Eve Jeffery
Byron Shire Council has resolved to renew the licences of Massey Greene, Terrace Reserve and the Ferry Reserve caravan parks at Brunswick Heads, subject to compliance with certain provisions in of the Local Government Act.
One of the main points of contention in the applications was the area along the Brunswick River.
The resolution made clear the need for a three-metre buffer zone between the top of the riverbank and the operational boundary of the parks, which is to be retained as a public walkway.
Convenor of the Brunswick Foreshore Protection Group, Michele Grant, says that the group wholeheartedly endorses Council’s motion.
‘The motion has clearly established the foreshore boundary on top of the riverbank that includes a three-metre buffer zone for public access in Massey Greene and The Terrace parks.’ Of the Ferry Reserve Park, Ms Grant says that the foreshore strip is now excluded from the operational area.
‘We are delighted to see Council bowing out graciously, leaving us on a high celebratory note’, said Ms Grant after the meeting.
‘As it appears, the Crown reserve caravan park boundary locations have been determined in the new caravan park licence agreement.
‘Longstanding encroachment issues have been resolved and a three-metre foreshore buffer zone for public access has been provided as a final act of good housekeeping.’
Mayor Jan Barham says that Council has resolved to bring the caravan parks back into compliance with state legislation before licences are issued for the operation of the parks.
‘There is a long history of encroachments on public land, safety concerns relating to overcrowding, and loss of amenity for adjoining local residents,’ she said.
