The proposed 35.03 per cent rates increase over three years to Byron Shire ratepayers is extremely concerning.
I fully understand the need to raise money to maintain the essential services and assets of the Shire to ensure the quality of daily life of both residents and tourists.
I also feel much of the use, wear and tear of such is due to our small towns suffering from the impact of tourism here (between 1.5 to 2 million people per annum, of which half are estimated to be staying in paid accommodation).
I believe the issue of applying a ‘bed tax/accommodation tax’ rests in the hands of our state government and I cannot understand its past reluctance to embrace this fair method of maintaining tourist destinations.
A very reasonable one to five dollar per night ‘fee’ added to their accommodation accounts would be such a small amount per tourist but would bring in millions of dollars to local councils to provide services and facilities to them – whilst not penalising and expecting residents to subsidise them.
It could apply to accommodation and paid ‘adventure’ experiences . I do hope this could be seriously considered and not denied by our state government.
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. 
