Lands Strategy.Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Strategy
Public submissions close June 30 on vague plans to fast-track dwelling developments across the region by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC).
As previously reported, the Resilient Lands Strategy claims between 530 and 800 dwellings could be built near the Bruns highway interchange at Saddle Road, while between 340 and 500 dwellings are pegged for a large area just south of Bangalow.
Another area for medium-term development is earmarked between Bangalow and Binna Burra, on what appears to be near the Industrial Estate and on prime agricultural land.
Despite Mayor Michael Lyon refusing to comment to The Echo on the exact locations, or why he excluded other councillors from his closed door negotiations with the NRRC, he supported a Council motion last week that ‘Notes the total lack of detail contained within the (NRRC) strategy, making it very difficult for stakeholders and the community to understand its benefits and impacts’.
The motion, by Cr Asren Pugh (Labor), also ‘Reaffirms the importance of consulting with, and bringing the community along, in the development and implementation of [this] housing strategy’.
Additionally, it seeks, ‘a masterplan process that includes community consultation structures; identifies how transport, including public transport issues will be addressed; requests that Council’s full 20 per cent affordable housing contribution scheme be implemented; notes the lack of detail about the makeup of the rest of the proposed release areas – how many flood-impacted people will be housed?; Requests that significant portions of the sites in Byron Shire be used for food security, such as market gardens, and environmental rehabilitation; and notes the lack of any detail on the identification of required new or improved infrastructure, and the likelihood that the identified $100 million will not be enough for the whole strategy’.
To make a submission, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/northern-rivers-reconstruction-corporation.
by prime agricultural land do you mean beef cattle grazing that destroys the creeks and releases methane emissions ? just another nimby reason to stop critical housing and protect the land values of the nimbys..same old story.
Prime agricultural land is just that….. top quality…. It may currently be being used for crops such as cattle, however it is capable of producing many different crops. As an island nation that can have trade interrupted by outside forces it is important to protect prime agricultural land that can grow highly diverse crops.
Yep, it is important to protect it, but it isn’t all top quality. The regionally significant farmland mapping, that covers two thirds of Byron Shire, is not the same as state significant farmland and in many cases is not particularly significant. Utilising small amounts abutting existing town centres with medium density housing, while regenerating the lower lying parts and along creeks, is a sensible policy and a better environmental and social outcome than what happens currently. Which is mostly a few head of cattle, or a guy/gal on a mower.
Likely the property across the road from Bangalow industrial estate that was purchased for 1.9m, then attempted a food hub with Brookfarm, Salumi etc
Old addage: Land (and or resource) ownership is the basis of all wealth . Govs, reconstruction bodies and everyone will have a hard time finding affordable land anywhere within 50kms of the coast for flood victims. The cost is into outer space and govs do NOT like to resume land — bad politics against the wealthy. In the end I will predict Grafton will be revisited … where is it high and dry.
I haven’t been able to locate the submission tab in NRRC website – I guess they don’t want us to submit our opinions
Wet land where birds breed and forage are being used for housing.
Who makes these rezoning rules?
Do these people consider Wildlife habitat?
Is “development” becoming unstoppable?
How is this Wet Land and natural habitat destruction going to STOP the extinction of Australian Wildlife?
So we all want housing, especially for affordable and social housing, as well as for the flood reconstruction but as long as it is not near us, seems to be the premise of these arguments, must be a greens policy.
So Echo support broad acre farming practices. I thought you’d be more in favour of sustainable farming practices such as have been used in Europe for many years. Is it that you just don’t actually believe in anything and just like to agitate. So where do you stand on farming? I’m intrigued. If you believe in sustainable farming methods then this “prime” agricultural land would not be a concern. It could be used for sustainable innovative housing solutions. True?
Prime Agricultural land is as mentioned before IS and always has been prime agricultural land. We have always been country , sustainable and productive . It is extremely sad to see what happens to a beautiful place when city people arrive. They don’t integrate they don’t respect our way of living. They know nothing about living on the land year after year through seasons generations. People who have come here do not treat this place with the gentle respect and quiet ways we have lived here. It’s a big land grab you got it for a song from the locals and have exploited, capitalised and destroyed what is fragile, beautiful, sustainable and affordable. Sick of your greed and overindulgent city ways that do not belong here. This is rural land and rural living. Our towns were never meant to be exploded and overrun. The pollution overpopulation and infrastructure does not work with our environment. Mass killing of wildlife and peaceful land. It amazes me why come here to turn it into where you came from. This is not the North Coast way of living. Stop wrecking our beautiful North Coast locals have worked hard to sustain, worked the land for generations. Their kindness humility and richness of heart mind and spirit is something to behold and respect. Something we need to learn from and carry on. Shame on your greed.