Byron Council has resolved for a high growth future, dismissing the need for comprehensive assessments prior to identifying land in a strategy. The state’s bullying for an increased dwelling target has been exceeded by over 2,000 dwellings while they remain silent on their own responsibility to deliver much needed public housing.
Council has picked winners and will revise the 2020 Residential Strategy and send it to the State for endorsement, without exhibiting for further comment. A huge win for developers but not the community.
NSW planning legislation requires public exhibition of a Draft Strategy, in fact it states, it’s the only requirement under the EP&A Act.
Council statements about community engagement and open and transparent processes fall short when we are denied the right to comment.
I’ve read community group submissions on the Housing Options Paper and it appears they were ignored in favour of high growth, without consideration of impact and priority issues such as flooding, traffic, ecology and significant farmland.
I oppose the Byron Council’s lack of transparency with submissions and the processes for defining our future. It’s so important to be informed by locals who know their area, know the history, and present informed arguments. Council must exhibit the revised Draft Residential Strategy.
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. 
