Byron Shire Council is reviewing the Byron Bay town centre planning controls (LEP2014) ‘to provide a unique zone for the Byron Bay town centre’ and is proposing to change the zoning in town from B2 to B3 Commercial Core. Under this proposal the height of buildings will increase from 9m to 11.5 metres, including the streets closest to the beach front.

We, residents, visitors and lovers of Byron Shire want the council to resist the pressures from developers, NSW Govt planners et al to change the current zoning that would allow taller buildings in Byron Bay.

Byron’s much-loved ethos of “Cheer up, Slow down, Chill out” brings 2 million + visitors to the shire. The natural beauty, the relaxed small town coastal vibes, the hinterland and the creative businesses of local artisans are the draw card. Byron is still relatively small scale, has a sense of place and social vibrancy.  But the proposed changes threaten to strip the character of the town by making it easier for developers to build concrete buildings like Mercato – it’s a slippery slope to the Gold Coast...(& roof top swimming pools).

In real terms, the change means denser development - B3 zones provide for extensive commercial and high-density residential development with less car parking requirements. Generally, there are no landscaped area requirements in B3. The current LEP2014 was formulated after extensive research and community consultation. It would seem that the only people who want taller buildings are investors, developers and those with a keen interest in real estate!

But it’s not too late to say NO to the 'bigger is better' model of development across the shire.  It’s time for you + me to speak up, even if it’s just signing this petition….

Why you should sign this petition:

•   To stop the rezoning of the township of Byron Bay from B2 to B3 Commercial Core.
•  To extend the review period and ask Council/Masterplan Committee to show why the LEP needs this change.
• To emphasise the need for clearer community consultation.
• To have a voice about the development of Byron Shire.
• To stop large scale unsympathetic over-development in the towns of Byron Shire: Brunswick Hds, Mullumbimby, Federal, etc.
• To stop the ‘bigger is better’ model & demand sustainable developments.
• To say No to Byron Shire becoming the next Noosa or the Gold Coast.
• To Start a conversation about development in your hood.

*This isn’t just about zones and Byron CBD. This is about the region we live in and the external decisions that are being made for us.  The issue of over development is on everyone’s mind and how to accommodate an increasing population without destroying the qualities & values of Byron Shire.

You can write to, and call the offices of the following MPs Councillors/Minister State Planning to make your voice heard:

Michael Lyon – Deputy: 0435 646 365  michael.lyon@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Mayor Simon Richardson 0427 076 834 simon.richardson@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Isabelle Hawton 6626 7053 ihawton@byron.nsw.gov.au (project planner)

Cr Sarah Ndiaye: 0432 389 353 sarah.ndiaye@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Cr Alan Hunter: 0428 657 549 Ph: 02 6684 7259 alan.hunter@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Cr Basil Cameron: 0427 664 754 basil.cameron@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Cr Cate Coorey: cate.coorey@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Cr Jan Hackett: 0481 117 747 Ph: 02 6680 8240 jan.hackett@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Cr Jeannette Martin: 0412 322 255 jeannette.martin@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Cr Paul Spooner: 0434 771 510 paul.spooner@cr.byron.nsw.gov.au

Minister Planning Rob Stokes (02) 9999 0922  pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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