Byron Shire Council say their Sandhills Wetlands restoration project has been shortlisted for three prestigious NSW and National awards.

They are:

• National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards
• LG Professionals – Local Government Awards
• Urban Development Institute of Australia

Christopher Soulsby, Manager Major Projects, said the restoration of the Sandhills Wetlands was one of the Council’s most important cultural, environmental and drainage projects.

“To see this impressive project shortlisted for these awards which showcase some of Australia’s most innovative, creative and socially and environmentally important initiatives, is recognition of the significance of the Wetlands restoration,” Mr Soulsby said.

The original wetlands, on a 1.8-hectare site in the heart of Byron Bay, were destroyed by sandmining in the 1960s and for many years the site was overgrown, degraded and attracted anti-social behaviour.

“The Sandhills Wetlands have enormous cultural and environmental significance, and this project was co-designed with Arakwal and supported by Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and Crown Lands,” Mr Soulsby said.

“The restoration of the Wetlands was a priority for Arakwal and was able to be developed to reduce the impact of flooding in the Byron Bay town centre.

“It delivers immense environmental benefits in the actual wetlands and beyond with improvements to quality of water flowing to Clarkes Beach and the Cape Byron Marine Park.

“For the community it links Walgun Cape Byron with the town centre and it’s just a quiet place for people to sit, learn from and enjoy,” Mr Soulsby said.

The restoration of the Sandhills Wetland was funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, the NSW Government through the Public Spaces Legacy Program and Council.