Nambucca Heads Town Centre Master Plan
About the Project
The development of master plans for key main street areas in the Nambucca Valley in order to create more diverse and enlivened town centre experiences was identified as a priority in the Nambucca Valley Community Strategic Plan 2035.
The Nambucca Heads Town Centre Master Plan was included in Nambucca Valley Council's delivery program in response to this.
The Master Plan will support Council to prioritise projects, develop supporting strategies and pursue grant funding opportunities. It will also offer clarity for private investors by outlining the expectations of both the community and Council, helping to guide future development decisions.
The Master Plan will provide a comprehensive framework that sets out a vision and strategic directions to shape land use, connectivity and public domain outcomes over the next two decades. It will respond to community priorities and define a clear long-term direction for the future of the Nambucca Heads Town Centre.
For the purpose of this project the Nambucca Heads Town Centre Masterplan is to focus on the E2 Commercial Centre zoned land surrounding Bowra Street, Ridge Street and Fraser Street.
You can find out further information and view the maps here(PDF, 678KB) and view the program schedule here(PDF, 85KB) .
Get Involved
Council hosted a Community Drop-In Session at the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre on Thursday 13 August from 12.30pm to 5.30pm, where residents meet with the project team to learn more about the Master Plan and provide feedback.
About the Community Refence Group
The Community Reference Group has been established by Nambucca Valley Council to help inform the preparation of the Nambucca Heads Town Centre Master Plan. The groups Terms of Reference can be read here(PDF, 86KB).
The group membership includes:
- Mayor as Chairperson.
- 2 Councillor representatives selected by Council being Cr Angel and Cr McWillam
Six community representatives to represent a cross-section of the community:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the master plan necessary?
The town centre is seen as lacking clear identity, atmosphere and a sense of arrival. It also has an inconsistent visual character and offers little reason for people to stop and linger. The master plan provides opportunity to address issues and provide fresh new ideas for a more attractive and viable town centre.
Will previous town centre plans be considered?
Yes. Previous strategies and concepts that are still relevant will be reviewed, incorporated and acknowledged as part of the new master plan.
What area does the master plan cover?
The planning scope will focus on the E2 Commercial Centre zoned land. This encompasses the main commercial streets surrounding Bowra Street, Ridge Street, and Fraser Street. A broader area around the town centre, particularly toward the RSL Club to the south will also be assessed to ensure key connections and destinations are fully integrated.
Is the master plan a legally binding document?
No, it is a strategic vision. It does not automatically change allowable building heights, zoning, or allowable land uses until the local council formally updates the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP).
Who is designing and managing the master plan?
Project Consultant: The council has appointed urban planning firm Redbelly Design to lead the layout and technical concepts.
Community Guidance: A dedicated Project Reference Group (PRG) has been formed. It is chaired by Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee and consists of local business owners, commercial property owners, residents, and councillors.
What is the timeline for implementing the plan?
The PRG and project consultants are scheduled to meet and work closely throughout 2026 and 2027 to draft and refine the framework. The draft master plan will undergo rigorous testing, be placed on public exhibition for feedback and be adopted by Council before any physical construction begins. It is anticipated that the draft master plan will go to Council for final consideration in March 2027.
When will work start on implementing the master plan?
Work will start once the master plan is complete and funding has been allocated.
Are concept images and 3D renders prescriptive?
Not necessarily. They are illustrations of the desired future character rather than exact blueprints for what will be built.
Media Releases
30 July 2026 - Community members invited to share their ideas on Nambucca Heads town
3 June 2026 - Community representatives appointed to Nambucca town centre masterplan group
30 April 2026 - Join the Nambucca Town Centre master plan reference group