Mullumbimby Residents Association (MRA) has ramped up its opposition to a proposal to plonk a three-storey block of units on the town’s flood-prone public carpark, located next to Ottilies Pizza, opposite the roundabout at the town’s entrance.
As previously reported, the government-led ‘affordable housing’ project would not be viable without public funds, and some units will house Council staff. All surrounding businesses have voiced their opposition, claiming it will adversely impact them.
Local NSW MP Tamara Smith (Greens) has raised her concerns, and will sponsor MRA’s parliamentary petition calling for the government to consider other locations.
This puts her at odds with the Greens mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, who is in support of the project.
Supporting affordable housing
Ms Smith told The Echo, ‘I strongly support affordable housing projects for Byron Shire and applaud Byron Shire Council’s determination to deliver genuine affordable housing. However, I share the concerns of the community around the appropriateness of Station Street in light of the 2022 floods, the proposed loss of public amenity, and the need to future proof all new housing stock.’
Greens Mayor Sarah Ndiaye told The Echo in part there is a dire need for affordable housing that is in perpetuity ‘for key workers and people on low incomes’.
Mayor Ndiaye said traffic issues ‘must be addressed before moving forward with any further development’.
Part of a broader effort
She said, ‘While there is understandable concern about the use of public land, it’s important to note that this project is part of a broader effort to address the housing crisis. The proposal aligns with Council goals and has received support from the Department of Planning, unlike some other initiatives’.
She says there will be ‘no net loss of parking in the town centre’ and ‘rail corridor land will be made available for car parking and other civic uses’.
MRA spokesperson, Dale Emerson, says that the chosen site ‘takes away 43 much-needed carpark spaces in the town’s CBD, not to mention the town’s main public toilets’.
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