Northern Rivers Naturists Inc (formerly Byron Naturists Inc) entered into discussions with NPWS in March. We have presented our arguments for retaining the CO beach at the current location. NPWS has not yet followed up on that discussion so we are requesting an extension of the closure deadline to allow more time for the consultation process. 
We have made a submission to Arakwal Corporation as well, negotiations are still ongoing.
A request for extension of time has been sent to Council also.
Bradley Benham
President 
Northern Rivers Naturists Inc 
(formerly Byron Naturists Inc)

Background
 
The Mayor and General Manager of Byron Council have been aware of the NPWS plan to close Tyagarah Clothing-Optional Beach since May 2023. The issue was not brought to the attention of other Councillors so an alternate location could be identified.  
 
Beach-users were only informed of the decision to close the beach in January 2024.
 
In February 2024 over 7000 people signed a petition to protest the decision and over 150 people participated in a protest rally at the beach.
 
In February 2024 Russell Madeley, Director of North Coast NPWS, agreed to “further consultation”. The stated objective was: “NPWS will work with stakeholders and land managers to identify if there are any other locations that may be a suitable for a Clothes Optional Area”. The deadline for closure was extended to 30/6/24.
 
One two-hour workshop was held in March 2024. There has been no further engagement with beach-users.
 
There is significant public demand for a safe and legal nudist beach in the Byron Shire.
 
The 30/6/24 deadline set by NPWS to close Tyagarah Clothing-Optional Beach and to find an alternative location was an unrealistic timeframe to resolve such a complex issue.
 
Byron Shire residents and visitors do not want to be deprived of a safe and legal space to exercise a basic freedom after 30/6/24 while consultation and negotiations continue.
 
Northern Rivers Naturists Inc (formerly Byron Naturists Inc) have requested a further extension of the deadline to close Tyagarah Clothing-Optional Beach until another safe and legal Clothing-Optional Beach is established and operating in Byron Shire.