or visit www.ourtweedvision.com.au for a full listing of remaining community information sessions and to participate in the online forum, which will continue until 8 November 2010.

Free ‘Baby Bounce’ sessions for parents or carers and their babies aged from birth to two years will be held at local libraries later this month.

Baby Bounce is a 20-30 minute session designed to introduce your baby, and reintroduce you, to the joy of sharing the rhythm and rhyme of nursery rhymes, finger plays, poems and songs with your baby. All parents, grandparents, carers and their babies are invited to participate in this free program. Older siblings are also welcome to join in.

The sessions start at 11am and will be held at the Tweed Heads Library on Tuesday 26 October and the Murwillumbah Library on Friday 29 October.

Places in the Baby Bounce sessions are limited so bookings are essential. Call Murwillumbah Library on (02) 6670 2427 or Tweed Heads Library on (07) 5569 3150.

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IN BRIEF

Many ways to have your say

Visually impaired residents are being encouraged to outline their aspirations and priorities for the Tweed, with an audio version of the draft Community Strategic Plan available to download from the website www.ourtweedvision.com.au. The Council’s efforts to encourage public input to the draft Plan have included a number of fi rsts, such as the dedicated website and online forums. There is also a phone submission hotline (1300 139 255) to record your comments for the cost of a local call. Comment on the plan is open until Monday 8 November 2010.

Rescission motion lodged over Byrrill Creek decisionA new dam at Byrrill Creek, south-

west of Murwillumbah, has been

chosen as the preferred option to

augment the Tweed District Water

Supply.

The surprise decision was made at Council’s October meeting following a lengthy study and community consultation process on three shortlisted options to augment the Tweed water supply.

The augmentation is designed to meet the Tweed’s water needs until 2036.

A rescission motion has since been lodged, and will be considered at an Extraordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 1 November at 3.30pm.

Under Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, if three Councillors disagree with a decision they are able to lodge a rescission motion.

Once a rescission motion has been lodged, the original decision cannot be acted on until the motion of rescission has been dealt with.

If the rescission motion is successful at the Extraordinary Meeting, Council will then consider a Notice of Motion which is as per the recommendation of that item at the meeting of 19 October.

Council offi cers had recommended the adoption of the raising of the existing Clarrie Hall Dam at Doon Doon, also south-west of Murwillumbah, which came out as the preferred option through the

Water Supply Augmentation Options Study.

The Byrrill Creek option was placed third, with the construction of a pipeline to the South-East Queensland water grid ranking

second in the comprehensive study.For more information on the

shortlisted options, Council Business Papers and related Minutes visit Council’s website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au.

River festival - an afternoon and evening of funLanterns, fi reworks and family fun are all on the

agenda at this year’s Tweed River Festival main day

on Saturday 30 October.

The popular event will be held at an alternative venue in Budd Park in Murwillumbah this year due to the construction work underway at Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

The fun starts at 3.30pm, with a variety of free entertainment on the main stage including the PCYC Big Band, circus acts and performers roaming through the crowd.

Delicious food stalls will open from 3pm so why not bring a picnic rug or chairs and set up for a relaxing evening by the river.

Lantern decorating workshops will begin at 3.30pm. You can create your own colourful lantern and join in the Lights on the River Lantern parade at dusk. The cost is $10 per lantern.

Learn more about caring for the Tweed River and its

catchment and how to be waste and water wise at the information stall.

Popular local band The Round Mountain Girls will take to the stage from 6pm.

At 7.30pm, come and join in or watch the lantern parade as hundreds of luminous lanterns light up around the river.

The evening will fi nish with a dazzling fi reworks display refl ected by the waters of the Tweed River.

For the full Tweed River Festival program, visit Council’s website www.tweed.nsw.gov.au.

Budd Park is located in Alma Street, South Murwillumbah, near the World Heritage Rainforest Centre.

Council is still seeking volunteers to take part in the

event, including lantern carriers and marshals for the

parade. Community groups are welcome to participate

and will be provided with signage. If you want to take

part, please call (02) 6670 2783.

Have your say on the Community Strategic Plan - ONLY TWO WEEKS TO GO - www.ourtweedvision.com.au

A map of the Tweed showing the location of the existing Clarrie Hall Dam and the proposed Byrrill Creek dam.

Byrrill Creek was chosen as the location for a new dam at the 19 October meeting. A rescission motion has

since been lodged.

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IN BRIEF

Have your say on the Community Strategic Plan - ONLY SIX DAYS TO GO - www.ourtweedvision.com.au

Participants in solar program asked to waitThe NSW Government last week announced

a reduction in the feed-in tariff for household

solar power from $0.60 per kilowatt to $0.20 per

kilowatt.

At this early stage, Council has been unable to obtain confi rmation from NSW Department of Industry and Investment whether participants in the Tweed Solar Community Program will be affected by the changes.

Council’s Sustainability Offi cer Dan Walton has urged participants in Council’s program to wait until their eligibility for the $0.60 feed-in tariff issue has been clarifi ed before making any decision to continue in the solar program.

“The Tweed Solar Community Program will continue

despite changes to the NSW feed-in tariff. Program participants will be contacted by Council’s program partner Aussie Solar as soon as eligibility for the $0.60 feed-in tariff is clarifi ed,” Mr Walton said.

Tweed local members are taking up the issue with the State Government on behalf of participants in the Tweed Solar Community Program, requesting that participants be included in the transitional arrangements to make them eligible for the $0.60 feed-in tariff.

Solar customers who are not part of the 400 households in the Council program should visit www.industry.nsw.gov.au/energy or call the NSW energy information line on 1300 136 888 for more information on changes to the feed-in tariff.

Council’s Youth Development Offi cer Sylvia Roylance and acting

Community Engagement Offi cer Scott Green introduce some of the Tweed

River High School students leaders to the online forum and website.

Only days left to have your say about our futureTweed residents and

organisations have just under a

week remaining to provide input

to the Draft Tweed Community

Strategic Plan 2011/2021, which

sets the vision for the Tweed for

the next 10 years.

Submissions for the draft plan close on Monday 8 November at 4.30pm, following an intensive six-week consultation period to determine the community’s priorities and aspirations.

“Many individuals and groups in the Tweed have taken advantage of the various methods available to have their say,” General Manager Mike Rayner said.

“Hundreds of people have visited the website and online forum at www.ourtweedvision.com.au to fi nd out about the plan or express their opinions, and a large number have completed online and hardcopy versions of the survey,” he said.

Nearly 300 people attended public information sessions held at shopping centres, local markets and town halls throughout the Tweed.

Council also held high school sessions which were attended by almost 100 student representatives, while many residents have

It’s Movember

participated in a phone survey.“We urge the Tweed community

to get involved during the remaining days, to tell us what issues need to be address to take the Tweed

forward.”For more information about the

Community Strategic Plan and ways to have your say visit www.ourtweedvision.com.au.

Rescission motion

At the time of going to press, the rescission motion lodged on the Byrrill Creek dam decision had yet to be considered. The item was set to go before an Extraordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 1 November. See next week’s Tweed Link for more details. (A new dam at Byrrill Creek was chosen as the preferred option to augment the Tweed Water Supply at Council’s 19 October meeting. A rescission motion was later lodged, then an Extraordinary Meeting declared to consider the motion).

It’s Movember, and Council

urges Tweed men to grow a

moustache in aid of men’s

health, specifi cally prostate

cancer and depression.

Council’s giant ‘mo’ sculptures have been dusted off and are back at the front of the Murwilllumbah and Tweed Heads Civic and Cultural Centres for the month.

Last year Council staff raised $1736, up from $600 the previous year.

Pictured are (from left) some of Council’s Mo Bros and Mo Sistas David Milligan, Paul Calvino, Nick Naoum and RonelleHerbert.

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Kingscliff qualifi es for natural disaster reliefSome relief is in sight for

Kingscliff Beach, with the NSW

Government last week agreeing

to provide $593,570 in funding

through the Natural Disaster

Relief Program for restoration of

damaged assets.

Extensive damage has occurred to the recreation area, fencing, beach access and car park at Kingscliff and local residents have expressed their concern for the future of the much-loved beach. The damage is the worst the Tweed has seen since the 1970s.

The funding allows Council to start the work of preserving this important asset and stabilising the beach front before any further damage occurs.

Under the State and Commonwealth Governments’ Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements, fi nancial assistance is available to councils to restore council-owned assets to their pre-disaster condition.

Beach erosion by itself is not eligible for government funding so it will not be possible to reconstruct the beach exactly as it was before the erosion last year.

The scene at Kingscliff last Friday. The State Government last week

agreed to provide $593,570 in Natural Disaster Relief Program funding for

restoration of damaged Council-owned assets.

However the recreation area and associated assets can be restored, which will enable Council to stabilise what remains of the beach.

Council is preparing traffi c

management plans and completing engineering investigations before works begin on the ground and every effort is now being made to make the area safe for the holiday season.

IN BRIEF

Community has spoken - Council’s time to listenThe Tweed community has spoken…outlining the

shire they would like to see over the next 10 years.

Hundreds of individuals and organisations have

provided input to the draft

Tweed Community Strategic

Plan 2011/2021, during

a six-week community

engagement program which

concluded on 8 November.

Council received a late surge of submissions during the fi nals days and has begun reviewing the draft plan.

More than 1250 people visited the Community Strategic Plan website, www.ourtweedvision.com.au and submitted a total of 248 comments on the site’s four online forums.

The site is now closed for comment, however remains online so people can view the content.

Information sessions - held at shopping centres,

markets and halls throughout the Tweed – were attended by a total of 337 people keen to fi nd out more about the Community Strategic Plan and how they could

contribute.An independent phone survey

also randomly sampled 300 Tweed residents for their views.

“There has been a terrifi c level of community input to the draft Community Strategic Plan, which will be revised in line with that input and presented to Council for consideration in the coming months,” Council General Manager Mike Rayner said.

“As part of an integrated planning structure, Council

will go back to the community early next year to get its input to an accompanying Delivery Program. The program will defi ne the projects Council needs to put in place to achieve the objectives outlined in the Community Strategic Plan.”

Danger period revoked

The Northern Rivers bush fi re danger period has been revoked by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) for the remainder of the year. The change is in response to unseasonal wet weather and low fi re danger index. Up until 31 December 2010 a permit is not required to undertake a hazard reduction burn or light a fi re in the open. However, any landholder proposing a bush fi re hazard reduction activity should still contact the RFS who will provide essential advice on landholder obligations under the Rural Fires Act. The revocation covers six local shires: Tweed, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley.

Library book sale

A range of second hand books will be on offer later this week when the Murwillumbah Library hosts a two-day book sale. All pre-loved library books will be on sale at bargain prices from Friday 19 November to Saturday 20 November.

“There has been a terrifi c

level of community input

to the draft Community

Strategic Plan, which will

be revised in line with that

input and presented to

Council for consideration

in the coming months,”

Council General Manager

Mike Rayner said.

Community information

session for Kingscliff

area projects and issues

Council has organised a

community information session on

Tuesday 23 November to address a

range of local issues and projects

in the Kingscliff area.

Topics will include: an explanation of long and short term erosion issues at Kingscliff Beach; information on Council’s plans to use Natural Disaster funding to restore assets (see story at left) and updates on the Kingscliff Central Park project, the Kingscliff Beach Tweed Coast Holiday Park and the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships. The information session, which is open to the public, will be held at the Sustainable Living Centre in Altona Drive (off Crescent Street) at Chinderah from 5pm-7pm. (The Kingscliff Amenities Hall is unavailable due to a long-standing community booking).