A councillor perspective by Cr David Warth

The journey so far:

It’s close to nine months now since the council elections took place and the current councillors were elected. 

We all came to council with our own and some shared visions for the creation of a better future for our community. Speaking for myself I love this place and our unique community.

It would seem that the main challenge for council is to be able to align the councillors personal visions and priorities with those of our community. 

This is not always an easy task, there are many and differing opinions on what is the best way forward and considerable pressures in our everyday lives that just seem to be intensifying. Some decisions have been made that have caused much concern and council in some instances has been able to respond and move in a direction that more adequately reflects the wishes of the residents of our shire. With other significant issues the tension remains. It is my sincere desire to bring our community and council closer together. I fully understand the sense of frustration that is prevalent and I am keen to find a better way for us to engage in a more collaborative manner.

The term so far has been stalled several times with summer holidays, Cyclone Alfred, Easter holidays and the federal elections. Hopefully now we will get an unbroken run.

Mullumbimby’s water supply

The first issue that arose even during the election campaigning was around the future of Mullumbimby’s water supply. I was very concerned about this and joined with other councillors to put a two year hold on making a decision while all options were put forward. I favoured a hybrid scheme that would see the construction of a new water treatment plant at Laverty’s Gap while connecting fully to Rous Water during the construction phase. After the new water treatment plant is operational the Rous Water connection would be retained as a supplementary supply allowing for future population growth and ensuring supply in times of climatic variation. The mayor and other councillors are investigating different options and are coming together to work out the best option.

Suffolk Park traffic lights

Soon after this the issue around traffic lights at the Clifford Street intersection in Suffolk Park arose. There was major opposition to this plan which had funding and again council was responsive and is now investigating a way forward with pedestrian crossings and a roundabout. Funding options are being investigated.

This is a more complicated option and will be more expensive. It is more difficult to realise and will take time to find out what is possible.  

Mullum car park redevelopment

The proposed development at 57 Station Street Mullumbimby has been the cause of much concern. The fact that it is designated for affordable housing greatly raises the stakes. Attempts at community engagement have not gone well and there is a strong feeling within the community that its voice is being disregarded.

This unfortunately led to a petition against the development being taken to our state member Tamara Smith. Completely bypassing the council. This led to a motion in council to write to Tamara about this. I voted in favour of writing to Tamara as I felt that councillors were elected to deal with matters such as these, we are closest to our community and I am willing to take onboard the concerns around this development, 

I have my own questions about aspects of this proposal as well. 

I did not vote in favour of the development proposal. Only to re establish the process of community consultation with council that I admit has been less than effective so far on this issue.

Pay Parking

The implementation of pay parking has been contentious. The reasoning behind it is understandable. Byron Shire Council is underfunded like many other councils.

I am concerned that the rollout and financial success of paid parking in Byron Bay is being used as the yardstick for all towns in our shire.

In my opinion the character and needs of our towns are best considered individually.

I have deep concerns for the well being of the Brunswick Heads community and businesses. I feel that the town’s economy is fragile and needs to be treated accordingly. I feel that a more flexible approach would be beneficial. Bruns is not a mini Byron Bay. 

The situation with van packers in Brunswick Heads is out of control and the residents deserve a better response from council. The genuine van people with no other means of accomodation need to be considered but it appears that a large contingent of international travellers has chosen to take advantage of this beautiful beach side location with little regulation.

New land zoning RRP rural residential park proposal

Affordable, social and transitional housing is desperately needed in our shire. it has proven to be extremely difficult to provide due to the very high cost of land and real estate here. Our Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, is acutely aware of this and with other councillors is looking at all options.

In response to the housing crisis I feel there is a need to think well outside of the box. 

I am proposing a new land zoning RRP rural residential park. This would be to rezone flood free rural land outside of main centres of population to be turned into low cost rental housing pegged to a viable percentage of weekly income. Accommodation would be provided with easily transported, highly cost effective. flat packed modular homes that can be configured from two to up to six bedrooms.

These are very attractive, extremely durable and functional fully self contained homes. They are available now through a local manufacturer and can be erected in a matter of days. 

I would very happily live in one of these homes myself. The park would be landscaped and planted with local native trees. It would have its own hall for activities and meetings, a community garden and quiet places to just sit and relax. Regular transport to towns would be arranged. The houses would be rental only with no holiday letting or high season rent increases. The park would be primarily for residents who are working in the area and single mums with kids.

I have discussed this with other councillors and staff and I will be speaking about it at the National General Assembly of Local Government Canberra in June.

Land tax reform

On the subject of Council funding, I will also be advocating for state government Land Tax reform.

With very high land valuations in Byron Shire, the Land Tax payable has reached unsustainable levels. This has contributed to the very high rents in the shire and is highly inflationary. Land Tax was originally levied for the benefit of local councils.

I would like to see an adjustment of Land Tax. Along with this, a percentage of Land Tax should be apportioned directly to the General Fund of the local council where the tax was levied. Just a small percentage of Land Tax redirected in this manner would solve so many issues for local councils.

Fire ants

The threat of Fire Ants being brought into our shire is concerning on account of the ants themselves and issues around the treatment involved in their eradication.

The situation has been discussed at a meeting at the Mullumbimby RSL and the mayor and councillors will be talking with the relevant government bodies about treatment protocols. I would like to see a different treatment protocol for our area as we are on the periphery of the affected areas and well outside of the intensively treated Red Zone of SE Queensland. The immediate message is to guard against bringing possibly infested agricultural products across the border. I can assure you that prevention is way better than the consequences of the cure in this situation.  

Flood mitigation

Flood mitigation in the north of the shire has been a long and highly contentious subject. Despite millions of dollars being spent on studies there has been little progress on addressing the problem. I have been working with residents from the area to produce a report on practical ways to alleviate the impacts of flooding. The report is close to finalisation and will be openly discussed with council and staff, all members of the community, and relevant government bodies. 

Understandably there is a lot of emotion around flooding. Our shire has been badly traumatised by flooding events over the past few years and there is the fear that it could happen again at any time. This has caused a lot of anxiety and also a hesitancy to discuss options for the fear of even worse outcomes. It is a delicate but urgent situation. Open minded discussion and information sharing may be the way now to move out of the paralysis that has bound our community into inaction for decades.

Undoubtedly there will be more situations to address coming up. We are all in this together and I would like to see our community and council work more closely and respectfully to achieve the best possible outcomes. 

Cr David Warth was elected to Council as an independent at the 2024 elections.
Councillors are welcome to submit their perspectives to [email protected]