Hi everyone and a huge thank you to all who’ve signed, shared, and talked to friends, neighbours and visitors about our petition. 

It’s been noted that Councillor Asren Pugh has recently added his name to the pro-SEP petition, even before the full Council risk assessment for the proposed SEP trial and associated officer reports are finished. These reports are due out in early November, with the Councillor vote likely at the Council meeting at the end of November.

Every Councillor has a responsibility to stay open until they’ve reviewed all the facts and listened to community feedback. Signing on early can risk undermining trust in the process — and this decision is too important for that.

So let’s keep our voices strong and respectful. You might like to politely email Councillor Pugh to ask why he’s chosen to support the SEP before seeing all the evidence, and remind all Councillors that we expect fairness, transparency, and open-minded decision-making.

📧 asren.pugh@byron.nsw.gov.au  CC: council@byron.nsw.gov.au

We’re now sitting around 845 signatures — that’s an incredible community effort! While we’ve had 70 to 80 new signatures in just the past week, the pro-SEP petition has only managed a hand full and appears to have stalled at around 180 signatures — a clear sign that most people love Byron’s vibrancy but don’t want additional late-night drinking after 12am.

Our message has been consistent and fair — we want decisions about Byron’s future made with open minds, real evidence, and genuine community input, not pre-determined positions.

Let’s keep standing together for a safe, vibrant Byron — one where decisions are made with care, not haste.

https://www.change.org/STOP_Extended_Late-night_drinking_Byron_SEP_trial

I recently posted on several local community FB pages. Some keyboard warriors commented, obviously not fully aware of the key facts >>> “it’s the fun police”, “I only get started at 12am”, “why not move out of the area?”. I’m happy to take the misguided commentary as it just fuels the silent majority push to stop this ill conceived SEP proposal. Maybe others can use Instagram and other social media pages to do the same….it would be greatly appreciated by our supporters.

Thanks again for all your incredible support. We’re being heard — let’s keep the momentum going! Sarah our Mayor met recently with Minister Graham and the Commissioner for the 24hr Economy and apparently discussed community concerns with the proposed SEP. Please take the time to seek out opportunities to send the petition far and wide and make these concerns LOUD and CLEAR. Every signature is important.

Have a great weekend.

Anthony Stante
Community Representative, Road Safety Advocate

Transport & Infrastructure Advisory Committee (TIAC)