Former Nationals Party Deputy Leader and Member for Ballina from 1988 to 2015, Don Page, has told The Echo that it is vital to hold the line on height limits in Byron Bay to ensure it doesn’t become another Gold Coast.
‘I urge Byron Shire Councillors to hold the line and not approve an extra 37.5 per cent height on the amended development application (DA) for 2 Jonson Street, Byron Bay (Quicksilver site).
‘We, as a community fought hard to bring in the NSW Coastal Policy in 1990 to protect Byron from becoming another Gold Coast,’ he told The Echo.
The 2 Jonson Street site is just one of many DAs that have been progressively attempting to push up the height limits in Byron Bay over the years with another recent application for the modification of 42–44 Lawson Street, opposite Main Beach and Dening Park, seeking a 24 per cent exceedance of Byron’s height controls.
‘The Coastal Policy was launched in Byron Bay in 1990 by the then Lands and Tourism Minister Garry West, and myself as local state member,’ said Mr Page.
Stop incremental building height increases
‘Many people have said to me over the years that Byron Bay has a great vibe. This has a lot to do with there being no real high-rise above three storeys. If we want to keep that current village feel in Byron Bay, we cannot allow incremental increases that set new precedents and will eventually lead to four storeys and beyond being permitted in the future.
‘No highrise is an important part of Byron Bay’s character and distinguishes us from the Gold Coast in a very positive way. It is an important principle to protect.
‘This is what makes Byron Bay so attractive to locals and visitors alike,’ he said.
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