PEOPLE needed to be more aware of the Tweed Shire Council's plans to help guide the region's future, according to a former Tweed Heads consultant surveyor.

Basil McLauchlan said people were “apathetic” when it came to council planning.

“There are a few people that are very interested in what council does,” Mr McLauchlan said. “But in many cases people don't know what's going on and don't get involved.”

Mr McLaughlan said the development of Area E in Terranora was an example of people's apathy.

The Area E development is currently on display for public comment and residents have until August 26 to make submissions. The 296-hectare greenfield development site bounded by Mahers La, Terranora Rd, Fraser Dr and the Terranora Broadwater has lots for almost 1800 new homes.

Mr McLaughlan represents residents who will lose all or part of their properties because of an arterial road to be built through the land from Fraser Rd to Terranora Rd.

“The people in Terranora know about area E, but they don't know about the details,” he said.

“You can't blame them. The plan is a 204-page document.”

Mr McLaughlan said the best way for people to understand how a plan will affect them was to get on the ground and take a look.

“They (council) have had three public meetings on this development,” he said.

“But it is hard to see how this will affect people when you look at a map.

“Looking at the photographs you don't get an idea of the steepness of the terrain and the condition of the roads.

“I'm urging people as they drive past to visualise what's going on here.”

Mr McLaughlan said the arterial road will carry an additional 11,800 vehicles when the development was completed.