Tweed Shire News

A NEW TWEED HEADS

Published

3 years ago

21 October 2022

JeffG

A NEW TWEED HEADS

First look at proposed $180m city centre set to transform the Tweed

Exclusive report by MARGARET DEKKER

Forget the ‘twin towns’ of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta ..

Tweed Heads could soon be ‘two cities’ under a bold and unprecedented redevelopment bid by ASX-listed Elanor Investors Group (ENN) to create a contemporary high-rise CBD, right in the heart of the aged border town.

If approved, the $180-million project would see the 5-ha Tweed Mall, “the biggest site in the Tweed CBD,” transformed under a mixed-used masterplan DA currently being drafted.

In an announcement to the ASX on October 10, Elanor Investors Group opened its Tweed Mall Mixed-Use Real Estate Fund having acquired the Tweed Mall shopping centre for $87 million.

“The mixed-use masterplan is in accordance with planning controls endorsed by the NSW Government and Tweed Shire Council and is expected to be approved in 2023,” Michael Baliva, ENN’s Co-Head of Real Estate said.

“1,000+ dwellings and other uses (hotel, commercial, retirement living etc). will unlock substantial real estate value,” Elanor’s investor flyer – sited by The Northern Rivers Times – states.

On the drawing board; a high-density, residential-commercial-retail complex of multiple residential towers up to 49.5m or 15 storeys tall. The centre would be “anchored by three strongly-performing supermarkets” plus everyday-needs tenants in a mixed-use plan on a “strategic coastal .. and favourably zoned 5-hectare site that presents the opportunity to develop 1,000+ dwellings and new town centre precinct,” Elanor’s investor flyer states.

This ‘second’ Tweed Heads city centre would sprawl east of main Wharf Street. The current city centre lies west of Wharf Street, intersecting with Bay Street.

The Tweed Mall site is already identified as having significant redevelopment potential to become a ‘landmark high density mixed-use precinct’ under the NSW Government’s Tweed Regional City Action Plan 2036, released in April this year.

With a ‘B3 Core Commercial’ zoning, Tweed Shire Council has also identified the 49-year-old Tweed Mall as “a key site for urban renewal” in its Tweed City Centre LEP 2012.

“Tweed Shire Council is now working with the proponents to get a full master plan of the site,” Cr Chris Cherry, Tweed Mayor confirmed to The Northern Rivers Times.

“And we must be realistic, it will be high-rise. To protect the rest of the Tweed, we have to have housing density in that northern area of the Shire.

“I think there is capacity to put dense housing development there, 1–2-bedroom apartments, these smaller places we do need in the Tweed,” she added.

Design of an integrated, whole Master Plan is underway with the appointment in August of a NSW Design Review Panel (DRP) comprising government architects and landscape designers. An earlier, local requirement for the site’s design to go to ‘competition’ was waived by Tweed Shire Council in May, giving stakeholders better control of the final design.

“It’s important to us that the site catches the essence of the Tweed, its unique biodiversity, character, and community. We expect it to be the best of the best in design, an integrated green development with setbacks, green areas, something that will also improve the entrance to the Tweed, and we want it to provide a lot of public amenities,” Cr Chris Cherry, Tweed Mayor said.

“We want it to be a good quality high-rise that we can be proud of,” she added.

Mayor Cherry stressed the huge project had not received state and local Government approvals – contrary to Elanor’s marketing – nor is a DA lodged yet with Tweed Shire Council.

“The flyer indicates the project already has state and local government approval which is incorrect .. it’s definitely not appropriate to have Tweed Shire Council’s logo on the flyer,” Cr Chris Cherry, Tweed Mayor said.

Details on the project’s total number of dwellings and associated traffic issues will be debated.

“One-thousand-plus residences is an assumption and is likely overestimating the number of dwellings the project will house .. and nobody wants to create a traffic nightmare,” Cr Chris Cherry, Tweed Mayor said.

“There is a lot of room to improve. The artists’ impression is certainly quite a different picture to what we’re envisaging,” she added.

This proposed new high-rise city for Tweed Heads is a clear (and some might argue ominous) sign the Gold Coast skyline is fast-moving south across the border.

Pro-development Tweed Shire councillor Warren Polglase told The Northern Rivers Times the new Tweed Heads city centre has been in the pipeline for 18-months and estimates 3-years until construction of this “opportunity of a lifetime for the Tweed.”

“This is the new CBD of Tweed Heads!” Cr Warren Polglase, Tweed Shire Councillor said.

“It’s the first time we’ve had the chance to have a major opportunity come our way, this has never happened before,” he enthused.

“And these are very creative people, doing new things in architecture. We’re dealing with firms that work all over the world.”

A potential big commercial tenant – which The Northern Rivers Times has chosen not to name – is already reportedly enquiring about 3000m2 of corporate office space.

It represents big business and Cr. Warren Polglase is picturing the flow-on effects from Elanor’s proposed new city centre in Tweed Heads.

“This is an ideal opportunity for large commercial activity in the Tweed Shire. And when you get one company of this stature invest in the Tweed, it will attract others to the new CBD. Corporate investment like this, attracts more investment.

“Lismore was always the ‘Rome’ of the Northern Rivers, now it’s lost that, so there are a lot of people looking further north now. Entrepreneurs of many vocations are looking to the Tweed saying, ‘we need a major facility,’” Cr. Warren Polglase, Tweed Councillor said.

The veteran councillor and President of the Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry described the major project as “a no brainer,” in line with other big-ticket items under construction or recently completed in the Tweed.

“We have a brand-new international airport at our door, a new hospital being built which is magnificent, millions spent on renovating schools, Motorway upgrades, the Gold Coast is expanding its light-rail south and now this proposal,” Cr Warren Polglase said.

Local demographics also tell of soaring demand for “lifestyle living for the over 60s group” and little housing stock in Tweed Heads. The proposed new city centre would be situated only metres from the Jack Evans Boat Harbour and parklands, the big Twin Towns Services Club and is less than a kilometre to the surf at Coolangatta. Strong interstate migration is also helping fuel population growth in the shire’s sub-tropical capital.

“It’s an opportunity to switch the lights on in the Tweed!” Warren Polglase said,

“New, vibrant, creative activity, we need all of that.”

With an estimated $180 million+ budget, the proposed Tweed Mall redevelopment becomes a project of State significance, but Tweed Shire Council will want input and Cr Polglase hopes, its unanimous support.

“We don’t want roadblocks suddenly taking this away,” he said.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry conceded.

“It would be a good use of the site if done well,” she said, as Tweed Heads residents have begun contacting Mayor Cherry expressing concerns about the scale of the towering redevelopment in ‘their backyards.’

Glenn Willis, Elanor CEO and Managing Director said via statement:

“We are pleased with the strong demand from our capital partners for this fund. This investment exemplifies Elanor’s strategy of investing in high-quality town centre real estate assets to unlock value through innovative and highly active management. Elanor is a market leader in delivering strong investor returns from repositioning retail real estate assets, having successfully executed numerous repositioning strategies across Australia.”

State Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest MP was contacted for comment.

As the place-name ‘Tweed Heads’ hinted long ago, it may’ve always been destined to be a ‘tale of two cities’ .. potentially.

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Breaking News

33 Charged During High-Visibility Police Operation in NSW Northern Rivers

Published

3 weeks ago

4 April 2025

JeffG

33 Charged During High-Visibility Police Operation in NSW Northern Rivers

A major police crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in northern NSW has resulted in 33 people being charged and dozens of infringement notices issued during a joint operation across the Tweed/Byron Police District.

Operation Furittus, carried out between Tuesday 1 April and Thursday 3 April 2025, targeted public spaces, shopping centres and transport hubs across the district, with a strong police presence working alongside security partners and retail management to deter criminal activity.

As part of the coordinated response:

49 charges were laid against 33 individuals, including arrests for outstanding warrants and AVO breaches.
15 business inspections were carried out, identifying 60 shoplifters.
25 criminal infringement notices and 37 banning notices were issued.
Police also issued seven youth cautions, moved on six individuals, and made eight parole breach notifications.

The crackdown involved both uniformed and plain-clothes police, working in tandem with loss prevention officers and retail outlet security teams, creating a visible deterrent for criminal behaviour and enhancing community safety.

In parallel, Operation Ares was conducted on Thursday 3 April at two Tweed Heads shopping precincts, specifically aimed at addressing knife-related crime. Police from the Tweed/Byron Police District and Police Transport Command used handheld metal detectors to scan 384 individuals between 9am and 9pm.

During this operation, a 56-year-old Mullumbimby man allegedly produced a knife and was charged with custody of knife in a public place. He is scheduled to appear at Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday, 28 April 2025.

“Community Safety is Our Priority”

Tweed/Byron Crime Manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer said the results from both operations demonstrate the value of proactive, community-focused policing.

“Members of our community have a right to feel safe when they use our shopping centres, public spaces and transport hubs,” Det Insp Zimmer said.

“This operation reinforces our commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the community by disrupting individuals who engage in criminal activity and holding them accountable for their actions.”

He credited the success of the operations to long-standing partnerships with local retail outlets and security teams, adding that police will continue to utilise CCTV, targeted surveillance, and investigative strategies to pursue offenders.

“If individuals steal from a retail outlet or commit offences within local shopping centres, there is a high likelihood that they will be identified and prosecuted,” he said.

Ongoing Commitment to Visible Policing

The NSW Police Force confirmed that Operation Furittus will continue to roll out across the Tweed/Byron Police District, while Operation Ares, aimed at reducing knife-related incidents, will be extended across other regions of the state.

These efforts form part of a broader policing strategy to address retail theft, anti-social behaviour, and violent crime in key public areas, reinforcing the message that unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.

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Breaking News

Man Charged with Firearms and Drug Offences in Tweed Heads

Published

2 months ago

27 February 2025

JeffG

Man Charged with Firearms and Drug Offences in Tweed Heads

A 40-year-old man has been charged following a vehicle stop in Tweed Heads, leading to the discovery of firearms, ammunition, and drugs.

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest

At approximately 2:10 am on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, police stopped a vehicle on Ourimbah Road, Tweed Heads, due to suspicious driving behaviour.

After speaking with the driver, officers conducted a search of the vehicle, allegedly locating and seizing:

A privately made firearm
Ammunition
0.36g of methamphetamine

Storage Shed Search Uncovers More Contraband

Following further inquiries, police executed a search warrant at a Tweed Heads storage shed, where they allegedly found:

Firearm parts
109g of cannabis

Charges and Court Proceedings

The man was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was charged with:

Breach of bail
Manufacturing a firearm without a licence/permit
Possession of a prohibited drug
Failing to store a firearm safely
Possession of an unregistered firearm
Possession of ammunition without a licence/permit

He was refused bail and appeared before Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, where he was formally remanded in custody to reappear on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

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Breaking News

$34.2 Million Boost for Health Worker Accommodation in Northern NSW

Published

2 months ago

26 February 2025

JeffG

$34.2 Million Boost for Health Worker Accommodation in Northern NSW

Robert Heyward

Healthcare workers in Grafton, Lismore, and Tweed will soon benefit from new and upgraded accommodation, as the Minns Labor Government invests $34.2 million to attract, recruit, and retain essential health staff in Northern NSW.

This funding is part of the $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, which supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional, and remote NSW.

Expanding Housing for Health Workers

The four-year program will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, including:

Newly built accommodation
Refurbishment of existing living quarters
Purchase of suitable properties, such as residential units

This initiative will help recruit and retain over 500 healthcare workers and their families, ensuring they have access to modern, sustainable housing while strengthening regional health services.

The investment builds on the success of the NSW Government’s previous $73.2 million commitment to key health worker accommodation across five regional Local Health Districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England, and Western NSW).

Government Support for Regional Health Workers

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing modern, sustainable accommodation for the key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural, and remote communities.”

“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority, and this $34.2 million investment will help attract vital healthcare workers to Grafton, Lismore, and the Tweed.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin:

“This program is ensuring our frontline health workers have access to high-quality, sustainable housing when they need it most.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence and Tweed, Emily Suvaal, MLC:

“Housing remains a major issue in our region, and this investment will not only support our hardworking health staff but also contribute to the broader community by increasing local housing stock.”

Building a Stronger Regional Health Workforce

By improving access to housing, the Key Health Worker Accommodation program ensures that Northern NSW Local Health District can continue delivering high-quality healthcare to communities across the region.

This initiative is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader commitment to strengthening the regional, rural, and remote health workforce—creating better conditions for frontline staff while boosting health services for local communities.

For more local news, click here.

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Breaking News

Creating Change: Have Your Say at Tweed’s Climate Action Café

Published

2 months ago

19 February 2025

JeffG

Council's Program Leader - Climate Change and Sustainability Debbie Firestone is ready to welcome Tweed residents to a Climate Action Cafe.

Creating Change: Have Your Say at Tweed’s Climate Action Café

By Jeff Gibbs

Tweed Shire Council is inviting residents to take an active role in shaping the region’s future by attending two Climate Action Cafés next week. These interactive workshops aim to inspire residents to support community-led climate initiatives, offering a platform for collaboration and innovation.

The Climate Action Cafés will take place at:

Murwillumbah Services Club on Wednesday, 19 February (5–8:30 pm)
Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club on Saturday, 22 February (12 noon–3:30 pm)

RSVPs are essential, and light refreshments will be provided at both events.

An Invitation to Make a Difference

The Cafés will provide a casual and engaging space where residents can share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and prioritise local projects to tackle climate challenges. Projects most supported by attendees will be further developed and supported by the newly formed Community Climate Action Group.

Debbie Firestone, Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Program Leader, encouraged residents to come along and participate in the conversation.

“These events are informal, fun workshops designed to promote discussion and help us determine what’s most important to the community,” Ms Firestone said.
“The Tweed is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in NSW, and many of us have experienced the impact of extreme weather events on our homes, businesses, and wellbeing. But we also know how resilient and resourceful this community is.

“If you have a project idea that can make a difference—or if you’re simply passionate about being part of a positive change—come along and help shape the future of climate action in the Tweed.”

Key Topics for Exploration

Attendees will focus on several core topics, including:

Biodiversity, coasts, and waterways
Energy, water, and buildings
Food systems and agriculture
Waste and circular economy
Education and climate conversations

These discussions will help develop a Community Climate Action Plan, with mentors and support from the Community Climate Action Group, who will be on hand to guide projects through to implementation.

Join the Movement

Tweed residents have already shown remarkable leadership in rooftop solar adoption, electric vehicle use, and wildlife conservation efforts. Now’s the time to take that passion a step further and work together to build a sustainable, climate-resilient future.

Event Details:

Climate Action Café #1 – Murwillumbah Services Club
- Wednesday, 19 February | 🕔 5–8:30 pm
- Register here
Climate Action Café #2 – Cabarita Beach Bowls and Sports Club
- Saturday, 22 February | 🕛 12 noon–3:30 pm
- Register here

For more information, contact Debbie Firestone on (02) 6670 2400 or email tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au.

Come and be part of the solution. Your ideas can help create lasting change!

For more local news, click here.

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Breaking News

Tweed Valley Hospital to Gain Additional Car Parking Spaces

Published

2 months ago

19 February 2025

JeffG

Tweed Valley Hospital to Gain Additional Car Parking Spaces

By Jeff Gibbs

Patients, staff, and visitors at Tweed Valley Hospital will soon benefit from 130 additional free car parking spaces, enhancing access and convenience at the state-of-the-art hospital. This upgrade will boost total parking capacity to over 1,300 spaces across the hospital campus.

The $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital, which opened in May 2024, has transformed healthcare delivery in the region. It offers new and expanded services for around 5,000 patients annually, including interventional cardiology and radiotherapy, which means locals can now access life-saving treatments close to home rather than traveling outside the region.

Operational Review Leads to Enhancements

The decision to add parking and improve traffic management followed an operational review of the hospital’s transport and traffic arrangements. The upgrades aim to maximise the available space and improve the efficiency of existing car parking areas. Key improvements will include:

130 new street-level car parking spaces
New signage and line marking
Enhanced parking management systems

Work will begin in the coming months and will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to patients, staff, and visitors. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Community and Staff Welcomed the Upgrades

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare for local residents:
“We’ve listened to valuable feedback from Tweed Valley Hospital staff and the community. I’m delighted to announce we will deliver additional car parking to further enhance access to the hospital and vital health services for the local community.”

Labor Spokesperson for Tweed, Emily Suvaal MLC, emphasised how the additional parking would boost convenience and capacity:
“The additional car parking and enhancements to traffic arrangements will provide more options for patients, staff, and visitors. In the nine months since opening, the hospital has already welcomed 787 babies in its new birthing suites. This project ensures the hospital will continue to meet the growing health needs of our region.”

Commitment to Free Parking

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot reiterated the importance of free parking at the facility:

“NSW Labor made a rock-solid commitment that parking would be free for staff, visitors, and patients. Thanks to all in our community who fought so hard for this, and for the additional free car parking spaces. Labor listens and Labor acts.”

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey added that the upgrades will greatly improve the hospital experience for everyone:

“Additional parking will make a real difference to our patients, visitors, and especially our staff. These practical steps will help ensure we continue to deliver first-class healthcare to our community.”

Project Timeline and Community Updates

The project is being funded as part of the Tweed Valley Hospital Redevelopment, in partnership with Northern NSW Local Health District and Health Infrastructure. Staff and the community will receive regular updates as work progresses to ensure they are informed about the enhancements.

For more information about the Tweed Valley Hospital and parking updates, visit the Northern NSW Local Health District website.

For more local news, click here.

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