Eureka Whian Rd development lodged with Byron Shire Council

A proposal to bolster sustainable farming and housing in the Byron Shire has been unveiled with plans to capitalise on vacant rural land.

Former prime dairy farming land could be turned into a unique village community if a new Byron Shire development proposal is approved.

An estimated $1.15 million multiple occupancy development in Eureka called The Midlands has been lodged with Byron Shire Council.

The Whian Rd proposal includes 14 homes to be a part of a three stage cluster of rural land sharing communities on the 42.1ha property.

Notably, the land which is currently being used for beef cattle grazing would be collectively owned, enabling the “sharing of resources, investment in infrastructure, implement facilities and undertake beneficial land management activities”, according to the development application documents.

The development notes this would improve ecology while carrying out “small-scale, sustainable farming activities”.

The Byron hinterland has been growing in popularity as the region’s land demand surges, and the development highlights Eureka as “a highly sought-after location for growing families”.

“The local community will benefit from additional sustainable housing supply and will provide resources for families to live within the Eureka locality,” the application notes.

“The construction and operation stages of the project will generate positive impacts on the local economy.”

Two of the village clusters, A and B, are set to be within walking distance of the Eureka village area and community hall, primary school and sporting fields with a pedestrian pathway also proposed.

Cluster C is designed as rural living with room for small-scale food growing activities.

The proposal for the Whian Rd development, in red outline, shows the multi occupancy plans and its proximity to the Eureka village. Picture: Contributed.

Rural Land Sharing Communities are typically established through arrangements such as trusts, cooperatives, shareholdings and partnerships.

The concept has been one of debate within the Northern Rivers as Tweed Shire Council opted out of the Rural Land Sharing Communities policy last year.

At the time, councillor Katie Milne said the provision for low cost rural communities had been “exploited” by developers.