Plans for Byron Bay’s foreshore are on exhibition until July 31 – Council staff propose options and a ten-year vision for the much-used space, including the removal, or partial removal of the carpark around the pool and Fishheads restaurant.
A multi-storey carpark behind the pool and an upgrade of Apex Park are also proposed, along with the planned retreat (relocation) of the Beach Byron Bay cafe at Clarkes Beach.
Yet on page 19 of Council’s Byron Foreshore Landscape Concept is the disclaimer that the Coastal Management Program (CMP) is yet to be completed and could change any plans adopted by councillors.
The 47-page document says a CMP entails the ‘removal, or not, of spur groynes, landward realignment or not. This foreshore concept plan has been designed to the existing rock wall structure, but will be updated if required, once the preferred design option for coastal protection has been determined’.
The Echo asked staff ‘Why would Council be asking for public feedback around Byron Bay’s foreshore plans before the CMP is approved, given the CMP could change the foreshore plans?’
Chloe Dowsett, Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator replied, ‘Preparation of a CMP is time-consuming and does not occur in a vacuum to other Council projects and priorities’.
‘All these projects are being considered in the preparation of the CMP, while they are progressing in parallel.
Coastal protection works at Jonson St
‘Key outcomes of CMP preparation, while it progresses, are being incorporated into the Foreshore Concept Plan.
‘Of significance, is the redesign of the Jonson Street coastal protection works.
‘The modification of these works will be determined through Stage 3 CMP option evaluation, where the confirmed design concept option will be selected.
‘The interplay of the CMP and the Foreshore Concept Plan is provided in Section 3.1 [page 19]’.
Asked when the CMP is expected to be ready to be presented to councillors, Dowsett said, ‘Council has three CMPs in preparation: Open Coast, Tallow Estuary and Belongil Estuary’.
‘A CMP is a four-staged process. Stage 2 is now complete for all 3 CMPs. Stage 3 CMP preparation is set to commence soon.
‘Stage 3 is the critical stage for the development of effective management strategies and actions to address the key risks and threats.
‘Deciding on the actions to be contained in each CMP involves detailed consultation with community and agreement of stakeholders and/or agencies on actions.
‘Once Stage 3 is complete, stage 4 is the general preparation of the CMP document for ministerial certification.
‘Presentation of an actual CMP to the minister is likely at the end of 2024’.
Newcastle’s CMP was approved in 2020, making it one of the first in the state.
Ms Dowsett said, ‘There are dozens of CMPs in preparation across coastal NSW, and only a handful of them are certified’.
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. 
