Northern Rivers Housing Forum: From Plans to Places

Housing is central to the future of the Northern Rivers. It shapes whether families can build a life here, businesses can find the people they need, essential services can attract and retain workers and ensures our communities can grow with confidence.

From Plans to Places will bring together representatives from state and local government, housing providers, developers, planners, builders, educators, business and community leaders. It will be a practical and forward-looking conversation about how we can work together to accelerate housing delivery across our region.

Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, housing spotlights and audience conversations, the Forum will follow the housing journey from policy and planning through to construction and occupation. It will move beyond describing the challenge to focus on the decisions, partnerships and delivery models that can turn housing ambition into homes and stronger communities.

Featured Keynote Presenters

Two compelling keynote perspectives will take us across the housing delivery chain, from planning and policy through to construction and completed homes.

Kiersten Fishburn - Secretary, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Kiersten will explore how the planning system can become a stronger enabler of housing delivery, particularly in regional communities where infrastructure, market feasibility, environmental constraints and construction capacity create very different conditions from metropolitan areas.

David Chandler AM - Former NSW Building Commissioner

Drawing on more than five decades of industry experience, David will examine what must change within Australia’s construction system to deliver more homes at greater speed and scale, without compromising quality, safety or design.

What the Forum will explore:

Turning housing policy and strategic planning into delivery
Activating land and delivering enabling infrastructure
Improving regional planning and approval pathways
Addressing construction costs, workforce capacity and project viability
Using modern construction methods effectively in regional markets
Delivering affordable, diverse and essential-worker housing
Supporting better regional design through a Regional Pattern Book
Creating stronger procurement, investment and delivery partnerships

Join us as we bring the housing delivery chain into one room and focus on what it will take to move the Northern Rivers from plans to places.

Featuring insights from leaders across government, planning, housing, development and construction, the forum will focus on practical actions and partnerships that can help move projects from concept to completion.

Whether you work in property, planning, construction, infrastructure, local government, economic development, community services, health, education or investment, this event offers a valuable opportunity to connect with sector leaders, share ideas and contribute to the future of housing in the Northern Rivers.

Be part of the conversation as we explore how to transform housing ambition into real homes, stronger communities and thriving regional places.

Spaces are limited - register early to be part of the action.

Contact samantha.mearns@businessnsw.com for additional event information

This thought leadership event is powered by Regional Leaders

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