Iron Gates Development Set to Begin at Evans Head
Construction preparations for the long-awaited Iron Gates residential development at Evans Head will soon commence, with Richmond Valley Council confirming the project is moving into its next phase following approval by the NSW Land and Environment Court in July 2024.
Initial works will include temporary traffic changes to allow line-marking to be completed safely before Iron Gates Drive is closed to provide secure access for construction vehicles and workers entering the site.
Richmond Valley Council General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said Council’s role is to assess, monitor and certify the development as it progresses, ensuring all conditions of consent are met.
“Council is liaising with the developer and relevant stakeholders to ensure those impacts are appropriately managed and communicated to the community,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Our focus is on ensuring compliance with environmental protections, infrastructure requirements and all conditions of consent throughout the construction process.”
The Iron Gates proposal has been one of the region’s most closely watched developments, attracting significant public debate over recent years. While supporters argue it will help address housing shortages and stimulate the local economy, opponents have raised concerns about potential environmental impacts and the site’s proximity to sensitive coastal areas.
Despite those concerns, the Land and Environment Court granted development consent in 2024, allowing the subdivision to proceed under a range of planning and environmental conditions.
Council acknowledged construction would create temporary disruption for nearby residents and visitors but said such impacts are a normal part of delivering major residential developments.
Mr Macdonald pointed to the recently completed Thyme residential development in Evans Head as an example of a project that caused short-term inconvenience before providing much-needed housing for local residents.
He said the Iron Gates development would help increase housing supply at a time when communities across the Northern Rivers continue to experience strong demand and limited availability.
“Additional housing is critical to meeting the needs of young families, supporting the continued growth of our region and responding to the housing crisis being faced across Australia,” Mr Macdonald said.
He said the project would also bring investment to the area, support local businesses and contribute to the long-term economic sustainability of Evans Head and the broader Richmond Valley.
Council said it will continue working with the developer and other stakeholders throughout construction to minimise impacts where possible while ensuring environmental safeguards and consent conditions are fully implemented.
Residents are being asked for their patience and understanding as work begins on the major housing development.
