STRA (Sydney-based organisation) and Airbnb say that the majority of people in Byron Shire object to the Council’s proposal to reduce the number of days for holiday letting. They also say: ‘the town should be grateful that they are making it a more upmarket destination’. For most of us, the natural beauty of Byron Shire is the drawcard, not the property investment. This place has always welcomed everyone – families of all demographics, surfers, spiritual seekers and backpackers – this is what makes Byron Shire unique and desirable. If the supporters of ASTRA get their way, we’ll become another Noosa/Gold Coast, a hollowed-out place designed only for ‘affluent’ tourists.
It’s contrary to what I hear around me. People who live here want some balance. Everyone I know is supportive – we’ve until 2 March to disprove their theory.
BE Crowle, Byron Bay
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. 
