Byron Shire Council

Summer in Byron Shire

Byron Shire Council After Hours Emergency telephone 02 6622 7022

Coastal Storms

This summer there have been periodic severe coastal storms throughout the region. These storms have been associated with torrential rain, strong winds, large hailstones and lightning. Storms can also cause flash flooding, damage trees, buildings and power lines. Severe storms risk lives and may cause major damage to property. Residents should stay inside during a severe storm and ensure that their properties are prepared before the next storm.

In an emergency phone the State Emergency Management Service on 6684 3444 or for damage caused by flooding or storms phone 132 500.

For further information on what to do in the event of a severe storm or how to prepare your property, refer to the State Emergency Management Services web site.

High Risk Areas

Beachfront communities, particularly fronting Belongil Spit, New Brighton and South Golden Beach are especially at risk due to the potential for coastal erosion to threaten properties. This can include severe undercutting of dunes that may threaten the collapse of buildings and infrastructure. There is also the potential for the break through of dunes by seawater, and subsequent flooding. Coastal communities may be required to evacuate at short notice. For further information, refer to Council’s Emergency Action Plan.

Fire Permits

Fire permits are currently required for open burning.

Fire Permits are available from Rural Fire Service Fire Control Centres, fire permit issuing officers and NSW Fire Brigades stations.

Enquiries: 02 6684 3662

Surf Lifesaving

Life Saving services will be provided on the following beaches for the 2008-2009 summer season:

In addition, life saving services (two lifeguards) will be provided for Byron Bay Main Beach New Year's Eve 6pm - 2 am.

Beaches are only being patrolled when the red and yellow flags are displayed, indicating the safest swimming area.

All-terrain Wheelchair at Clarkes Beach

Byron Shire Council provide an all-terrain wheelchair for public use at Clarkes Beach.

Council's freewheeler Beach Chair is currently being housed at the Pacific apartments located at 62-64 Lawson Street Byron Bay.

Managers of the apartments, Sally and Michael have kindly offered to store and manage the use of the wheelchair until such time as a permanent storage shed is constructed on adjacent crown land.

Sally and Michael can be contacted by calling 02 6685 7597.

There is no charge for use of the chair, however some conditions apply to the use of the chair:

• Bookings are essential, hire of the chair must be arranged in advance via telephone;
• Chair is available seven days a week depending on weather conditions;
• Time availability is between 10am and 6pm with discretionary room for adjustment by booking management;
• Users must leave their driver's licence as a deposit;
• A 'waiver' agreement must be signed prior to use of the chair.

Animal Rescue

WIRES Rescue Hotline: 6628 1898

Snakes: 0407 965 092

Noise

Information about noise control can be found in the following documents:

• Noise Annoys
• Neighbourhood Noise