Democracy or Dictatorship?

For many of us, it again felt like democracy bent under the weight of a “we know best, we know better” approach—something Byron has sadly experienced before.

But this next phase gives us another opportunity to shape the outcome.

What Happened on Thursday
Councillors heard from four community leaders who spoke passionately and respectfully about why the SEP process should be paused until core safety, transport and infrastructure issues are properly addressed.

Despite 80–90% of the community opposing the SEP, Councillors ignored the sentiment voted 5/4 to proceed to public exhibition of the SEP reports. Their stated intention was to:

·       Continue engaging with the community, this time with detailed reports on key issues facing the town

·       Work with community leaders to reshape the proposed SEP so it better fits Byron. A key issue will the poorly managed venue noise and controls around that issue.

·       Work with State agencies to secure assurances and real funding for issues that have been left unresolved for 10–15 years. The State Govt’s own report of 2014 stated the real issues and proposed ways to fix them. Sadly, it never happened. Hence the community has justifiable trust issues.

While many of us strongly disagree with the decision to proceed, this next phase does give the community a structured opportunity to once again demonstrate the overwhelming position of Byron Shire residents and visitors who love Byron.

Positive Outcomes From Community Pressure
Everyone has played a  vital role. All in the community that contributed by attending our first meeting, posting a comment,  sharing a petition or writing a letter or having a chat in the street. Your advocacy has already shifted the process in meaningful ways:

·       Alcohol trading after 12am is “guaranteed” not to be extended. We will continue to monitor this closely given the complex and ever-changing legislation.

·       The proposed SEP southern zone has been removed. The proposed SEP area is now limited to the main part of the CBD where the nightlife currently exists.

·       Strong pressure is now on Council to secure State funding for independent road safety audits of hinterland village connector roads—the first step toward real improvements to road conditions that put patrons and hospitality workers at risk at 2/3/4am.

·       A commitment has been made that without confirmed State funding to fix Byrons long standing issues, the trial will not proceed. Many remain sceptical, but this commitment is now on the public record.

These outcomes are the direct result of community involvement, respectful advocacy, and continued collective pressure.

What Still Troubles the Community
Chris Hanley’s words during Public Access at the 14 August 2025 Planning Meeting still echo strongly:

·       “Nothing happened with improving lighting or security after the 2014 State Government report. Here we are again.”

·       “The community doesn’t trust your solution.”

·       “You’re coming from a good place… but in the end, you have the power and you make the decision.”

On Thursday, several Councillors acknowledged the same reality:

·       “We can’t see the community getting behind this even after more consultation.” — Cr Elia Haugh

·       “90% of the community are against the idea.” — Mayor Michael Lyon

·       “You read the reports—it’s concern after concern—yet the recommendation is still to proceed?” — Cr Michael Lyon

·       “we still don’t have the community with us” “there is complete lack of trust in the process” – Cr David Warth

·       “Back to square one, we are getting ahead of the community” – Cr David Warth

·       “the violence in our town is scary” “I don’t believe the SEP will create a safe place” “Its all about the drinking, that’s what Byron is” “gangs of young boys hunting for girls” – Cr Delta Kay

·       “it should be a destination to come and relax and look after your well being” – Cr Delta Kay

Not a single supporter of the SEP spoke at the meeting. No one stepped forward to publicly argue that the proposal is a good idea.

A Bigger Issue: Funding and Governance
This process has highlighted a deeper challenge—Byron’s long-standing difficulty in scoping, applying for, securing and delivering State funding. We should not need a SEP to fix lighting, safety, security, and streetscape issues that were identified by the State Govt it its very own report more than a decade ago.

Byron punches well above its weight producing tourism revenue for the State to a level second only to Sydney. We should be better at gaining our share of that revenue.

Ballina, Tweed and other councils consistently secure funding and deliver improvements through strategic and systematic actions—without needing a SEP as a crutch. Byron deserves that same level of professionalism and strategic planning.

A better approach—then and now—would have been: fix the safety, security and transport problems first, then consider any changes to late-night activity.

Where To From Here
The vote was Yes—the SEP now moves to Public Exhibition, followed by another vote on whether to proceed with a SEP trial in the middle of the year.

What we will do:

·       Keep the petition active throughout the entire exhibition period and up until the vote, likely through to late February and to March April.

·       Continue coordinating with community leaders and advocates

·       Maintain strong engagement with Councillors, the Mayor, State MPs, Ministers and agencies

·       Ensure your voices are clearly represented and impossible to ignore

Our community will stay united, constructive and determined. We will continue to hold decision-makers accountable at every stage.

Your Voice Still Matters — Please Keep Sharing
Because of your involvement we have already secured major concessions from Council—including the crucial assurance (for now) of no additional alcohol trading after 12am.

Please continue sharing the petition with friends, neighbours, hospitality workers and local businesses. Every signature strengthens our collective voice leading into the final SEP vote in early 2026.

Thank you for staying engaged, speaking up, and standing together for a safer, more balanced and more transparent future for Byron Shire.

Warm regards,

Anthony Stante

Road Safety Advocate,