Jane Wickers, Mullumbimby
A group of concerned residents of Tristran Pde and Brushbox Dr, Mullumbimby Creek, recently met to discuss the issue of Environmental (E) zones in the draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP). We looked at the maps, information from Council and the facts outlined on the website http://www.northcoastnature.org.au/.
We agreed on the following:
· We value the outstanding environmental values of Byron Shire, that’s why we live here! We would like protection of these values reflected in the new LEP.
· We are delighted to have E2 zones on our properties and believe if anything this increases the value of our land. E zone means we have koalas, threatened species, beautiful trees.
· Having E2 zones excised from only five local government areas (Byron, Tweed, Ballina, Lismore and Kyogle) on the whim of the planning minister is an outrage. (For many of us, this type of decision-making is why we voted to throw out the last state government.)
· The mapping of E zones has some inaccuracies. We decided to each print out a map of our property and mark in the correct boundaries and submit to Byron Council. This will allow the correct mapping to be in place when the LEP is gazetted.
· There are a lot of myths being circulated, but the reality is that existing use rights are safeguarded under legislation and landowners can continue to practise existing lawful uses irrespective of the new zoning.
We urge people to ignore the scaremongering and read the facts to make an informed decision. There’s a lot at stake for the beautiful place we live in. (Submissions close November 23.)
