Mayor Simon Richardson has been called upon be his fellow state government counterpart to consult with the market stall holder group who are opposed to moving from the Butler Street Reserve.
Council recently announced their intention to move the monthly markets farmers’ markets while a transit hub is built, yet that location decision has not even been finalised.
Adding to the project’s disarray, residents have expressed their anger that there has been no consultation.
There have been no costings provided by Transport for NSW and Council staff were accused of trying to force councillors into a quick decision on its design.
Two groups represent the monthly community market stallholders, and the the market is managed by the Byron Bay Community Centre. The BBCC’s manager is councillor Paul Spooner, who has also been accused of ignoring the Rainbow Region Stallholders Association’s concerns.
In a November 29 letter, Ms Smith asked Cr Richardson to meet with the stallholders from the Rainbow Region Stallholders Association.
She wrote, ‘You pointed out at the public meeting that you had met with members of the independent stallholders, but that you have not met anyone from the Rainbow Region Stallholders Association – who I believe comprise the majority of the stallholders.’
She continued: ‘I believe it is incumbent upon us as elected representatives in a democracy to afford procedural fairness to all members of the community we represent.
‘Can you please meet with the representatives… as soon as possible.’
Independent Byron Community Markets Committee member Ian Brown claims he has well over 200 signatures from stallholders stating they do not want to move from their location. There are an estimated 300-350 stallholders,
MLC Ben Franklin has told Echonetdaily that he has written to the transport minister requesting that the Cavanbah Centre be considered instead for a transport hub.
NB This story was later changed to reflect that Ian Brown is a member of the Byron Community Markets Committee.
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