Byron Greens have always been there to protect environment and community. We’ve helped make Byron Shire what it is today. There is always pressure to rezone land for ‘higher uses’ but that pressure is sometimes short sighted.
Current Deputy Mayor and Greens council candidate, Sarah Ndiaye yesterday opposed the rezoning at Elements. The majority of Councillors voted it through. After the Council meeting she said:
“I have never supported the rezoning of this site for residential use. I believe that it was potentially irresponsible of Council to do so. It was never part of any strategic plan. The area has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for decades and has been subject to serious flood issues. Parts of this environmentally sensitive coastal area will now potentially be fenced off for 9 residential lots and most likely they’ll bring their pets. Any rezoning Council is involved in should be in aid of addressing critical community issues, like our housing crisis.
“This was also the last large lot zoned appropriate for tourism in the shire and there are other less sensitive areas of the site that could have been developed into the future if required. Of course, there is a short term gain for the landowner but there is a long term loss for the community”.
Her teammate for the upcoming council elections, mayoral candidate Duncan Dey said:
“The Greens have always led the way on understanding climate change, storm intensity, sea level rise and coastal hazards. The recent IPCC report tells us that even if the world gets on top of temperature rise and flattens that curve this century, the oceans will still rise well into future centuries. Sea Level Rise is ‘locked in’. Whoever lives on the land to be rezoned at Elements will be flooded next century for sure, even if not this century. Why do this to future generations.”
The much loved beach access was widened at the seaside entry point during the Council debate and it was established that the interface of the coastal strip was part of the Native Title determination of 2019. As such, the proponents will need to consult with The Bundjalung People of Byron Bay, Arakwal Corporation about the ongoing management of that area.
