Hans Lovejoy
The NSW Coastal Panel, an independent body of experts who advise the NSW government on coastal matters, is being taken to court by Belongil landowners after it rejected recent plans for rock walls.
The hearing has been set for September 17 at the Byron Local Court, and will follow a site inspection at the street entrance to Old Jetty Park, opposite 35 Childe Street, Byron Bay.
It’s the latest in a long running series of court actions by the beachfront landowners, who are seeking to protect their properties from erosion with rock structures.
Yet placing rocks or hard structures on beaches is a contentious issue owing to their eroding beaches over time.
The Echo understands that their rock wall DAs do not guarantee that the world-renowned surfing beach would not erode over time.
The NSW Coastal Panel comprises Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom AM (chairperson), Dr Kate Brooks, Jane Lofthouse, Angus Gordon, Annelise Tuor, associate professor William Glamore and associate professor Ron Cox.
The Echo has previously reported that almost all of the Belongil landowners who submitted their DAs do not live at the properties and are some of Australia’s wealthiest individuals.
If you wish to make an oral submission to the court on September 17, you can notify the NSW Transitional Coastal Panel (no later than August 31) via email at [email protected] or by phone on (02) 4927 3184.
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