Nature in Byron Bay is about to tip one way or the other. Many long-term structural changes are being pushed all at once: West Byron development, Ewingsdale, Baywood Chase, the Suffolk quarry site. I listen to many alarmed residents, informed and engaged, desperately dealing with each issue separately. The nature of residents is also under great stress.
To my mind, all these proposals turn on one fundamental choice: how do we live with nature? We surely can overwhelm the unique way nature is in Byron Bay.
Instead, how about we stand up for the freedom of our own beleaguered wild animals and places? To safeguard wild places and wild ways, we need a proactive growth plan for wildlife and coastal habitats, from Ewingsdale to Suffolk, through the twin catchments of Byron Bay. This plan includes water-sensitive designs to handle stormwater and flooding, too.
Emergency actions! 1. Insist councillors act according to the green vote that was won at the last election. Rescind new subdivisions and write in co-habitation with wildlife. Ring the councillors! (www.byron.nsw.gov.au/councillors). 2. Ring Mike Baird: no state plans for local development, no to West Byron and the rest. (02) 8574 5000
Enough of this death by a thousand cuts. Let’s plan for a renaissance of wildlife, on land and in sea. Let’s redevelop ‘development’. Pass the message along: Rewild Byron Bay.
Mary Gardner, Byron Bay
