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19 October 2009
Coastal protection works – Mayor asks who will be responsible
Byron Shire Mayor Jan Barham said she had not seen any information from the NSW state government concerning the proposed new measures to allow beach front landholders to build defences.
Mayor Barham said according to media reports, under the State’s plans beach front landholders will be required to pay for any defences, ensure that the works did not transfer the erosion from one spot to another and commit permanently to paying for sand replacement.
"We have not seen any information on how this will be implemented," she said.
She questioned how the NSW state government was going to minimise the ongoing impacts from any such works.
"Byron Shire Council has already undertaken research into the viability of sand nourishment, which is a necessity for hard engineering works, in order to maintain public access to the beach.
"In our case, the appropriate sand source sits in CapeByronMarinePark and will initially cost over $50 million to access and place on the beaches, with no guarantee of it not being washed away in the next storm event.
"If the state government approves protection works, does this mean they will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and management of environmental issues associated with the works?
"What happens when a beachfront property sells? Will the responsibility pass to the new landholder?”
She also questioned whether the NSW state government will ensure public access to the beaches.
"The beach is an intrinsic part of our lifestyle in Byron Shire. To lose a beach, to not be able to walk along the coastline, is a concern of coastal councils.
"Will the NSW state government ensure that the building of protection works will not result in the loss of beaches?"
Mayor Barham said despite having written to the NSW Premier in July this year offering information and the opportunity to meet and discuss the management of Byron Shire's coastline, she has had no response.
Byron Shire Council's draft Coastal Zone Management Plan goes on exhibition from this Thursday 22 October until 22 December 2009.
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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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