I have lived in Byron Shire most of my life and my family, my children and I highly value Tyagarah clothing-optional beach (COB).
We are disappointed NPWS are closing the beach in August after operating as a legal COB since 1998, now deemed invalid due to a jurisdictional error.
We are disappointed by the quality of public engagement on this issue. A single two-hour workshop is not ‘extensive consultation’!
We are disappointed Council has taken no steps to proactively manage a transition to a new location. Mayor Lyon and the general manager have known about the NPWS plan since May 2023 and other councillors have been aware since February 2024.
Naturism is a legitimate lifestyle choice and a proportionate amount of public space should be allocated for its expression.
Over 150 people attended a snap protest rally straight after the initial NPWS announcement back in February. And over 7,700 people have signed a petition to reverse the decision.
Clearly, there is a HUGE public demand for a legal COB in Byron Shire.
Naturists do not want to be deprived of a safe and legal place to exercise a basic freedom.
We ask Council to urgently
start the process for establishing a new COB in Byron Shire.
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. 
