![Byron Shire [former] Greens Councillor Rose Wanchap has backed the controversial rock wall since her defection.](https://www.echo.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Rose-Wanchap-vert.jpg)
It’s been high drama in Byron shire council chambers in the past 24 hours with what appears to be a final decision by staff to send its controversial coastal policy to the minister.
For those unaware, last Wednesday, the council majority of Sol Ibrahim, Rose Wanchap, Di Woods, Alan Hunter and Chris Cubis voted for their Coastal Management Plan Byron Bay Embayment (CZMP BBE) to go to the next stage, which is an assessment by the planning minister.
It was met by a vocal and sometimes angry gallery who burst into song upon the vote being made.
But later in the day, right-wing Crs Ibrahim and Cubis left the meeting without explanation, leaving the left wing faction in control, despite Cr Paul Spooner’s absence.
This was confirmed to Echonetdaily by both the mayor and Cr Duncan Dey.
That resulted in recasting the vote by Cr Dey, which aimed to delay the coastal policy being sent.
Still with us?
Echonetdaily understands that it was accepted at the time by staff, but the following day that decision was reversed by staff, who promptly sent the document on to the minister.
Council staff have been asked by Echonetdaily for an explanation as to why the reversal was made, and where it applies to the code of conduct policy and or legislation.
Mayor Simon Richardson said at the time that Cr Woods announced to the room that her faction would leave the chamber to prevent the vote, which he says is a clear breach of the code of conduct.
Democracy?
This is wonderful news.
The gang of five are my heroes.
They are not afraid to tread all over the environment or democratic process.
Australia needs more of this.
We will assume your tongue is well and truly inserted in your cheek, Blake.
But you are correct “They’ are not afraid to tread all over the environment and the democratic process.
They do it all the time.
Congratulations to GM and staff they did the correct thing. Why isn’t the Mayor following due process,if this continues we need an administrator appointed so the staff can get with the job of serving the ratepayers.
If due process was not followed, then the solution involves making formal complaints to bodies such as the Office of Local Government and NSW Ombudsman.