This Thursday (today), Byron Shire Council (BSC) will be discussing the establishment of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Byron Shire Council and Homes NSW (HNSW) as well as the potential for a Community Assessment Panel for the old Mullumbimby Hospital site.
The MoU aims to establish a ‘a non-binding framework’ with no ‘legal or financial obligations’ between BSC and HNSW to collaborate on social and affordable housing outcomes across the Byron Shire.
The MoU identifies the two priority focus areas as the former Mullumbimby Hospital site (MHS) and the renewal of existing HNSW sites in Byron Shire.
With apparent support from councillors and staff this is likely to be approved uncontested.
However, Cr Elia Hauge’s notice of motion (NoM) to establish a Community Assessment Panel for the old MHS does not have such clear staff support.
Staff had previously said that the community involvement in assessing any proposal from HNSW ‘would be subject to standard planning and assessment processes, and that the planning framework does not generally establish ongoing community governance or participatory assessment mechanism.’
However, Cr Hauge has argued that the old MHS holds a unique place in the community and a ‘Community Assessment Panel would ensure the community has a genuine seat at the table when Council evaluates what HNSW, or any other organisation, puts forward for the site.’ Cr Hauge has asked for ‘a report to the August 2026 Ordinary Meeting on the establishment of a Community Assessment Panel’.
In her notes to the meeting she states that, ‘the financial implications of this notice of motion (NoM) are minimal at this stage’.
This is disputed by staff who say that the ‘The NOM requires significant work which is not already resourced under Council’s operational plan. Council staff can prepare a report to respond to the matters identified, however this will impact existing projects and priorities.’
While staff appear reluctant to go beyond what is required statutorily in relation to community feedback and engagement on the development of the MHS, Cr Hauge points out that, ‘This motion is consistent with the Community Strategic Plan 2035 commitment to genuine community participation in decisions that shape the Shire’s future, and with the principle, embedded in the NSW Local Government Act 1993, that councils should facilitate ongoing community involvement in their activities.’
Other topics up for discussion next Thursday include: Mullumbimby hybrid water scheme, potential Council spend of $185k on Easter 2027 after Bluesfest collapse, expansion of the Sunseeker Motel, and a seven-lot subdivision in Bayshore.
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