The ongoing debate over the introduction of a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in the Byron CBD is set to continue at this week’s Council meeting, with one councillor formally calling for an urgent investigation report into the impact of such a move.
The proposed entertainment precinct is intended to revitalise the town’s ailing night-time economy by allowing for extended trading hours, particularly for live music venues, and streamlining the process for hosting events.
There would also be a Precinct Management Plan to standardise sound and trading rules.
But a significant section of the community has expressed concerns in relation to the plan.
Violence and antisocial behaviour
In particular, they are worried about the risk of increased alcohol-related violence and antisocial behaviour, and the lack of infrastructure such as decent street lighting and late-night transport options to support the move.
Among those expressing concerns are health professionals and police.
At this week’s Council meeting, Green’s councillor Elia Hauge will move a motion which, if successful, would see Council staff prepare an urgent report on the SEP.
This would include clearly setting out which licensed venues would be included in the precinct, how the SEP can extend, reduce, or incentivise the extension of trading hours for these venues, and the mechanisms by which the changes made for the SEP trial can be reversed if the trial is not successful.
The report would further explore Council’s current capacity to address increased safety risks created by the precinct, and whether Council did its due diligence on the impact of the trial prior to applying for and receiving grant finding for its implementation.
Concerns over alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour
‘There are fears that Byron Bay could return to the levels of alcohol-related violence, sexual assault, and anti-social behaviour seen in the 2010-2015 period,’ Cr Hauge said in her written comments accompanying the report.
‘During this time, Byron Shire frequently led the state in statistics for these kinds of crimes, and there is collective trauma within the community in those who witnessed, or were victims of, an alcohol-fuelled party culture that dominated the town centre after dark.’
‘Strong concerns have been expressed around the available extensions to liquor licensing hours and how this could increase rates of alcohol-related violence, sexual assault, and anti-social behaviour.
Lack of funding
‘[There are also concerns about] a lack of funding to improve key safety infrastructure like lighting and transport, lack of hospital staff and police, and a strong concern that appropriate community consultation processes (e.g. establishment of a working group and pre-grant application engagement) were not followed).’
As part of her motion, Cr Hauge also called for the staff investigation report to cover the establishment of a community reference group to guide the SEP trial, including emergency services, local small business owners, creative industry representatives, local residents, and tourism industry reps.
Four phases prior to the establishment of a permanent SEP
However, in their written comments in relation to Cr Hauge’s motion, Council staff said that there were four phases prior to the establishment of a permanent SEP, and that many of Cr Hauge’s concerns were due to be addressed as part of this process.
The first stage, for example, involved early engagement with state agencies, relevant stakeholders, the community, and residents and businesses in and near the proposed precinct.
‘Community input will be central to shaping a trial precinct and will include information sessions, a position paper, FAQs, survey, pop-up events and focus groups across a 2–3-month period in August to September,’ staff said.
‘In this phase, Council will develop a draft Precinct Management Plan, conduct acoustic testing and explore planning changes to the LEP and DCP to support a trial precinct.’
The matter will come before Thurday’s Council meeting, for debate by councillors.
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