Many members of the Byron Bay community are questioning what the future of Byron is with potential 16m to 21m high state significant housing (SSD) developments being submitted to the state government, and constant development applications for buildings that many feel are out of character for the town.
Byron Shire Council (BSC) are currently looking for new members for the Byron Bay Masterplan Guidance Group who will have the opportunity to ‘work alongside Council to guide the future form, look and feel of the Byron Bay town centre,’ say BSC.
The guidance group includes up to 25 community members and gives members an ‘opportunity to contribute to what Byron Bay looks like five, 10 and 20 years from now,’ said BSC’s Place Manager Byron Bay, Claire McGarry.
‘This group is very “hands on”, providing direct input into the design of projects happening on the ground, from the very early concept stages.
‘The group has been heavily involved in the design of Railway Park and the rail corridor, the new Byron skate park and Sandhills Wetlands, the redevelopment of the old hospital site, and the flood and drainage upgrades in the town centre.
‘The guidance group’s input is critical to shaping a town centre that can be truly celebrated as the heart of our community.
‘For councillors and staff, this group is used as a sounding board to test whether our concepts, designs and ideas accurately reflect what the community wants to see in its town,’ Ms McGarry said.
Looking ahead
Key projects for the guidance group over the next 12 months are:
• New playgrounds and amenities at the Byron foreshore
• The next stage of flood mitigation works in the town centre
• Safety upgrades including CCTV and creative lighting and art projects
• Lighthouse Rd pedestrian safety upgrades
• Street beautification, traffic calming and town entry improvement projects.
How to get involved
Expressions of interest close on Friday, 30 November 2026.
People can find out more about the Byron Masterplan Guidance Group or submit an expression of interest at: www.byron.nsw.gov.au.
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