Annie O’Halloran, past coordinator, Byron NYE Safety Strategies
Forget the Bed Tax, Don… don’t turn small-business operators into tax collectors, yet again.
We need changes to the NSW Resource Distribution Formula (RDF) immediately. It’s 20 years overdue!
For those who don’t understand this question, I will explain: Byron Bay has a resident population of approx 9,000 people; Byron Shire has a resident population of approx 30,000 people.
The NSW government only recognises resident population in its Resource Distribution Formula in regards to policing, health etc for the community of Byron Bay/Byron Shire.
They do not recognise tourism impact at all, even though they actively promote towns like Byron Bay, nationally and internationally.
With Byron Bay experiencing visitors of at least 1.5 million bed-nights per year, you can see why the town’s infrastructure and services are so under-resourced, especially at times of peak demand such as Schoolies and New Years Eve.
Don, now you are in government, will you undertake to rectify this situation?
The NSW Resource Distribution Formula must recognise tourism, as it does agriculture etc.
Byron Bay’s economic base has been concentrated on tourism for at least 20 years. Now is the time to act! Give us the ability to help ourselves, Don.
Change the Resource Distribution Formula now.
By the way, where is the document I wrote in 2000 to the NSW Attorney’s Dept & Byron Shire Council?
This document provided a blueprint for any organisation following the BBNYESC to design safety strategies on NYE.
It would be most pertinent now!
