Dr Mary Gardner, Byron Bay
Whether the bypass works are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ is still a live issue. But one impasse in particular must be addressed. According to media reports, Joshua Winters at Council says that Hazell Brothers are in charge; but the contractors say the council is in charge. Nowhere is there leadership from councillors. In this hiatus mistakes will happen. The felling of the cypress pine is one early example.
What is urgently required onsite are adaptive managers and advocates for the needs and concerns of biodiversity, residents, and protectors. Where justified, they must have the power to halt and adapt works as required.
Can there be less destruction? Adaptive managers and advocates must take an inventory of important trees and plants lost and find a way to replant that species nearby.
Well ahead of any more works, adaptive managers must comb the sites searching for animal and bird life. Works must accommodate day-to-day needs of animals, rescues and of biodiversity that must be part of the site plan moving forward.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
