The North Coast requires more jobs and homes to accommodate the growing population.
The regional plan forecasts more jobs in health care and social assistance as well as construction, accommodation, service industries, agribusiness and high value food and beverage production.
Other growing industries include advanced manufacturing, tourism, freight and logistics and creative industries (e.g. the film sector).
Download the North Coast Regional Plan 2041 (PDF, 15.4 MB).
Richmond Valley regional jobs precinct
The Richmond Valley Regional Job Precinct around Casino has the potential to become a hub focused on high-value agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, distribution, and renewable energy.
It will drive business diversification by identifying value-adding opportunities for existing industries and local producers.
Future planning will explore opportunities for greater connectivity to the planned inland port at the Bromelton State Development Area in Queensland and other surrounding areas such as Kyogle, Lismore and Clarence Valley.
Agricultural land
The North Coast’s rich soils, reliable rainfall and range of landscapes support a diverse agricultural sector. The scenic and environmental qualities attributed to agricultural lands contribute to the region’s natural beauty and character.
However, growth pressures have removed land from agricultural production and has in some case contributed to rural land use conflicts. Further, changing climactic conditions will affect agricultural industries on the North Coast in different ways.
The regional plan encourages greater diversity in the agricultural sector to build its resilience.
Opportunities include carbon sequestration, agritourism, the processing and packaging of produce, associated retail services and value adding. Boutique commercial, tourist and recreation activities that do not conflict with primary production can offer similar opportunities.
Read objective 8 (PDF, 15.4 MB) and objective 14 (PDF, 15.4 MB) to learn more.
Circular economy
We define the circular economy as a way to close the loop on the resources we use. Instead of a linear system (take-make-waste), the circular economy maximises resource efficiencies, reduces waste and improves natural systems.
It’s a new way of thinking that can both generate jobs, while also reducing waste and protecting the environment.
In the North Coast, waste from natural disasters is an emerging issue – circular economy principles can create opportunities for better waste capture and processing.
Read objective 6 (PDF, 15.4 MB) of the regional plan to learn more.
Visitor economy
Brisbane Olympics 2032
The regional plan seeks to leverage the economic and social benefits that will come from the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.
Longer-term tourism opportunities could include an even stronger events and visitor economy in the Northern Rivers supported by world-class sporting, recreation and visitor infrastructure and accommodation.
Many travel to the North Coast region for family holidays or when seeking adventure on the many beaches and world class surf breaks.
A growing tourism sector needs to be managed in a way that doesn’t impact the region’s sustainability. Opportunities such as agritourism and eco-tourism can thrive while also protecting the region’s environmental and agricultural qualities.
The rich heritage of the Bundjalung, Githabul, Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti, Thunggutti, Birpai and Yaegl peoples can also be celebrated and recognised through tourism opportunities designed with local Aboriginal people.
Find out more at objective 12 (PDF, 15.4 MB) and objective 13 (PDF, 15.4 MB) of the regional plan.