Next Thursday it is time to take action and call on Byron Shire Council (BSC) to change their decision to close the main road to outbound traffic from Mullumbimby to the M1 and Brunswick Heads for four months over summer.
The Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community is calling on the community to join local businesses, who will close up shop from 2pm this coming Thursday, 9 October and head to the BSC chambers to let their elected councillors know the road closure is not acceptable. They are calling on Byron Shire Councillors to modify the works program to maintain two-way traffic during the day.
‘Council wants to close outbound traffic on Mullumbimby Road at the busiest time of the year for four months, only allowing buses and emergency vehicles access,’ explained Mullumbimby Chamber President, Paul Prior.
‘This will be a disaster for all of Mullum businesses and the community.
‘The detour will force traffic, including large trucks, through the centre of Mullumbimby then out via Coolamon Scenic Drive (Tunnel Road) and Myocum Road. These roads, that are narrow, windy, and have hairpin bends, are not designed to have this many cars and heavy vehicles on them. It is a disaster waiting to happen.’
It is predicted that the road closure will divert 8,260 cars and 640 heavy vehicles via these two routes every day that the outbound road closure is in place from 13 October through to February 2026. If Myocum Road is closed due to flooding, as often happens, the only alternatives are up Coolamon Scenic Drive towards Coorabell or north towards Ocean Shores, two routes completely unsuitable for large vehicles.
‘The safety of the town and all road users will be at risk,’ Mr Prior told The Echo.
Schools and HSC
The two diversion routes also take the heavy traffic through multiple school zones with heavy vehicles directed past Mullumbimby High School during the upcoming HSC exam period. Locals are concerned about the increased crash risk and dangers to pedestrians and students at these multiple school zones. HSC exams are on at that time, if students are late due to roadworks then they will not be able sit the exam.
Risk to local businesses
Local businesses say they are still recovering from the floods, fire, pandemic, and festival closures, and many say they do not know if they can survive the impact of this road closure during their busiest time of year.
‘Businesses are saying that the road closure will reduce visitors and locals coming to town, impacting their profitability and may lead to job losses and businesses closing. Freight and delivery costs will increase, and the impact on supply chain delays will also put strain on local business viability,’ Mr Prior explained.
‘We are asking for two-way traffic and nightworks, that the BSC consult properly with businesses, schools, emergency services, and the community on how best to move this important project forward, and that state government give an extension to the grant funding deadline so that the work is not rushed through at the expense of the community and town’s businesses.
‘This is about keeping our businesses open and our community safe. There is always time to reconsider,’ he said.
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