Welcome to the Saltwood @ Kinvara community engagement hub and your opportunity to have a say about long-held plans for urban development in the Ballina Shire at Kinvara.

On this hub you you can:

• See where the proposal is at in the approval process
• Review plans for the development
• Participate in the various community engagement opportunities to have your say.

The Kinvara area of the Ballina Shire has been earmarked for urban development since 2006. The area is already zoned for residential and urban use, and for a range of environmental and community outcomes.

The new community, currently referred to as Saltwood, is needed for the long-term supply of housing and community infrastructure for the Shire, the local workforce and improve affordability of housing.

On 7 November 2025 the project owners of Saltwood @ Kinvara submitted a development application to Ballina Shire Council for Stage 1 which is now being assessed by the Council.

Read more about Stage 1.

In December 2025, the Saltwood project team hosted three community drop-in information sessions in Lennox Head, attended by approximately 120 guests. These sessions provided an opportunity for the community and Councillors to meet directly with the team, ask questions and share feedback on key aspects of the proposed development.

Key topics raised during the sessions included:

• Community members noted varying awareness of the site’s long-standing residential zoning and its planning history.
• Flooding was one of the most frequently raised topics, with requests for further clarity on flood modelling and how it aligns with local experience.
• There was strong interest in the scale of proposed earthworks, including cut and fill, with acknowledgement that material is proposed to be redistributed onsite.
• Traffic and access along Ross Lane were key discussion points, including safety during early stages and the timing of a future second access connection.
• Questions were raised about how onsite and downstream infrastructure upgrades will be funded and how local services may respond to future population growth.
• Community members sought further clarity on the timing and delivery of proposed commercial and civic facilities.
• Construction management was discussed, including sediment control, protection of water quality and potential impacts such as noise, dust and vibration.
• Many attendees acknowledged the transparency of the engagement process and valued direct discussion with the project team and Council.
• Positive feedback was shared on the proposed mix of housing types, parks and open space, active transport connections and the eco-cabins concept.

Also view sides from the public webinar on Stage 1 (November 2025).