During the recent floods, hard evidence was revealed. Physical observation and photos de-mystified the trope that West Byron does not flood. Evidence reveals that the West Byron proposed development area does flood!
Furthermore, there now exists a positive guarantee that it will be a very unsafe zone to develop for human habitation. The sad plight of all flood victims in Mullum is dangerously compounded by the insertion of ‘fill’. It has been noted by expert on hydrology, Duncan Dey, ‘that peak flood levels do rise when fill is introduced into a floodplain’.
It has been stated that it could ‘take a year to raise the West Byron area with fill’. This will ensure a dangerous flood zone that will cover Ewingsdale Road, hampering evacuation. This water shall then overflow into the residential/industrial area of Sunrise Beach and Northern Byron, guaranteeing dangerous flooding, further exacerbated should climate-change-induced sea level rises occur. Peril awaits the community.
It’s hard to see ahead when ‘polyspeak and $$$’ dominate all narratives, but civil society must value its voice, vision and determination to bring transparent responsibility and sense to all development. There is no real evacuation plan or safe centre for residents of West Byron! Shame, shame, shame on you Minister Roberts, (Department of NSW Planning) and Byron Council for not standing up for the community. Resist this development folks!
Perhaps if byron residents and council supported a modest, residential strategy rather than try to reject all development, then we wouldn’t be in this mess of letting large scale developments override local council decision making.
Keep saying no to everything, this is what you get.
No – one is saying ‘No to appropriate housing”. There exists a duty of care to develop addressing Public Rights and transperancy. Its in the legally ratified details addressing governance. Why spent money developing on flood planes? Or publicly denying Wetland areas to be developed flood? Or adding fill does not enhance flooding? Or make decisions aiding Development behind closed doors? Time to consider alternatives. Many First Nation Architects out there who have the knowledge of living on country in harmony with the natural eco-systems. A quantum leap in consciousness is also needed; addressing the real threats of Climate Change and how humans continue plunder Earth and contribute to same. Time to talk of Evacuation Policies and plan ahead. We are now entering the third phase of La Nina but continue to navel gaze. Big Brother laughs as we ‘whinge”. Peril awaits .. preparation makes sense.