Byron Shire Council says it will be working closely with the Tweed Byron Police District, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Reflections Holidays and Crown Lands this Christmas and New Year to keep public areas safe.
This the busiest time of the year for compliance teams, with agencies working across weekends and public holidays, starting early, and finishing late at night, keeping an eye on public safety, parking and illegal camping.
‘The huge increase in visitor numbers at this time of year puts enormous pressure on our towns and villages and rangers will be out and about, enforcing parking and no camping rules,’ said Byron Council’s Manager Public and Environment Services, Sarah Nagel.
‘Visitors should also know that camping in residential streets, beach carparks, national parks, nature reserves, or on Crown land, is against the law and fines will be issued,’ she said.
‘An increasing problem in our shire is dogs allowed to roam or are walked off-leash or in areas where they are not allowed and companion animal officers will be patrolling.’
Police and parks
Police are reminding visitors and residents that local parks and the Byron CBD are all alcohol free. Police will be targeting these areas to reduce alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour to keep both our community and visitors safe over the holiday period
National Parks and Wildlife Services have the following road closures in place for New Years Eve:
- Lighthouse Road to the Lighthouse.
- Black Rock Road, Tyagarah Nature Reserve.
- Tallow Beach Road.
‘Our message to people is that they need to respect our community, the people who live here and the natural environment,’ Ms Nagel said. ‘The Byron Shire is a beautiful area and we all have a role to play in making sure it stays that way; that is clean, safe and our wildlife and biodiversity are protected.’
Follow these links for more information about parking and dog off-leash areas.
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