The Northern Rivers

Where lifestyle meets opportunity

The Northern Rivers is one of Australia’s most distinctive and dynamic regions. A place where First Nations culture, vibrant creative communities, productive agricultural land and a rapidly evolving economy connect against a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty.

Stretching from the Queensland border south to the Clarence River, our region spans across seven local government areas: Tweed Shire, Kyogle Shire, Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley. Together they encompass coastal townships, hinterland villages, river plains and rainforest ranges.

First Nations Country

The Northern Rivers is home to the traditional lands of the Bundjalung, Yaegl, Githabul and Gumbaynggirr peoples, whose deep and enduring connection to this Country spans tens of thousands of years.

RDA Northern Rivers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and pays respect to Elders past and present, and to all First Nations people. Their knowledge, culture and ongoing stewardship of this land are foundational to the identity and future of this region.

Taya Binge-Pereira - Naidoc Ceremony - Lismore — Photo by Taya Binge-Pereira, Lismore

A Thriving Natural Environment

From the extraordinary stretch of coastline to the ancient Gondwana rainforests of the hinterland, the Northern Rivers is defined by its natural assets. The region is home to some of the most biodiverse landscapes in Australia, including UNESCO World Heritage listed rainforests, the upper reaches of the Richmond and Clarence rivers and an extraordinary stretch of coastline.

Fingal Head Destination NSW — Photo by Destination NSW

A Strong and Diverse Economy

The Northern Rivers economy is estimated at over $19 billion^* and draws strength from a diverse mix of industries including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and a growing digital and creative sector. The region punches well above its weight in small business activity and entrepreneurship.

^*Source: economy.id.com.au/northern-rivers by id (informed decisions)

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A Growing Population and Workforce

The region is home to approximately 322,698^* people and has experienced significant growth in recent years. Driven in part by sea/tree changers drawn to the lifestyle, affordability relative to major cities and remote work opportunities growing in popularity. This growth brings both opportunity and the need for considered investment in infrastructure and services.

^*Source: economy.id.com.au/northern-rivers by id (informed decisions)

World Class Food and Agriculture

The Northern Rivers is one of New South Wales most productive agricultural regions, renowned for macadamias, blueberries, beef, dairy, sugar cane and a thriving horticulture sector. It’s also an emerging hub for value added food production and agri-tourism.

Learn more about Agriculture on the Northern Rivers

Opportunities for Investment and Growth

The Northern Rivers presents compelling opportunities across a range of key sectors. Abundant land, sun and wind resources position the region as a potential natural leader in the clean energy transition while a thriving agribusiness base offers real potential for value adding, food processing and direct to consumer enterprises. An increasing demand for nature based, cultural and wellness experiences continue to drive tourism growth, and the constant improvement of digital connectivity is making the region an increasingly attractive base for tech, creative industries and professional services.

While the regions long term recovery from the 2022 floods brings with it genuine opportunities to invest in resilient infrastructure, housing and community services. Helping to shape a stronger and more sustainable Northern Rivers for generations to come.