Tweed Shire Council Makes Significant Progress in Reducing Development Application Backlog

Tweed Shire Council has made notable strides in addressing the backlog of Development Applications (DAs) within the planning system, reducing the number of outstanding applications by almost half over the past 19 months. In November 2022, there were 540 outstanding DAs. Currently, this number has decreased to 284, marking a 47% reduction.

Denise Galle, Council’s Director of Planning and Regulation, highlighted the concerted efforts to target older applications that had been stalled in the system. “In December 2023, there were 152 applications older than 180 days,” Ms. Galle stated. “We have since resolved 114 of these, leaving 38 still in progress. However, an additional 63 applications have now exceeded the 180-day mark, bringing the current total to 101 older applications.”

Ms. Galle attributed the backlog to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, border closures, and a subsequent construction boom in Tweed. Major landowners such as Leda, Gales, and Intrapac have also sought to advance approval processes, collectively representing over 10,000 potential new homes for the area. Furthermore, significant technical input has been required for major State Government projects, including the new Tweed Valley Hospital, school upgrades, senior living developments, and quarries.

The introduction of the State Planning Portal by the NSW Department of Planning in July 2021 added a substantial administrative load on councils. This, coupled with numerous new planning policies and amendments, placed additional pressure on Council’s resources.

Despite these challenges, Ms. Galle noted improvements in processing newer applications. “While addressing the backlog, we have also been targeting newer applications to ensure they progress quickly, focusing on the quality of submissions to prevent system clogging,” she explained.

Over the past 12 months, the median time to assess a house was 75 days across 317 applications, and the median time for pool assessments was 49 days across 115 applications. This represents significant improvement in both the number of outstanding DAs and the assessment times.

Ms. Galle emphasised the Council’s commitment to meeting the new mandate from the NSW Government, requiring councils to assess DAs within 115 days. “If we calculated the average assessment time for all DAs lodged and determined in 2023-24, it would be 93 days, well below the 115-day target. However, factoring in the older applications, this average extends to 189 days,” she noted.

For more information about Tweed Shire Council’s development application process and to track a DA, visit here.

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Reece Byrnes and Your Local Labor Team for 2024 – Your Trusted Local Voice for the Tweed Shire Council in 2024

Reece Byrnes, a lifetime local and current Labor Councillor, has announced he is standing for re-election with his local Labor team at the Tweed Shire Council Election on Saturday September 14, 2024.

Reece Byrnes and Labor have a proven record of serving the community, advocating for the interests of residents and is committed to ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for the Tweed Shire.

As a lifelong local, Reece Byrnes understands the needs and concerns of Tweed Shire residents. With eight years of experience and dedication on Council, Reece Byrnes is a safe pair of hands who will continue to ensure that the community’s interests are always put first in decision-making.

“In eight years on Council I have put the community first in every decision. I supported the approval of the Men’s Shed at Pottsville, having delivered a roundabout at Bilambil Heights, upgrades to local bus stops, and drone technology for beach safety. I have also voted for critical housing reform on our rural lands” Councillor Byrnes said.

“My team of locals, Judy Choat (Banora Point), Russell Logan (Banora Point), Oliver Webb (Tweed Heads) and Marie Rogers (Murwillumbah) are a safe pair of hands to guide the future of the Tweed,” Councillor Byrnes said.

“In contrast to the extreme Greens Councillors, who block essential infrastructure projects such as housing and phone towers, my local Labor team will ensure responsible development that balances the needs of the community with environmental sustainability,” Councillor Byrnes said.

The extreme Greens’ policies, such as advocating for disarming police officers, and allowing hard drugs onto our streets pose a serious threat to community safety and security here in the Tweed.

The Liberals and Nationals support for Gold Coast style overdevelopment and dangerous policies like nuclear power put our community and our way of life at risk.

“The alliance between the Greens, Liberals and Nationals on council has been harmful to locals over the last four years. They have teamed up to vote for a rate rise and a gave themselves a pay rise on the same night, and they teamed up to block the phone tower in Pottsville, meaning locals cannot dial 000 in an emergency,” Councillor Byrnes said.

“At the upcoming election, Reece Byrnes and Labor need your support to stop the extreme Greens and the dangerous policies of the Liberals and Nationals on council,” Councillor Byrnes said.

“Tweed Shire deserves an experienced safe pair of hands. Only Reece Byrnes and his Labor team will work hard every day to ensure a prosperous and secure future for all residents. At the September 14 Tweed Shire Council Election – Vote 1 Labor,” Councillor Byrnes said.

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Residents and Industry Specialists Invited to Shape Future of Events in Tweed

Residents and industry specialists are invited to help shape the future of events and sponsorship in the Tweed Shire, ensuring the region attracts and supports activities that highlight its natural beauty, creativity, and culinary strengths.

Two key documents, the draft Tweed Events Strategy 2024-2028 and the draft Events Sponsorship Policy, have been placed on public exhibition for review and feedback.

The draft Tweed Events Strategy 2024-2028 aims to guide the sustainable growth, development, and delivery of events that are uniquely suited to the region. It is complemented by the draft Events Sponsorship Policy, which outlines the framework for event support, detailing eligibility criteria, assessment processes, and funding conditions.

Mayor Chris Cherry emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of the local events industry. “Events play a crucial role in boosting our economy by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses,” Cr Cherry said. “By fostering a vibrant events scene, we can ensure economic growth and wellbeing. From arts, music, and cultural festivals to foodie celebrations, sporting competitions, markets, and community events, they all play a vital role in bringing our community together.”

Cr Cherry highlighted that the Tweed is at an exciting stage as an attractive and sustainable event destination. “These draft documents outline Council’s commitment to fostering events that align with the Tweed’s unique identity and community values. If the Events Strategy sets the tone and vision for attracting and supporting uniquely Tweed events, then the Sponsorship Policy acts as the playbook, defining specific guidelines and procedures to bring these plans to action.”

The draft Tweed Events Strategy 2024-2028 outlines the sustainable growth, development, and delivery of events tailored for the region. The draft Events Sponsorship Policy details who is eligible for support, how events will be assessed, and the conditions for receiving funding.

Residents and industry representatives are encouraged to review the draft Events Strategy 2024-2028 and draft Events Sponsorship Policy and share their feedback by 4 pm on Wednesday, 31 July 2024.

Visit here to share your thoughts and help the Council create a vibrant, inclusive, and successful event scene in the Tweed for everyone to enjoy.

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