Whilst it is acknowledged that lobbyists, developers and the state executive (e.g. parliament) appear as the long-term beneficiaries of decision-making in a fragmenting democratic system, it would appear that the imperative role of local councils is to stay ahead, inform and address imperative climate change research as we address ‘the unknown’ future.
Therefore, addressing issues of cultural significance and at the same time being aware of the hazards of some future development along the east coast requires application of scientific evidence.
On 28 April 2023, the ABC announced breaking news. The rapid rise in ocean temperatures has exceeded any known record and is most alarming. This fact should signal to all Byron Councillors that developments must address the precautionary principle when abiding by state/lobbyist/ developer dictates.
We witness the ongoing development on floodplains, e.g. West Byron and the lack of evacuation plans or a designated Byron evacuation centre. We are informed that there will be more development on the Indigenous culturally sensitive coastline where the trains once ran.
First Nations peoples must be consulted when addressing such developments.
La Nĩa is predicted to enhance greatly global risks to life and effect sea rise globally. Byron Bay is not excluded. Furthermore, a radical statement is proffered; it is time to hand back sensitive land to First Nations peoples.
The recently released land at Kendall Street, close to a wetland, is an area where we could physically witness creative ‘care for Country’.
As a former Greenpeace campaigner for ocean ecology and sentient rights I learnt that the oceans are indeed the greatest force of life; interconnected to all systems that sustain life. Homo economicus is no answer to the plight ahead and the rights of future generations.
