Clarence Property Group and the Wallum Development: What You Need to Know
In the heart of the Byron Shire, the proposed development of a rare coastal ecosystem known as Wallum by Clarence Property Group has sparked heated community debate. Who are Clarence Property? What exactly is being proposed for Brunswick Heads? And why are locals so fiercely protective of this patch of wildflowers and wildlife? Here’s what you need to know.
Who Is Clarence Property Group?
Clarence Property Group is a Northern NSW-based property developer with a portfolio that includes residential communities like Casuarina Beach, EPIQ Lennox Head, and Yamba Quays. With a focus on regional development, they’ve built a reputation for large-scale, master-planned estates across the east coast of Australia.
While they position themselves as environmentally considerate, recent proposals for the Bayside Brunswick Heads site — known locally as Wallum — have drawn concern from environmentalists, Traditional Owners, and local residents alike.
What Is the Wallum Development?
The name “Wallum” refers to a unique, endangered ecosystem found along the east coast of Australia, particularly in low-nutrient, sandy coastal soils. Wallum heathland is home to an incredible diversity of plants, wildflowers, birds, frogs, and other native wildlife, many of which are now threatened due to urbanisation.
The proposed development at Brunswick Heads, named Bayside, would include 123 residential lots and medium-density housing over a large portion of this pristine site. Clarence Property has stated that they will retain 18 hectares for conservation zones, yet more than 40% of the ecosystem would be permanently lost.
What Locals Are Saying
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Environmental Concerns
Residents, conservationists and ecologists warn that development of the Wallum ecosystem would destroy critical habitat for native species. The site contains old growth trees, wildflower-rich heathland, and is part of a wildlife corridor for species like the Wallum sedge frog and local koalas.
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Cultural Significance
Wallum is not just ecologically important—it’s culturally significant to local Aboriginal people, with deep connections to Country. Community members have raised concerns about the lack of cultural heritage studies and consultation.
Read more about this here.
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Community Impact
The development is seen by many as an imposition on a quiet coastal village. Concerns include increased traffic, pressure on local infrastructure, and the loss of community access to natural spaces like Simpsons Creek.
"We’ll continue to monitor the site closely and urge Clarence Property to reopen access to Simpsons Creek… and remove the 24/7 security and their security dogs, which pose a threat to local wildlife, especially the Koalas.” – Lisa Sandstrom, local resident
How to Stay Informed or Get Involved
Wallum is more than just land—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem and part of the identity of Brunswick Heads. As Clarence Property pushes forward with its Bayside development, the community continues to raise its voice in defense of biodiversity, culture, and connection to place.
If you care about the future of Brunswick Heads and want to protect our natural heritage, stay informed, speak up, and share this website.
To stay informed or get involved:
Follow Save Wallum Facebook Group for the latest information on events and actions plus to ask any questions.
Donate financially to the campaign via tax-deductible donations.
Write to the Federal Minister for the Environment Tanya Plibersek and the NSW State Minister for Planning Paul Scully.
Subscribe to the Save Wallum newsletter for email updates.
Write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper to spread the word.