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Byron Shire coastline management

Byron Shire’s coastline extends from the Tweed-Byron Shire border in the Billinudgel Nature Reserve in the north, to Byron-Ballina Shire border in the south.

The coastline includes sandy beaches, rocky shores and headlands, rivers and creek entrances.  The iconic Cape Byron is a dominant feature of the coastline and is the eastern most point of mainland Australia with sweeping views to the north and south.

Coastline Management

Sunset at the Pass Source: Peter Gibney

Development has occurred to varying degrees along the coastline with substantial sections still remaining undeveloped.  The Byron Shire coastline is an integral part of the culture and lifestyle for residents and visitors, and has many social, recreational, economic and ecological values.

The foundation of the Byron Shire’s coastline management is reflected in the goals of the NSW Coastal Policy 1997:

  • to protect, rehabilitate and improve the natural environment
  • to recognise and accommodate natural processes and climate change
  • to protect and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the coastal zone
  • to protect and conserve cultural heritage
  • to promote ecologically sustainable development and use of resources
  • to provide for ecologically sustainable human settlement
  • to provide for appropriate public access and use
  • to provide information to enable effective management and
  • to provide for integrated planned and management.

These goals are to be implemented through a coastal zone management plan.

Byron Shire Council has completed various studies towards developing a coastal zone management plan in accordance with the Coastal Protection Act 1979 and the NSW Governments Coastline Management Manual.

For further information on coastline management:

Recently the Coastal Protection Act 1979 was amended and a new guideline was released for preparing coastal zone management plans - Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans.  Under this statutory regime, the Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker MP, has issued Council with a Direction to submit a draft emergency action sub plan and a draft coastal zone management plan.