It is noted in the last edition of The Echo that six new dwellings with swimming pools are to be built in the flood-prone areas of West Byron.
These proposed dwellings, we are told, are also designed to mitigate any future flood risks that may occur. The developer has conformed with Council policy…we are also told.
In the same edition of The Echo, we read of huge sea swells that have damaged the Byron coast in the last week. They have impacted the coastal areas with severity, damaging walkways and such.
Members of the community have spent much time informing Council of the impacts of rising coastal waters on their properties. For example, the appearance of sinkholes. Furthermore, there exist damaged sewer pipes with ‘matter’ within these pipes floating into the sea!
An outstanding question does arise: Is the climate policy that governs BSC actually addressing the chronic tipping point features currently impacting and hastening the elevation of climate change? In other words, could the policy be suitable to encourage ongoing development capital in the region… and exclude the dangers now surrounding predicted hazards, that will dangerously impact communities in the future? Remember, such communities will not be covered by insurance.
Has the Byron community actually viewed the BSC climate change policy? Is this a Sydney-centric policy? It is noted that the Minns’ office deals with developers and lobbyists and sad to say, capital does speak loudly these days.
Dealing with tipping point features in the climate reveals. A demand for in-depth science and community inclusion.
Within less than three decades the east coast is predicted to have a three-metre rise in seal levels.
Be fully informed.
Jo Faith, Newtown
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. 
