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23 June 2009
Work being done at Byron Shire beach accesses
Byron Shire Council has completed immediate beach access repair work at Don Street, Border Street and Kendall Street and is continuing work at Manfred Street in BelongilBeach.
According to Byron Shire Council's director of asset management services Phil Holloway, Council is aiming to reinstate pedestrian access at the above sites over the next week and is continuing to monitor other locations within the Shire.
“Coastal experts from the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Department of Commerce and neighbouring government land owners Crown Lands and Council staff have been working non-stop to assess the damage from the recent storms and prioritise works,” Mr Holloway said.
“Work on beach accesses throughout the Shire could not commence until a full assessment was undertaken by coastal engineers.
“It is not as simple as immediately placing heavy machinery on the beach,” Mr Holloway said.
Council resolved on June 18 to note the reports on proposed beach access reinstatement works and as a result allocated funds to commence the work.
Mr Holloway went on to state that the numerous spectators of the Council works were also posing a serious concern for Council workers.
“Council currently have heavy machinery in the BelongilBeach area as we undertake interim repair works,” he said.
“With the current high tides and steep escarpments we are working in a narrowly confined area and people who chose to walk into the work areas are putting themselves at risk.
“Whilst I understand the community interest, all people are requested not to enter the work areas whilst the work is being undertaken due to safety concerns," Mr Holloway said.
Byron Shire Council also noted that its closure of beach access points still stands.
“Like the Department of Lands, we are asking for the community to be patient and not interrupt works or interfere with the beach accesses,” Mr Holloway said.
Byron Shire Council is currently completing a draft Coastal Zone Management Plan which addresses the Byron Shire coastal zone from the Tweed-Byron Shire border to the Byron-Ballina Shire in the south.
A report to Council will be presented on 2 July and will recommend that the draft Coastline Management Plan goes out on exhibition.
“We encourage the community to review the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan and provide feedback to Council,” Byron Shire’s Mayor Barham said.
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Media Contact: Donna Johnston
Media Communications Officer
Byron Shire Council
Ph: 02 6626 7320
Byron Shire is located at Australia's eastern-most point with a population of almost 29,000. It is a thriving community where residents and visitors live, work and play in a sustainable environment and where Council strives to deliver the highest standard of local government services and infrastructure.
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