Coastal Cabin Development Feasibility – Ballina, NSW
Ballina, NSW, where Salt Tree Advisory has been helping a client with feasibility and planning for a premium cabin development
Client: NSW Crown Land Manager (public land)
Location: Ballina, NSW
Services: Feasibility Assessment, Site Planning, Infrastructure Strategy, Cost Estimation, Risk Review, Development Pathway
Salt Tree Advisory was engaged to assess the feasibility of developing a small cluster of premium cabins on Crown land within the Ballina coastal precinct. The project’s purpose was to help the land manager understand the development potential of a strategically located site adjacent to established recreation and tourism infrastructure.
Working alongside local stakeholders, our role included high-level site planning, infrastructure and servicing strategy, cabin typology testing, engineering inputs, and a full order-of-magnitude cost estimate. We also reviewed planning pathways under the Ballina Shire Council LEP and the NSW Local Government (Caravan Parks & Camping Grounds) Regulation to determine viable approval routes.
The study assessed a concept layout of seven elevated cabins designed to address flood-planning requirements, with integrated parking, pedestrian links, and a low-impact civil footprint. Key infrastructure investigations covered electrical connection options, water and firefighting demands, sewer rising main requirements, stormwater management including on-site detention, and the civil works needed to support access and internal circulation.
Salt Tree Advisory also provided revenue modelling, sensitivity analysis, and a full risk review, including community interface considerations, planning interpretation risks, and latent condition risks typical of coastal foreshore land.
Our work enabled the client to make an informed decision on whether to proceed to Development Application stage, including a staged and cost-controlled pathway for planning, design, and approvals. The outcome provided a clear, pragmatic roadmap for delivering new, self-contained coastal accommodation to support local tourism, sporting visitation, and regional activation in Ballina.