Advisory Committees

Purpose

The purpose of the Arts Advisory Committee is to:

• Provide advice and recommendations on public art including, policy, commissioning, projects, donations and Development Control Plan (DCP) initiated public art and acquisitions.
• Contribute to Council’s strategic directions and provide recommendations into arts and cultural policy and strategy in relation to the four delivery areas of the Arts and Culture Action Plan:
  • Arts and Cultural Infrastructure
  • Public Art and Creative Activation of the Public Domain
  • Enabling Arts and Cultural Activity 
  • Supporting Festivals Events and Screen Industry Activity.

• Provide expert advice and guidance to Council on matters relating to arts, cultural, and creative industries development.
• Provide feedback on relevant planning documents and support Council to meet the expectations of the Byron Shire Community. 

Membership

Councillor Representatives

• Cr Ndiaye
• Cr Swain
• Cr Dods (alternate)

Community Representatives

• Ed Horne
• Benja Roberts
• Samantha Collyer Moss
• Philip Channells
• Oriel Paterson
• Rosie Dennis - Representative from Arts Northern Rivers

Terms of Reference

View the Arts Advisory Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 233KB).

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, 26 February 2026 - 2.00pm
• Thursday, 23 April 2026 - 2.00pm
• Thursday, 27 August 2026 - 2.00pm
• Thursday, 22 October 2026 - 2.00pm

Purpose

The objective of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee is to provide professional, independent advice and assistance to Council in assessing the organisation's audit, compliance, risk and improvement performance.

The Committee assists the General Manager and Council to ensure Council maintains legal compliance and adheres to policy directions from the Office of Local Government. 

The primary functions of the Committee are to ensure that:

1. Business and governance systems and procedures have been established by the Executive Team and are effectively implemented;
2. Appropriate risks and exposures are identified and effectively managed;
3. A culture of adherence to Council policies and procedures is promoted;
4. Identify and implement performance improvement measures and functions;
5. Statutory compliance and fraud control is promoted and monitored;
6. The audit processes (both internal and external) are effective;
7. The external reporting is objective and credible;
8. Monitor and review the implementation of the strategic plan, delivery program and strategies; and 
9. Service reviews are conducted. 

Membership

• Peter Sheville - Chairperson for a four year term, commencing in November 2024
• Melissa Jacobs - Independent Member for a four year term, commencing in November 2024
• Alan Pigott - Independent Member for a three year term, commencing in November 2024
• Cr Elia Hauge - non-voting Councillor representative

Meeting Dates

• Tuesday, 17 February 2026 - 9.30am
• Wednesday, 13 May 2026 - 9.30am
• Tuesday, 11 August 2026 - 9.30am
• Tuesday, 20 October 2026 - 9.30am
• Tuesday, 17 November 2026 - 9.30am

Objectives

The purpose of the Biodiversity and Agricultural Advisory Committee is:

1. To assist Council in the development, implementation and review of relevant biodiversity plans and policies such as: Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, Integrated Pest Management Plan, Flying Fox Camp Management Plan, Coastal Koala Plan of Management, Pest Animal Management Plan.
2. To assist Council in the development, implementation and review of relevant sustainable agriculture plans and policies including the Agriculture Action Plan.
3. To provide expert and community advice on biodiversity (terrestrial and coastal) and sustainable/regenerative agriculture matters to Council including but not limited to current projects; community or collaborative opportunities; grant funding opportunities; special events; government policy; best practice or improved guidelines/guidance.

Membership

Councillors

• Cr Ndiaye
• Cr Warth
• Cr Lowe

Community Representatives

• Lindsay Murray
• Annette McKinley
• Hedley Grantham
• James Jackson
• James Barrie
• Peter Westheimer
• 1 representative from Brunswick Valley Landcare.

Terms of Reference

View the Biodiversity and Agricultural Advisory Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 236KB).

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, 26 February 2026 - 4:30pm
• Thursday, 28 May 2026 - 4:30pm
• Thursday, 27 August 2026 - 4.30pm
• Thursday, 22 October 2026 - 4.30pm

Objectives

The purpose of the Climate Change & Resource Recovery Advisory Committee is:

1. To advise Council in the development, implementation and review of relevant sustainability, resource recovery and climate change mitigation and adaptation plans, policies and projects such as:
   • Council’s Net Zero Emissions Strategy and Action Plan
   • Council’s Towards Zero Integrated Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy
   • Councils Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy  
   • Climate Change Adaptation Plan
   • Renewable energy projects
   • Local network trading and local network charges
   • Carbon reporting
   • Waste avoidance, resource recovery, circular economy and reuse programs
   • Single-use Packaging and Materials Policy
   • Other sustainability and resource recovery initiatives.
2. To support our community’s drive towards zero emissions and zero waste to landfill.
   
   
3. To identify and report opportunities or concerns regarding resource recovery, waste management, sustainability and climate change adaptation and mitigation issues to Council including, but not limited to, funding opportunities, special events, government policy, practice or guidelines. 

Membership

Councillors

• Cr Hauge
• Cr Swain 
• Cr Lowe

Community Representatives

• Bronwyn Elliott
• Madeleine Green
• Ken McLean
• Anne Stuart - Zero Emission Byron 
• 1 Plan C representative
• 1 Mullum Cares representative

Terms of Reference

View the Climate Change and Resource Recovery Advisory Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 236KB).

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, 26 March 2026 - 4.30pm CANCELLED
• Thursday, 25 June 2026 - 4.30pm
• Thursday, 24 September 2026 - 4.30pm
• Thursday, 26 November 2026 - 4.30pm

Objectives

1. The purpose of the Coast and ICOLL Advisory Committee is: To advise Council in the development, implementation of the:
   • Coastal Management Program for the Byron Shire Open Coast.
   • Coastal Management Program for the Belongil Creek estuary and catchment.
   • Coastal Management Program for the Tallow Creek estuary and catchment.
   • Other relevant coast, estuary and ICOLL projects (i.e. Bringing Back the Brunswick River/Estuary; Dune Restoration Projects).
2. To provide advice on coast, estuary and ICOLL matters to Council including but   not limited to: current projects; community or collaborative opportunities; grant funding opportunities; special events; government policy; best practice or improved guidelines/guidance.

3. To offer a platform/sounding board for discussion between stakeholders and community members and agencies on relevant matters.

Membership

Councillors

• Cr Kay 
• Cr Warth 
• Cr Hauge

Community Representatives

• Anne Leitch
• Mark Tidswell
• Lucy Jepson
• James Norton
• Representatives from relevant state agencies and organisations.

Terms of Reference

View the Coast and ICOLL Advisory Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 234KB).

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, 26 March 2026 - 11.30am - CANCELLED
• Thursday, 28 May 2026 - 11.30am
• Thursday, 24 September 2026 - 11.30am
• Thursday, 26 November 2026 - 11.30am

Purpose

The purpose of the Finance Advisory Committee is to:

• Assist in the development of draft budgets
• Consider other financial information and matters as they arise
• Consider and review Quarterly Budget Reviews prior to submission to Council for adoption
• Consider and review Council’s Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) including annual reviews of the LTFP.

Membership

Councillors

• Cr Ndiaye 
• Cr Dods 
• Cr Hauge
• Cr Warth

Terms of Reference

View the Finance Advisory Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 231KB).

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, 12 February 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 14 May 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 13 August 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 12 November 2026 - 9.00am

Objectives

The purpose of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee is to oversee and advise Council on the preparation, implementation and review of Flood Studies and Floodplain Risk Management Studies as required.

This includes overseeing and advising on any documents or processes that impact the management of ICOLL’s (Intermittently Closed and Open Lakes or Lagoons).

Membership

Councillors

• Cr Hauge
• Cr Warth 
• Cr Kay
• Cr Lyon

Community Representatives

• Matthew Lambourne
• Robert Crossley
• Duncan Dey
• Catherine Lane
• 1 Department of Planning, Industry and Environment representative
• 1 State Emergency Service representative
• 1 Cape Byron Marine Park representative
• 1 National Parks representative

Terms of Reference

View the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 232KB).

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, 26 February 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 25 June 2026 - 11.30am
• Thursday, 27 August 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 22 October 2026 - 9.00am

Purpose

The purpose of the Transport and Infrastructure Advisory Committee is to:

1. Develop and review policies and priorities for addressing the management of new and existing civil infrastructure to meet the needs and aspirations of the Shire's population in a sustainable way.
2. Review Council’s Asset Management Plan to ensure the optimum performance for its road networks and maintenance program of structures such as bridges, guardrails, and culverts.
3. Ensure the appropriate planning and development of new infrastructure and management of Council’s existing infrastructure to achieve the objectives and outcomes in Council’s 10 year works program.
4. >Review the level of service to be provided by the Council in the maintenance and renewal of assets within the available budget and resources.
5. Review Council’s Active Transport Plan actions table and priorities annually or as required to help guide the development and prioritisation of the 10 year works program.
6. Provide guidance on the implementation and effectiveness of the 'Moving Byron' Integrated Transport Strategy, offering insights and recommendations based on community feedback and emerging transport movements.
7. ">Advise on opportunities or concerns regarding the Active Transport Plan to Council as required, including but not limited to, funding opportunities, government policy, practice or guidelines, safety, accessibility, mobility, and other such relevant transport issues.

Membership

Councillors

• Cr Ndiaye 
• Cr Dods 
• Cr Hauge
• VACANT

Community Representatives

• Anthony Stante
• David Michie
• Anne Villeseche
• Bruce Clark
• Anthony Pangallo

Terms of Reference

View the Transport and Infrastructure Advisory Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 260KB).

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, 26 March 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 14 May 2026 - 11.30am (Extraordinary)
• Thursday, 25 June 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 24 September 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 26 November 2026 - 9.00am

Objectives

The functions delegated to Council in the Delegation are:

1. collaboration between agencies involved in transport management;
2. advice on street design, infrastructure, and traffic control facilities;
3. coordination of planned events and activities;
4. advice and information sharing on transport plans, policy, and management;
5. ensuring a public record of decisions relating to roads and streets.

Further information is available from the Transport for NSW website

Membership

• Director Infrastructure Services (Council representative)
• Cr Ndiaye
• Cr Dods
• Representative of NSW Police
• Representative of Transport for NSW
• Representative of Local State Member of Parliament (Tamara Smith MP)
• Representative of any public transport services impacted by traffic control work proposed by the delegate.

Terms of Reference

View the Local Transport Forum Terms of Reference(PDF, 142KB).

Staff Contact

• Director Infrastructure Services: 02 6626 7101
• Traffic and Parking Systems Officer: 02 6626 7077

Meeting Dates

• Tuesday, 3 February 2026 - 10.30am
• Tuesday, 7 April 2026 - 10.30am
• Tuesday, 2 June 2026 - 10.30am
• Tuesday, 4 August 2026 - 10.30am
• Tuesday, 6 October 2026 - 10.30am
• Tuesday, 1 December 2026 - 10.30am

Meetings will normally be held in the Conference Room, Byron Shire Council Offices, 70 Station Street, Mullumbimby.

Objectives

The purpose of the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee is to:

Advise on water and sewer strategies and policy development, including but not limited to:

• Strategic Business Plan/30 year Capital Works Plan
• Integrated Water Management Strategy
• Developer Servicing Plan
• Recycled Water Strategy
• Future Water Strategy

Membership

Councillors

• Cr Ndiaye 
• Cr Hauge 
• Cr Lyon

Community Representatives

• Duncan Dey
• Ben Fawcett
• Taisa Baars

Terms of Reference

View the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Terms of Reference(PDF, 246KB).

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, 26 February 2026 - 11.30am
• Thursday, 28 May 2026 - 9.00am
• Thursday, 27 August 2026 - 11.30am
• Thursday, 22 October 2026 - 11.30am