Community opinion appears to be starkly divided over the proposed relocation of the Byron Community Markets from the foreshore at Main Beach to Railway Park, which Byron councillors will vote on this Thursday.
A report from staff states that ‘there is fairly even support for and opposition to the proposal, with very strong sentiment on both sides’.
The report, based on around 300 responses, states that 49.1 per cent of respondents support the permanent relocation of the market to the centre of town, while 39 per cent oppose the move.
Just under 12 per cent of respondents said they were unsure. Staff have recommended to councillors that they vote in favour of the relocation, which they say is the only viable option.
The most vocal opposition to the move appears to come from the owners of businesses in the immediate vicinity of Railway Park, who are concerned that the partial closure of Jonson Street will impact their operations.
Returning to Butler Street Reserve has been ruled out, as contamination investigations continue, while the current beach location has been described by staff as, ‘not a sustainable option’.
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