Tweed Shire Council, Media Release, 6 September 2021

Community input sought on draft masterplan, drawings on exhibition

Council is seeking community input to help shape the future vision and management of Norries Headland at Cabarita Beach on the Tweed Coast.

Council is partnering with the community to develop the Norries Headland Masterplan to improve the quality of public open space and recreation opportunities, protect and conserve public land for future generations and protect the natural environment and cultural values of the iconic headland.

Council’s Manager Parks and Active Communities Stewart Brawley said the community’s vision would help refine the draft masterplan drawings which in turn would inform the final Norries Headland Masterplan.

“Norries Headland is considered one of the jewels in the crown of the Tweed Coast and is deeply treasured by the local community,” Mr Brawley said.

“When we are not under COVID-19 restrictions, the headland attracts thousands of visitors each year, from surfers and beachgoers to whale-watchers, tourists and nature lovers, so it is crucial we plan carefully for its future.

“The Norries Headland Masterplan essentially lays out the plan for the area and will be used to inform Council applications for grant funding in the future. So, it’s vital the community join with us to share their long-term vision for Norries Headland and its surrounding open spaces. We need a plan to ensure its natural beauty is preserved for future generations.”

A community working group, made up of local residents and representatives from organisations including Cabarita Beach/Bogangar Residents Association, Cabarita Progressive Business Association and Cabarita Boardriders, was established at the inception of the process to inform the draft masterplan drawings. Council will continue to work with the group and the wider community to develop the Norries Headland Masterplan.

Speaking on behalf of the community working group, Griffith University Associate Professor and local resident Kerrie Foxwell-Norton urged the community to participate in the process.

“The Norries Masterplan has been a great effort at co-design between Council and the local community and we encourage our Caba community and those who visit to provide feedback,” she said.

“We are planning for 5 generations with this masterplan. Caba has changed so much and will continue to change over time. This is our opportunity, as people that live in the region, to foster a vision for the future.”

This project forms part of Council’s commitment to protect and improve the quality of the Tweed’s open space network, as outlined in the Tweed’s Open Space Strategy (2019–2029). Development of the Norries Headland Masterplan is a key delivery action of the strategy.

To find out more about the project, its key findings, issues and opportunities, visit the project page at yoursaytweed/norries-head.

Draft masterplan drawings are currently on public exhibition for comment and will be ultimately sent to Council for endorsement. Go to the project page for more information and complete the survey by Sunday 10 October 2021.