With 2022 flooding in Byron Shire and the North Coast at levels never seen before, the public will be asked by Council next week to comment on future housing plans without vital information included.
Council’s Housing Option Paper went on exhibition from October 9.
Mute mayor
The Echo asked Mayor Michael Lyon, ‘Why is Council asking the public to comment on future planning that has key information missing?’
He did not reply.
The Echo reported on July 26 that, ‘There is still no time frame for when the February/March 2022 flood data levels will be made public by the NSW Labor government, despite Byron Shire Council expressing its concern at how long the project is taking’.
The Echo asked the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) last week, ‘Why has this report not been released yet, and why is it not underpinning future planning, given the enormous significance of last year’s flood? When can the public expect this data to be available?’
Reports are a key priority
A DPE spokesperson replied in part, ‘The post-22 flood event analysis reports are a key priority for DPE. The reports, which cover multiple catchments, are still being finalised. These reports will improve our capacity to understand and plan for flood events in the future. DPE will share the completed reports with Council as soon as they are available’.
Council’s Housing Option Paper is based heavily on infill, plus new large release areas on the outskirts of Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads and Bangalow.
Development standards are also being considered for the entire Byron CBD, which presumably is increasing density, height and floor space.
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