Byron Shire Council is to host two ‘Community Conversation’ events related to next year’s budget and operational plan but has not mentioned the geopolitical oil crisis.
As with other local governments across the region and state, the council’s Draft Operational Plan and Budget for the 2026/27 financial year are on public exhibition with submissions from the public possible.
Tweed Shire Council last week reminded the public of the democratic right to share feedback, with general manager Troy Green making it clear the fall-out of overseas military actions is expected to render much of the council’s plans ‘aspirational’.
There is no reference to oil, let alone the chance some project plans may need adjusting, in the Byron Shire Council alert but locals are invited to raise concerns at two scheduled community feedback sessions.
Staff highlight nearly $90 million Byron projects at stake
‘Our Operational Plan and Budget are critical documents because they guide how services and infrastructure will be delivered across the Shire over the next financial year,’ Byron Shire Council Corporate and Community Services Director Esmeralda Davis says.
Staff have highlighted the following budget proposals at a combined budgeted value of around $90 million:
- $63.9 million in flood recovery works through the Essential Public Asset Restoration (EPAR) program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments;
- $11.8 million for local roads, footpaths, and drainage, including causeway replacements in Upper Wilsons Creek, and the installation of a new footpath on Lighthouse Road;
- $5.2 million for upgrades to First Sun and Suffolk Park holiday parks;
- $3.6 million for waste disposal at the Byron Resource Recovery Centre;
- $2.1 million for facilities management and improvements, with a further $870,400 for parks and open spaces.
How to check the fine print on possible council fees
The council is also seeking feedback on a review of its Statement of Revenue Policy.
The policy includes a proposed structure for general land rating as well as fees for ‘things such as hall usage, resource recovery, and business licensing and permits,’ a media release this week said.
A Long-Term Financial Plan is also on exhibition, which staff say has been reviewed and ‘looks at testing financial realities over the next ten years’.
A Community Conversation session is to be held in person at Byron Shire Council Chambers on Thursday 14 May from 5pm to 7pm.
An online session is scheduled for Tuesday 19 May from 5pm to 7pm.
More information is available via the Byron Shire Council and public submissions on budget documents are due by Sunday 31 May.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
