Affordable Housing Contribution Schemes

The Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme 01 came into effect from January 2023, following an amendment to the Byron Local Environmental Plan LEP 2014.

• Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme(PDF, 4MB)
• Byron Local Environmental Plan LEP 2014 (Clause 6.18) 

Where does the Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme 01 apply?

• Mullumbimby
• Bangalow
• Byron Bay

It will help supply affordable rental housing when that land is upzoned. 

Upzoning is a change of zone to enable residential development or a change of planning controls. For example, a floor space ratio that enables greater residential density on the site.

What form will a contribution take?

The form of contribution will be determined by Council. It may include a combination of: 

• Fit for purpose land within the development.
• Monetary contribution.
• Dwellings within the development.

Council’s preferred contribution form is land within the development.

Fit for purpose land is land that has been improved from a natural state and provided with urban servicing including:

• Water.
• Sewerage.
• Stormwater drainage.
• Sealed road access.

A Planning Proposal to introduce Byron Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme 02 was adopted by Council on 27 March 2025. 

View Council Reports

• Agenda Council Report 27 March 2025
• Minutes Council Report 27 March 2025

Council also adopted the following supporting documents to Scheme 02:

• Byron Shire Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme 02(PDF, 2MB)
• Byron Shire Viability Assessment Report(PDF, 2MB)
• Byron Shire AHCS02 Housing Needs Assessment(PDF, 5MB)

Scheme 02 came into effect from 10 October 2025, following an amendment to the Byron Local Environmental Plan LEP 2014.

• Byron Local Environmental Plan LEP 2014 (Clause 6.18) 
• Byron Local Environmental Plan LEP 2014 (Mapping – Affordable Housing Contribution Schemes 01 and 02)

Scheme 02 has been developed to assist in addressing the shortfall in affordable housing for existing and future residents by generating contributions towards the provision of affordable housing. 

Where does the Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme 02 apply?

Scheme 02 applies to residential development in identified contribution areas in:

• Brunswick Heads
• Mullumbimby
• Suffolk Park

These contribution areas are in addition to those already in Scheme 01.  This represents a key action in the Byron Shire Residential Strategy 2041. 

Scheme 02 will augment Scheme 01 by requiring affordable housing contributions in additional areas where updated planning controls allow an intensification of development.

We hold a register of nominated community housing providers that can deliver and manage affordable rental housing in line with our schemes.

Maintaining a register enables community housing providers to demonstrate their interest in working within the Byron Shire, therefore streamlining future tender processes.

Interested community housing providers can contact our team to request an expression of interest form.

Council has endorsed the following accredited community housing providers to be on the register:

• Common Equity NSW
• Social Futures
• Northern Rivers Housing
• Wesley Mission

The Community Housing Provider Register was reported to Council at the 9 October 2025 meeting.