Council - 24 Apr 2025 3:00 PM

Key decisions

• Stage 4 C zones planning proposal advanced
  Council adopted proposed LEP 2014 map and zone changes for Stage 4 C zones properties and will submit the updated planning proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation and notification.
  Could affect zoning and planning controls for affected landowners and nearby communities.
• Draft Pest Animal Management Plan placed on exhibition
  Council approved the Draft Pest Animal Management Plan 2025-2030 for public exhibition for 6 weeks and will later receive a submissions report.
  Residents will be able to comment on future pest animal management priorities across the shire.
• Brunswick Heads laneway parking changes endorsed
  Council approved No Parking restrictions in several Brunswick Heads laneways, subject to Local Traffic Committee approval, with resident exemptions and clear zones on waste collection days where required.
  Will change parking access and traffic management for residents, visitors and waste collection in affected laneways.
• Bangalow Road intersection upgrade signage endorsed at Talofa
  Council adopted the Local Traffic Committee recommendation to endorse regulatory signage and line marking for the intersection upgrade at 533 Bangalow Road, Talofa.
  Affects road safety and traffic movements in the Talofa area.
• Byron Bay intersection report deferred
  The traffic and safety assessment for the Bangalow Road, Cooper Street and Paterson Street intersection in Byron Bay was deferred to the Council Planning Meeting on 8 May 2025.
  Residents concerned about safety and traffic at this intersection will need to wait for a later decision.
• Council backed local decision-making on Station Street affordable housing
  Council reaffirmed support for local decision-making, rejected calls for Sydney-based intervention over the affordable housing project at 57 Station Street, and will write to local MP Tamara Smith seeking withdrawal of support for the petition opposing the project.
  Signals Council's continuing support for the 57 Station Street affordable housing project in Mullumbimby.
• Emergency and crisis housing options to be investigated
  Council requested investigations and councillor workshop discussions on expanding existing crisis accommodation and on potential council-owned or managed land for an emergency housing village, including planning pathways, infrastructure, funding and management models.
  Could lead to new homelessness and crisis accommodation responses in Byron Shire.
• In-principle support given for Argyle Street church accommodation use
  Council gave in-principle support for using the Seventh Day Adventist Church site on Argyle Street, Mullumbimby for affordable, temporary, emergency or other appropriate accommodation, subject to planning rules and due diligence, and will write to government and housing providers.
  May support future housing or crisis accommodation opportunities in Mullumbimby.

Important topics

• Community financial assistance
  Council approved one-off facility hire fee waivers for the Ocean Shores Art Expo and Bangalow Film Festival.
  Provides support for local arts and community events.
• Lot 22 grant partnership
  Council endorsed an MoU with Mullum Seed to support an application for a Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program grant.
  May help progress future planning and funding for the Lot 22 project.
• Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy on exhibition
  Council endorsed the draft policy for public exhibition for at least 28 days, including a clause about distribution of tickets for major community events when issued to Council.
  Residents can review and comment on rules governing councillor expenses and event attendance.
• Unnamed Suffolk Park laneway naming deferred
  Council deferred the naming report to allow engagement with Traditional Custodians and further documentation relating to Harry Bray.
  The eventual naming decision may reflect local history and cultural consultation.
• Biodiversity advocacy strengthened
  Council reaffirmed support for wildlife corridors and koala habitat work, thanked local conservation groups, and will advocate to State and Federal governments to end native forest logging and protect koala habitat.
  Supports local conservation efforts and may influence future environmental advocacy and restoration work.

Resident impacts

• Residents can provide feedback during the 6-week exhibition of the Draft Pest Animal Management Plan.
• Parking rules are likely to change in multiple Brunswick Heads laneways, with resident exemptions proposed.
• Landowners affected by Stage 4 C zone changes may face updated zoning and planning controls.
• People concerned about affordable housing at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby should expect Council to continue backing the project.
• Future housing responses may include expanded crisis accommodation or an emergency housing village if investigations identify suitable sites.
• The Byron Bay intersection decision at Bangalow Road, Cooper Street and Paterson Street has been delayed to 8 May 2025.
• Residents can comment on the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy during public exhibition.

Places affected

• Brunswick Heads (town/locality)
  Laneway parking restrictions and traffic investigation affecting several laneways.
• Balun Lane, Slessor Lane, Shapcott Lane, Galleon Lane, Nelson Lane, Ring Lane and Whittall Lane (laneways)
  Proposed No Parking restrictions, resident exemptions and waste-day clear zones.
• Talofa (locality)
  Intersection upgrade signage and line marking endorsed for 533 Bangalow Road.
• Byron Bay (town)
  Traffic and safety assessment at Bangalow Road, Cooper Street and Paterson Street deferred.
• Mullumbimby (town)
  Affordable housing at 57 Station Street, possible Argyle Street church accommodation use, and Lot 22 grant-related work.
• Argyle Street, Mullumbimby (street/site)
  Church site received in-principle support for possible accommodation use.
• Suffolk Park (locality)
  Naming of an unnamed laneway deferred pending consultation and more evidence.
• Byron Shire (shire/service area)
  Shire-wide impacts from pest animal planning, biodiversity advocacy, and homelessness accommodation investigations.

Next steps

• Publicly exhibit the Draft Pest Animal Management Plan 2025-2030 and later bring back a submissions report
  6-week exhibition, then future council report
• Submit the updated Stage 4 C zones planning proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
  After this meeting resolution
• Implement Brunswick Heads laneway No Parking restrictions subject to Local Traffic Committee approval and notify residents
  After committee approval
• Reconsider the Byron Bay intersection traffic and safety report
  Council Planning Meeting on 8 May 2025
• Write to Tamara Smith about the Station Street petition and Council's support for affordable housing
  After this meeting
• Investigate options to expand crisis or temporary accommodation and present them to a councillor workshop
  Future workshop
• Investigate potential council-owned or managed land for an emergency housing village and report on findings if suitable sites are identified
  Future workshop and follow-up report
• Engage Traditional Custodians and gather further documentation before returning the Suffolk Park laneway naming matter
  Future meeting

Extracted minutes text

Minutes Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 24 April 2025 BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL Ordinary Meeting Minutes 2 4 Ap r i l 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 2 4 A p r i l 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 Grants April 2025 ................................................................................... 8 Report No. 13.4 Requests for Financial Assistance - Ocean Shores Art Expo and Bangalow Film Festival .......................................................................... 8 Report No. 13.5 Council Investments - 1 March 2025 to 31 March 2025 ......................... 8 Report No. 13....