We call on Tweed Shire Council to urgently review the $6,000 fine issued for a small community car boot swap meet held at Murwillumbah Leagues Club, and to adopt a fair, practical pathway for small community-run swap meets and grassroots markets.

A few months ago, a small, family-focused “car boot swap meet” was held with 13 local families selling second-hand goods. It was about reuse, sustainability, kids learning to run a stall, and neighbours supporting each other, not big business.

We understand Council’s position that markets on private land require development consent. 

However, a $6,000 penalty for a small, low-impact community event feels disproportionate and risks sending the message that community-run swap meets aren’t viable in the Tweed.

Council itself recognises that compliance action involves discretion and that decisions consider public policy and legal precedent. 

Across NSW, councils also demonstrate that “car boot sale” style events can be managed safely with clear conditions. 

Tweed already supports and approves community markets through a formal approvals process.

We respectfully ask Tweed Shire Council to:

1. Review the $6,000 fine and apply a proportionate outcome (e.g., warning, reduced penalty, or alternative resolution consistent with community interest). 

2. Create a simple, affordable approval pathway for small, low-impact community swap meets (especially one-off or occasional events), with clear rules for organisers and venues. 

3. Publish plain-English guidance so families, clubs and community groups can comply without needing expensive consultants, and so sustainability-focused events can continue. 

This is a “fair go” issue: we want compliance, but also proportionality, clarity, and a practical way for local community events to exist.

Please sign and share if you support a fair, workable approach for grassroots community swap meets in the Tweed