BYRON'S VILLAGE CHARACTER UNDER THREAT FROM SSD/HDA  & AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROMISES

The threat has returned—and it is bigger than before.
Back in 2021, our community united to protect Byron Bay's low-rise coastal identity from destructive zoning changes. Today, that same fight is back - but the threat has evolved. Private developers are now using state-level mechanisms to completely override our bespoke planning rules that importantly keep the height limits of Byron Bay between 9m - 11.5m.  Since 2021, this has been breached repeatedly. 

The State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, Housing Delivery Authority (HDA), and Housing SEPPs have amplified the issue as they are designed to bypass the strategic planning frameworks (LEP) that Byron Bay and many other NSW towns use to balance growth, landscape, village character, and the built environment.

These fast‑track, city‑centric planning pathways from the NSW Government do not align with Byron Shire’s 2025–2035 Economic Strategy, our Visitor Economy plans, and the Byron Bay Masterplan — and they cut against our community’s identity and values.

Destination NSW identifies Byron Bay as one of NSW's premier tourism destinations, attracting upwards of  1.9 million domestic and international visitors each year and generating more than $1.11 billion in visitor expenditure. Its new tourism strategy even highlights Byron Bay as one of five key regions. 
The NSW State Govt is selling Byron on its character—while State planning mechanisms are facilitating radical change that will destroy the very qualities that make Byron Bay unique on the East coast of Australia.   A low-rise coastal town, where our (LEP) local environment plan has helped maintain a people-centred height limit ranging between 9m and 11.5m, with buildings capped at 3-storeys.

 While  Byron is marketed nationally and internationally for its landscape, coastal setting, and distinctive character -- large-scale urban development and major projects are being assessed one by one.  This pathway ignores the cumulative impacts of multiple development sites on our traffic, emergency access, infrastructure, housing affordability, public amenity, and tourism.

Right now, Byron Bay is a massive development site.  With 3 x State Significant Development (SSD) proposals recommended for the SSD pathway.   
And approx 8 other developments proposed, approved, or under construction seeking to breach height limits, from 14.50 m up to 21 m. The Luxcon development at 90-96 Jonson ST/old woollies carpark being the most controversial at 21 metres with no reason or assessment given by the Minister for Planning.

 We ask that the State Government urgently and transparently notify the Byron Bay community and Byron Shire Council of the proposed State-led planning pathway, including the proposed concurrent rezonings, and clearly explain how the proposal will be assessed against Byron Bay's existing strategic planning framework and height controls.

 The continuing scale of development will have a devastating, permanent effect on the low-rise village character that both locals and visitors love.

We need to push back together just like we did four years ago.  Join us in asking the Government :
*to pause and reassess the way SSD/HDA developments are fast-tracked
*Undertake an independent audit of Byron Bay infrastructure capacity before further
large-scale development is accelerated through State planning pathways

Please sign, share this updated petition with anyone who has moved to the area recently, and help us save Byron Bay from over-development, taller buildings, rooftop pools. 
Read more here 
Watch 4 Corners here

Sign now, and we will keep you updated.  

Why you should sign this petition:

·       To add your voice about development in Byron Shire before it's too late.

·       To stop our height limits being breached in the towns of Byron Shire & beyond.

·       To demand real affordable housing and sustainable developments.

·       To say No to growth at any cost - Byron Bay is not the Gold Coast.

·       To demand infrastructure upgrades 

*While this policy will have forever effects on the look and feel of Byron Bay.   Communities across NSW are also impacted by this one-size-fits-all model that promises affordable housing but instead delivers more luxury apartments. Send a message to the Premier and Minister for Planning now. 

Minister for Planning Paul Scully: wollongong@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Write to and call the offices of the following MPs Councillors and make your voice heard: 

Tamara Smith Local MP: 02 6686 7522 l ballina@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Ben Franklin Nationals MLC: 02 9230 3793 ben.franklin@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Justine Elliot Federal MP: 07 5523 4371 Justine.Elliot.MP@aph.gov.au