How disappointing. After promises that measures would be taken to control traffic into Byron on New Year’s Eve, and after costly council publicity about proof of accommodation stickers and park and ride plans, we now are told that the town cannot be closed off because of objections from Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).
Surely the first thing Byron Council should have ensured was approval from RMS, before the other measures could be implemented?
So, what now is the back up plan for Byron this New Year’s Eve?
It is not enough for the mayor to say that it is up to the residents to make it a family-friendly event.
How can our little community possibly cope with the thousands of revellers who descend on the town and trash it?
Will there be extra rangers working over this period?
Will they move on all the hundreds of illegal campers?
Who will be out checking camping on the beaches?
Or will it be a sorry replay of last year’s nightmare?
No need to call on volunteers. We will all no doubt again be spending a cheerless New Year’s Day cleaning up the town and wondering what was the point of all those meetings and discussions over the past year.
Louise Andrews, Byron Bay
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