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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Flood-prone land subdivision DA on exhibition

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The consultant to Callum Sked claims there is a one per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP), which means the land has a one in 100 likelihood of flooding in any given year. Image: Civil Engineer Plan from DA

A proposal by developer Callum Sked to subdivide flood-prone land near the Mullumbimby Showground is now on public exhibition on Council’s website until June 25.

30 Chinbible Ave, which is 12,340 m2 in size,  is bounded by the Brunswick River and houses to the north.

Seven lots are proposed, with 600m2 slated for six lots, and 8,740m2 for the other.

A DA for the dwellings would follow if approved.

As previously reported, neighbours voiced concern that the entire area was underwater in the 2022 floods. A resident told The Echo they were concerned the DA only refers to the lots at the front, not the entire development footprint.

As part of DA 10.2024.154.1, a flood evacuation plan ‘to manage risk to life’ has been provided, which suggests sheltering in neighbours’ homes.

Page 23 of The Flood Assessment reads, ‘The Mullumbimby evacuation centres may be at full capacity during a flood event. Further, evacuation routes may become cut within minutes after the beginning of a rainfall event. Therefore, for the occupants of any future buildings on proposed lots, the decision shall be taken to evacuate to the dedicated Shelter In Place…’

Despite the 2022 flood, the Flood Risk Management Report says on page 29, ‘The site is not impacted by flooding in the one per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event, and so therefore will have no impact on one per cent AEP flood behaviour. The site is impacted by larger floods’.

A community meeting is planned by residents on June 15 from 10.30am under the fig trees at the Mullum Farmers Market.

And as the DA claims ‘the site does not fall within Council’s designated Fill Exclusion Zones’, fill could be imported as part of the development, potentially impacting neighbouring homes. 

The cost to subdivide the land is estimated at $503,052.

As previously reported, Sked cause much angst for neighbours of his large combined three lot DA in Ocean Shores.

That land, which is located at the bottom of a steep, forested, boggy area is yet to be developed.



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