It is more than disappointing that the proposed development at 57 Station Street, Mullumbimby, has been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel (NRPP), particularly given the considerable community opposition.
While I recognise the urgent need for affordable housing in Byron Shire, I question whether this is an appropriate location and I question if development is the remit of our already-overwhelmed Council.
The loss of much-needed town centre parking, the legitimate concerns of local businesses regarding deliveries and access, and the proposed removal of the public toilet without a clear replacement plan are all significant issues. Parking in Mullumbimby is already difficult, and these practical considerations should not be underestimated.
As a renter who has lived in the Shire for 26 years, I am well acquainted with the difficulties of finding affordable accommodation. My opposition is not to affordable housing itself, but to a development that I believe is poorly located and comes at a considerable cost to existing community amenities and to the main street businesses of our town.
Byron Council would better serve the community by concentrating on its core responsibilities, including the maintenance and improvement of our increasingly neglected infrastructure. Developing housing is not the job of Council. How much of ratepayers’ money has already been spent on this project – that would be interesting to know!
I am disappointed that Mayor Sarah Ndiaye continues to support this proposal despite substantial community opposition. Good leadership requires listening to residents, and carefully weighing the long-term consequences of planning decisions.
Affordable housing is essential, but so is sound planning that respects the needs and character of our town.
I also wish to express my support for the concerns raised by Hilary Bone in her recent letter.
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. 
