The local community is evenly split regarding the future of Byron Bay’s Main Beach carpark, a wide-ranging survey and consultation process conducted by Byron Shire Council suggests.
And it seems we will have to wait until later in the year to discover which of the two main options for the popular oceanfront spot will be chosen by councillors, with ongoing delays in preparing Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP) waylaying the planning process.
The split in opinion over the future of the carpark is revealed in a staff report coming before this week’s Council meeting in relation to The Byron Bay Foreshore Concept Plan.
The concept plan, the major document setting out the future of the Byron Bay foreshore from Fishheads to the northern end of Clarkes Beach, includes the results of a community consultation process about the future of this iconic stretch.
Evenly split views
This consultation found that the views of respondents were evenly split between the two main options for the carpark, which is located directly adjacent to Main Beach.
These options are: 1) Retaining the oceanfront parking while providing open space and access improvements, or 2) Removing 80-plus car spaces from the beachfront and relocating them to a new multi-storey carpark behind the pool. In the latter option, the carpark would become an extensive oceanfront green space.
The choice between these two options has been a source of much debate within the Byron Bay community since they were first put forward last year.
While some argue that replacing the carpark with a green space will enhance both the recreational amenity and visual appeal of this prime piece of public land, others say the carpark is a cherished spot for local surfers, swimmers and travellers wanting to park in a spot with a clear view of, and immediate access to, the beach.
Council’s consultation process, which included a survey of around 800 residents, reflects the division.
Each of the two options received around 45 per cent support, while the remaining 10 per cent said they were ‘unsure’.
However, while the staff report noted these opposing views, it said a final decision on which option to choose could not be made until a related planning document, the Coastal Management Program (CMP), had been completed.
This was because the future of the carpark is dependent, in part, on what happens to the rock wall and groin which lie directly adjacent to it.
With these coastal protection structures covered by the CMP, which is yet to be completed, planning for the carpark remains on hold.
While this omission has left a gaping hole in The Byron Bay Foreshore Concept Plan, the document nevertheless contains several significant changes to the remainder of the foreshore area.
This includes new amenities and a new play space for Apex Park, additional planting throughout the foreshore reserve, a new kayak storage space, and the relocation of the beach cafe, Beach.
Beach cafe moved
The relocation of the cafe, which is being directed by the state government’s Crown Lands department, has also been somewhat controversial.
While there is support for relocating the cafe to address erosion concerns, the community has strong reservations about the proposed two-storey design of the development, and emphasises the need for designs that respect both the environment and public accessibility.
The majority of respondents to Council’s consultation process opposed adding a second storey owing to visual impact, environmental fit and precedent.
Ensuring the cafe remains accessible to the public was crucial, and that it should cater to the local community, including offering affordable food and beverage options.
The Byron Bay Foreshore Concept Plan will come up for discussion and debate at this week’s Council meeting.
More information can be found in the agenda to the meeting, located on Council’s website.
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