South Murwillumbah locals are being called on to shape a new vision for their neighbourhood, with public consultation taking place this September to reimagine how flood-impacted land can serve the community into the future.
Following the establishment of a new Community Reference Group, Tweed Shire Council and the NSW Reconstruction Authority are joining forces to gather local priorities, ideas and expertise.
The South Murwillumbah Master Plan will chart the future for land voluntarily acquired through the Resilient Homes Program following the 2022 floods. While buyback land cannot be redeveloped for residential housing, it presents an opportunity for open space, recreation, environmental restoration, active transport connections and enhanced local amenities.
The Plan will also explore ways to strengthen ties between South Murwillumbah and the main town centre, building on local assets such as the state heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, and the Prospero Street commercial precinct.
Community feedback, combined with flood modelling and technical planning, will directly shape the new master plan. Locals can get involved throughout September at local events, in tailored sessions, or online.
Community Pop-ups & Drop-ins
Saturday 12 September, 9am – 12pm: Pop-up at Tweed Valley IGA
Saturday 26 September, 9am – 1pm: Drop-in day at Murwillumbah Railway Station
Sunday 27 September, 8am – 1pm: Pop-up at Murwillumbah Showgrounds Market
Resident Listening Sessions
Residents can book a one-on-one session with the project team to share specific priorities and ideas. Booking instructions are being mailed directly to local households.
Stakeholder Design Workshop
Key community and business networks will come together for a dedicated one-day design workshop, supported by broader engagement with groups including the Murwillumbah District Business Chamber and Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
Community feedback can be submitted online until 5:00pm, Sunday 27 September via Your Say Tweed.
Next Steps
Feedback from this initial phase will guide the draft master plan, which will return to the community for a second round of consultation in February 2027. Final outcomes will directly inform the formal planning proposal to rezone the land.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“South Murwillumbah has shown incredible resilience since 2022, and this master plan is a genuine opportunity to reimagine what this neighbourhood looks like for decades to come.
“The Resilient Homes Program has moved families out of harm’s way. Now, we have a clean slate to rethink how this land can be transformed safely and creatively turning high-risk areas into vibrant green spaces, recreational hubs, or environmental corridors that benefit everyone.
“This isn’t a top-down plan; it belongs to the people who know and love South Murwillumbah best. I strongly encourage every resident, business owner, and community member to step forward and share their vision.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:
“The master plan is about looking at the South Murwillumbah buyback precinct and surrounding areas as a whole and working with the community to identify opportunities for its future.
“The land cannot return to residential use, but there are a range of opportunities to explore, including open space, recreation, environmental outcomes and better walking and cycling connections.
“This engagement gives us an opportunity to hear directly from the community about what matters to them before the master plan is developed.
“We will bring that local knowledge together with flood modelling, planning requirements and technical work to develop a plan that responds to the long-term flood risk while recognising what makes South Murwillumbah unique.”
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said:
“South Murwillumbah has a proud history and a strong sense of community, and this master plan is an important opportunity to work together on a future that reflects local priorities and lived experience.
“The 2022 floods changed this part of Murwillumbah in profound ways, but they have also created a once-in-a-generation chance to rethink how these flood-prone places can be used safely and positively for the whole community.
“We want to hear from residents, businesses, community groups and everyone with a connection to South Murwillumbah about what matters most to them and what they think will bring stronger connections between South Murwillumbah and the town centre.
“By bringing local knowledge together with flood modelling and technical planning, we can create a practical, resilient plan that honours South Murwillumbah’s character while helping the community adapt to future flood risk.”
File photo: Lismore MP and Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin with, from left, Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, then Federal Emergency Management Minister Senator Jenny McAllister and Tweed Shire Mayor Cr Chris Cherry in Railway Street, South Murwillumbah.
