Council - 12 Jun 2025 9:00 AM

Key decisions

• Code of Meeting Practice placed on public exhibition
  Council endorsed a revised Code of Meeting Practice and placed it on public exhibition for 28 days, with submissions invited for 42 days; if no submissions are received, it will be adopted.
  Residents can review and comment on how council meetings are conducted and how public participation operates.
• Codes of Conduct adopted
  Council adopted reviewed Codes of Conduct and related procedures without changes.
  This sets the standards for councillor and staff conduct and complaint handling.
• Montecollum multiple occupancy expansion approved
  DA 10.2024.168.1 at 510 Goonengerry Road, Montecollum was approved for an expanded multiple occupancy with 13 dwelling sites and community title subdivision in two stages.
  This allows additional housing and subdivision in Montecollum, subject to conditions.
• Byron Bay town centre car share planning controls to be exhibited
  Council agreed to publicly exhibit amendments to DCP Chapter E10 for Byron Bay Town Centre to clarify car share space controls.
  This could affect future development requirements, parking arrangements, and transport options in central Byron Bay.
• Minor DA modification decisions delegated during recess
  Council delegated to the General Manager the power to determine limited s4.55 DA modification applications during the council recess, with a report back required.
  This may speed up minor development changes while maintaining later public reporting.
• Flood recovery land interests authorised in confidential resolution
  Council authorised acquisition and disposal of land interests, including opening and closing roads, for EPAR works linked to the 2022 NSW Severe Weather and Flooding Event.
  This supports delivery of flood recovery works and may affect nearby landowners and road arrangements.
• Saddle Road future use investigation endorsed
  Council will investigate reducing or removing through traffic on Saddle Road after Mullumbimby Road works, consider long-term conversion to a pedestrian and bicycle corridor, and consult local landowners.
  This could change traffic access, safety, and active transport connections around the Saddle Road precinct.
• Key worker housing at Byron CoLab to be pursued
  Council agreed to progress next steps and a feasibility study for up to 19 co-living style rooms for key workers at the rear of the Byron CoLab building, while seeking government funding.
  This may increase housing options for essential workers in Byron Bay.

Important topics

• Environmental protection in council works
  Council reaffirmed alignment with the Community Strategic Plan and Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, prioritising protection of high conservation value areas in works programs and seeking a councillor workshop on environmental approval pathways.
  This may influence how council carries out capital, maintenance, emergency, and vegetation works across the shire.
• Byron LGA Conservation Trust not proceeding in original form
  Council decided not to pursue formation of a corporation under section 358 for a conservation trust at this stage, but will investigate other trust models through the Biodiversity and Agricultural Advisory Committee.
  Future conservation funding or governance models may still be developed, but through a different structure.
• Audit and internal audit plans endorsed
  Council noted the external audit engagement plan and endorsed revised internal audit plans and actions from quarter 3 internal audit reporting.
  This affects council accountability, risk oversight, and financial governance.
• Development application status reporting
  Council noted status reports on DAs before bodies such as the Northern Regional Planning Panel and on State Significant Development declarations under the NSW Housing Delivery Authority process.
  Residents can expect further updates on major or state-linked development matters.
• Unauthorised camping in Brunswick Heads deferred
  The notice of motion on unauthorised camping in Brunswick Heads was left on the table rather than decided.
  No immediate policy change was made on this issue at this meeting.
• Traffic calming at sporting fields under investigation
  Council agreed to receive a report on traffic calming and safety options at the Pine Avenue sporting field precinct, including crossings, signage, bollards, reduced speeds, parking changes and lighting, with ebike hazards to be considered.
  This may lead to safety upgrades for families, players, and pedestrians using sporting areas.

Resident impacts

• Residents will be able to comment on the proposed Code of Meeting Practice during public exhibition.
• A development in Montecollum can proceed for additional dwelling sites and staged subdivision.
• Possible future traffic changes may affect Saddle Road, Mullumbimby Road and nearby access arrangements.
• Flood recovery works may involve land and road changes linked to EPAR project delivery.
• Key worker housing options may expand if the Byron CoLab feasibility work proceeds.
• Future environmental assessments and protections may be strengthened in council works programs.
• Traffic safety improvements are being explored for the Pine Avenue sporting field precinct.
• No decision was made yet on unauthorised camping in Brunswick Heads.

Places affected

• Saddle Road (road corridor)
  Future traffic reduction and possible pedestrian-bicycle reuse investigation.
• Mullumbimby Road (road)
  Referenced in relation to works and future Saddle Road traffic changes.
• Brunswick Heads (town/locality)
  Unauthorised camping motion was deferred; local traffic matters also referenced.
• Byron Bay (town)
  Car share DCP changes, Byron CoLab key worker housing investigation, and planning matters affect Byron Bay.
• Byron CoLab building (former Byron District Hospital site) (facility/site)
  Site proposed for feasibility work on key worker housing.
• 510 Goonengerry Road, Montecollum (development site)
  Approved multiple occupancy expansion and community title subdivision.
• Pine Avenue sporting field precinct (sporting precinct)
  Traffic calming and safety measures to be investigated.
• 53 McAuleys Lane (development site)
  Planning agreement item was listed for later business in the meeting extract.

Next steps

• Publicly exhibit the Code of Meeting Practice and invite submissions
  28-day exhibition and 42-day submission period
• Investigate alternative models for a Byron LGA Conservation Trust through the advisory committee
  Further committee work and reporting to come
• Publicly exhibit Byron Bay Town Centre DCP amendments for car share controls
  Next statutory exhibition period
• Report back on any minor s4.55 DA modifications approved under delegated authority during recess
  First available meeting after recess
• Investigate Saddle Road traffic changes and consult affected landowners
  Following completion of Mullumbimby Road works and future planning
• Undertake a feasibility study for key worker housing at the rear of Byron CoLab and seek funding
  Next project development stage
• Prepare a report on traffic calming and safety options for the Pine Avenue sporting field precinct
  Future council report
• Return the Brunswick Heads unauthorised camping matter for later consideration
  Not specified

Extracted minutes text

Minutes Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 12 June 2025 DISCLAIMER These minutes are DRAFT minutes and will remain unconfirmed until they are confirmed as a correct record at a subsequent meeting. BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL Ordinary Meeting Minutes 1 2 J u n e 2 0 2 5 O r d i n a r y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 1 2 J u n e 2 0 2 5 p a g e 3 INDEX OF ITEMS DISCUSSED The following items are listed in the order in which they were dealt with. Report No. 13.2 Council Investments - 1 May 2025 to 31 May 2025 ............................. 14 Report No. 13.3 Grants June 2025 ................................................................................ 14 Report No. 13.4 Section 355 Guidelines Update ..............