Northern Rivers Strategy

The Northern Rivers Regional Strategy is the result of a successful partnership between the Northern Rivers Regional Economic Development Organisation (NOREDO), the Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) and Planning NSW. It was developed in consultation with interest groups and the community. The strategy is based on the principles of sustainable development and builds on the findings of the North Coast Urban Planning Strategy. It integrates land use planning, economic development and environmental management in a framework for managing sustainable growth and development in the Northern Rivers area. This strategy covers ten local government areas from the Queensland border in the north to the Clarence valley in the south. The strategy is used by organisations planning and developing the region, including government, development and industry groups, and community and environmental organisations. To view the entire strategy click HERE

1.1 Foreword

"Northern Rivers - Framework for a Sustainable Future" is a prelude to developing an integrated strategy for the Northern Rivers area of NSW aimed at sustainably managing land use, natural resources, economic development and infrastructure. It is the result of almost two years of co-operation between Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils, Northern Rivers Regional Economic Development Organisation and Department of Urban Affairs and Planning utilising funds made available from the Commonwealth Government under its previous Building Better Cities (BBC) program. The project has involved intensive study in analysing, evaluating and balancing the complex future requirements of the Northern Rivers region. It portrays an exciting approach to regional planning based on sustainable development principles.

The Northern Rivers Regional Strategy (NRRS) has drawn upon active community participation in all stages including formulating objectives, testing concepts and obtaining ideas. This approach has been adopted by the NRRS partners to ensure that all people who are interested in the future of the region, whether residents, workers, business owners or visitors, have an opportunity to be involved in moulding and guiding the future of the Northern Rivers region.

The NRRS is now entering a crucial phase of public exhibition. The partnership organisations of NOROC, NOREDO and DUAP have, at various levels endorsed the publication of this discussion document, while recognising that public comment will contribute to resolving the variety of views of how sustainability principles can translate into actions, priorities and balanced outcomes. For this reason, it is important that everyone concerned with the future of our region reads, understands and comments on these proposals.

The NRRS, in many respects, proposes a change in direction and, in other respects, a change in emphasis. Ours is now a significant task. We urge you to become involved in shaping a sustainable future for our region