Stage one of Byron Bay’s Railway Square parks upgrade has been completed and has seen the north-eastern corner of the park converted into a ‘plaza’ area, designed as the first step in recapturing the park’s role as the community meeting and gathering space.
‘This entry to the park off Jonson Street was run down and unsuitable for groups of people to gather,’ Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson said.
‘The turf had turned to dust through over-use and barriers blocked the park from the street, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors,’ he said.
The upgraded entryway includes new plantings, custom seating elements, bike racks and paths that will connect to future park features. New lighting will also be installed in the coming months.
In October 2017 the council removed two large gums and a palm, without warning, saying that it was under the auspices of the Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan Leadership Group. Both the Mayor and council then general manager, Ken Gainger issued an apology over the incident when it became clear they had not sought support for the removal of the trees from the Byron masterplan team.
However, Donald Maughan co-chair Byron Bay town centre masterplan team has said that, ‘The masterplan team is back on track. Our last meeting was the best one we have had yet.’
‘Byron Shire Council Claire McGarry is the council liaison officer working with the team and we are getting detailed reports of the blocks and hurdles.
‘The team now has a much better understanding of what’s going on and there is a lot more trust between the management team and council also has to learn to trust us too.’
Open to community input
The masterplan team wants to highlight that it is open to community input into the development of the masterplan and that both community groups and individuals who would like to present to the group or talk to a particular agenda item can arrange to attend the meetings.
‘Meetings take place approximately every five weeks,’ said Mr Maughan.
The next meeting is an operation meeting with four new members being inducted, election of executives and a review of their code of conduct.
If you are interested in presenting to the group or discussing a particular agenda item send a joint email to co-chairs Chris Hanley: [email protected] and Donald Maughan: [email protected].
The Railway Park concept plans can be viewed on Council’s website.
For further information contact Council’s Place Manager – Byron Bay, Claire McGarry on 6626 7296.
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