A vision five decades in the making is finally becoming reality on Australia's beautiful Tweed Coast, where the first residents will soon call the expansive Kings Forest Estate home.

The 900-hectare development, nestled just south of Kingscliff, is set to welcome more than 11,000 people to a thoughtfully designed community that promises to transform the region. The first 148 lots have now hit the market, marking an exciting milestone for both future residents and local officials.

"We are excited to announce the first 148 lots," said Tweed Shire Council general manager Troy Green, reflecting the optimism felt throughout the community.

The development's journey from agricultural land to a thriving residential community has been long, but the wait has allowed for extensive planning and environmental consideration. Since receiving final concept approval from the NSW government in 2010, the project has undergone nearly 30 refinements to ensure it meets the community's evolving needs.

Stockland, which acquired the site in August for $620 million, is bringing the vision to life with a comprehensive approach. Project director Alex Koerber emphasized that the development will be "critical to boosting housing supply in the region" while adding valuable infrastructure including schools, a commercial center, and sports fields.

What makes Kings Forest particularly special is its innovative design approach. Denise Galle, the council's director of planning who has dedicated 20 years to the project, explains that it will feature diverse housing styles and lot sizes, some as compact as 300 square meters, offering options for various families and lifestyles.

"Kings Forest is different; it's going to be something we haven't seen in the Tweed," Galle said with evident pride.

The development stands out for its environmental consciousness. A comprehensive "rule book" governs design and building guidelines, including unique provisions to protect koalas in the neighboring nature reserve—even restricting cat ownership to ensure the safety of these beloved marsupials.

This level of environmental stewardship reflects the community's commitment to balancing growth with conservation, creating a sustainable neighborhood that respects the natural beauty that makes the Tweed Coast so desirable.

The timing couldn't be better. With housing demand surging in the region and the NSW government implementing planning reforms to accelerate new housing delivery, Kings Forest represents a significant boost to the area's housing supply—potentially increasing Tweed Shire's population by 10 percent.

Warren Polglase, former Tweed mayor and president of the Tweed Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acknowledges the journey has been lengthy but notes the positive outcome for the community's future.

The Tweed Shire Council has invested approximately $130 million in infrastructure upgrades, including water and wastewater treatment plants, ensuring the community will have the services needed from day one.

As construction begins and families start planning their futures in Kings Forest, the development stands as a testament to persistence, careful planning, and community vision. The long wait is finally over, and a new chapter begins for the Tweed Coast—one that promises homes, amenities, and opportunities for thousands of families while honoring the region's natural heritage.