The future removal of the Norries Headland upper car park, the outcome of the 2021 Norries Headland Masterplan, was challenged at the last Tweed Shire Council (TSC) meeting (November 21).
A petition signed by 1,041 people brought to the meeting by Labor councillor Reece Byrnes objected to the closure of the Norries Headland upper carpark that is currently proposed under the Norries Headland Masterplan.
‘Norries Headland is cherished by locals and visitors alike and has been for generations,’ stated the petition.
‘Its spectacular view of the ocean is invaluable ‘blue space’ for our community. Its accessibility by car is critical for our seniors, parents with young children and anyone that wishes to access the powerful mental health benefits ‘blue space’ provides.’
The incorporation of disability parking and access was then also raised by several councillors in addition to the petition.
Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry was clear to highlight that the original Norries Headland Masterplan was completed with significant community engagement and feedback in 2021. The staff report highlighted the fact that ‘the Norries Headland Masterplan Project page on YourSayTweed received over 1,500 views’ at the time it was on exhibition.
‘The most significant change proposed in the draft masterplan is in regards to parking. Support for this aspect of the plan was higher than for the overall plan itself. 154 responses to the question “Do you support the proposed changes to the car parking?” yielded the following results: 78% – Yes; 34% – No.’
During the meeting councillor Byrnes submitted an alternate motion that removed the proposal to ‘redeveloped and redesigned to retain the much loved upper-carpark’ and instead proposed that ‘the General Manager to bring a report back to Council to review possible options to retain the upper carpark’.
This motion was eventually supported by all councillors and a report will include consideration of ‘community concerns regarding the loss of the upper carpark as part of the Adopted Norries Headland Master Plan, specifically the northern area.’
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