Works to set up and prepare for the construction of the Byron Bay Bypass will begin at Butler Street today as Byron Shire Council hands over possession of the bypass construction zone to the appointed project contractors Hazell Bros.
The bypass site, which has been the centre of debate for many years, was this morning (Monday 15 July) the meeting place for a number of passionate planet protectors who have gathered in Butler Street to stop the bypass.
The group camped at the site overnight in very cold conditions in order to be on site to halt work today. ‘We are demanding that Council hear the traditional custodians, marine biologists, councillors and scientists who have stated this bypass is not acceptable,’ said spokesperson Sherrie Yeomans. ‘It is not okay to knowingly kill vulnerable species, displace animals that will not survive, and build a road and bus terminal directly across the road from heritage listed homes.’
Yeomans says that Byron Shire Council announced a climate emergency in October 2018 and took on board the Charter of Human Rights & Responsibilities on the 28th of March this year.
‘They need to take action and stand behind their words!’, she said.
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