Byron Shire Council says small scale festivals, creative activations, early evening cultural and inclusive artistic events, better lighting, safer public spaces and transport options will be used to enliven the Byron Bay town centre. The decision to pursue other forms of cultural activation comes after Council decided not to proceed with a trial Special Entertainment Precinct.
The proposal for a trial Special Entertainment Precinct was an initiative of the NSW government, designed to boost the night-time economy in Byron Bay.
‘Council sought to develop a framework for a Special Entertainment Precinct that reflected the aspirations and concerns raised by the community as part of the engagement process,’ Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.
‘We wanted a framework that reflected the character and values of our community and this included no extension of current trading hours past midnight in the CBD, and a strong framework that included local control over noise issues.’
Inconsistent
‘The NSW government determined our planning proposal was inconsistent with the Special Entertainment Precinct guidelines,’ said Mayor Ndiaye. ‘Ultimately this meant that Council would not have the ability to shape the framework in a way that protects local amenity and Byron’s unique character, so we decided it was not appropriate to proceed.
‘Importantly, the work undertaken through this process will not be wasted,’ she said.
‘The extensive consultation provided valuable direction about what people want for Byron Shire, for example we heard they want vibrancy, but not a focus on a late-night alcohol precinct, improved wayfinding, inclusivity, investment in emergency services, and reliable and safe public transport.
‘Council entered the Special Entertainment Precinct process in good faith in that we recognised that local businesses have faced significant challenges following COVID and the floods. We were genuinely open to exploring whether participation in the trial could support economic recovery while providing work opportunities for local artists and strengthening community engagement in our town.
‘We are already seeing positive outcomes with applications for activations and events that align with community needs and values beginning to emerge.
‘We will continue exploring options for activation of the rail corridor and other initiatives in ways that align with our environmental and community values, and we will work with the State Government where we can,’ Mayor Ndiaye said.
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